Scratches on the face of the watch are quite annoying! Fortunately, most scratches can be removed with a little polish and a soft polishing cloth. First, determine what type of crystal the watch has. Then, choose a polish that matches the crystal type of your watch, and use it to scrub the scratches for a few minutes. If the scratch on the glass is too deep, or if you notice any cracks in the crystal, it's a good idea to have this part completely replaced.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Polisher
Step 1. Use toothpaste, Polywatch paste, or Brasso polish for acrylic crystals
If your watch is reasonably priced, the glass is likely made of acrylic crystal, which is sometimes referred to as plastic or hesalite. If your watch was manufactured before 1980, chances are the glass is also made of acrylic crystal. If your watch's crystal looks like plastic or is very light, it's probably acrylic.
If you use toothpaste, make sure it's not grainy, as this can scratch the watch's crystals
Step 2. Use any kind of watch crystal polish for mineral glass crystals
If you have a mid-priced watch, chances are the glass is mineral crystal. This type of watch glass is usually found in middle-class watches. This glass is crystal that has been heat and chemically treated to resist scratches, and may appear hazy. If your watch has mineral crystals, use any polish or paste that is typically used for acrylic or sapphire crystals.
Mineral crystals are more scratch resistant than acrylic crystals, and are less likely to crack or break at extreme temperatures or when hit from an angle
Step 3. Polish the sapphire crystal with 0.5 Micron Lapping Paste or 3 Micron DP3 Dia-Paste
If you have an expensive or luxury watch, chances are the glass is made of sapphire crystal. It is the most expensive of the three watch crystals, and is favored for its scratch and shatter resistance. This crystal also doesn't look hazy. You should use a polish made specifically for sapphire crystals so as not to damage or scratch the crystals.
Sapphire crystal is harder than mineral glass or acrylic crystal and tends to be more resistant to scratches and shattering than other types
Step 4. Contact the manufacturer if you are not sure what type of crystal the watch has
Knowing the type of watch crystal is not always easy. If you can't determine the type of crystal based on the price or age of the watch, try emailing or calling the watch manufacturer to find out what type of crystal your watch is using.
Watch crystals can be damaged if you use any polish without determining the suitability
Part 2 of 2: Polishing Scratches from Watch Crystals
Step 1. Protect your watch with masking tape
You can get rid of scratches and all kinds of watch crystals by manually polishing the surface. Before you start, it's a good idea to cover all the areas you want to protect with tape, especially the bezel of your watch, which is the ring at the top that surrounds the crystal of your watch.
- The masking tape will protect the watch from damage caused by the polishing process.
- While you don't need to cover the band, it's best to remove it to make the polishing process easier.
Step 2. Apply a pea-sized amount of polish to the crystal surface of the watch
It's best not to waste the polish that will be used on the watch. If you use too much, the polishing process becomes even more difficult and increases the risk of soiling other parts of the watch with polish.
Step 3. Use a polishing cloth to polish the watch crystal
After you've applied the polish or paste, use a soft washcloth to buff the crystal surface of your watch. Wipe in a circular and gentle manner. Continue rubbing the crystal until the scratch appears to disappear.
Keep the pressure light as you rub in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes
Step 4. Consider replacing the crystal if the scratch is too deep
While polishing will usually remove scratches, sometimes scratches or cracks that are too deep cannot be repaired by normal means. If polishing the crystal doesn't remove the scratch, consider replacing the watch crystal.
- Try taking your watch to a watch repair shop and asking to replace the watch crystal.
- Consider returning the watch to the manufacturer and having it replaced.
