Reviving Your Watch Face: How to Remove Scratches from Watch Glass

Scratches can rob your watch of its gleam, but they don't have to be forever. Depending on the type of glass your watch features—acrylic, mineral glass, or sapphire—you can remove or reduce these unsightly marks with a variety of home solutions. Follow these detailed guides to bring your watch's face back to life!

Understanding the Types of Watch Faces

Acrylic Crystal is the softer and more malleable of the bunch. With the right techniques, you can polish away the scratches. For mineral glass, which is harder, a gentler approach is needed. Sapphire crystals are among the hardest, resisting scratches but requiring professional attention for significant damage.

Removing Scratches from Acrylic Crystal

Materials Needed: Plastic polish or mild abrasive toothpaste, soft microfiber cloth, cotton swabs (optional)

Apply a small amount of plastic polish or toothpaste onto the scratched area. Gently rub the area in circular motions for a few minutes with a soft microfiber cloth. Clean off the excess polish or toothpaste with a clean part of the cloth. If necessary, repeat the procedure until the scratches become less noticeable.

Addressing Minus Mineral Glass

Mild polishing can still mitigate the visibility of scratches, but the process is more delicate than with acrylic glass.

Materials Needed: Polywatch or another glass polish, soft cloth

Apply a small amount of polywatch to the scratch and gently rub it in with circular motions for about 2-3 minutes. Clean off the polish with a fresh section of the cloth and inspect the results. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

Handling Sapphire Crystal Scratches

With sapphire crystal, even minor scratches might need professional assistance due to the hardness of the material. Here's a step-by-step approach for tackling those.

Materials Needed: Diamond paste (very fine grit), polishing wheel or a soft cloth

Apply a small amount of diamond paste to the scratched area. Use a polishing wheel or a soft cloth to gently buff the area, ensuring light pressure to avoid further damage. Regularly check the progress to prevent over-polishing and potential damage. Clean off any residue with a soft cloth.

Additional Tips for Best Results

Test for Compatibility: Always perform a small test on an inconspicuous area to ensure the product won't cause additional damage. Post-Check: After cleaning, re-examine your watch under different lighting conditions to ensure full efficacy. Professional Services: For deep scratches or uncertainty, consult a professional jeweler or watchmaker for precise repairs. Prevent Scratches: Regular maintenance and careful handling are key to preventing scratches from occurring in the first place.

Following these steps carefully can help preserve the beauty and value of your watch while avoiding further damage.