During everyday wear, it’s inevitable for watches to acquire scratches, regardless of how ca

During everyday wear, it’s inevitable for watches to acquire scratches, regardless of how carefully they are handled. Light scratches are manageable, but what about the deeper ones that are more distressing? Can they be fixed?

There are generally two techniques for dealing with scratches on a watch case: polishing and brushing, with some cases requiring a combination of both. Dealing with extensive wear is relatively straightforward, but deep scratches pose a more significant challenge. No matter the method employed, completely eradicating such scratches is difficult.

For both the watch case and bracelet, treatment starts with addressing the specific location of the scratch. For example, on the side of the case, you might use a fine file under magnification to carefully level the deep scratch.

Subsequently, take a piece of sandpaper, fold it, and secure it with hemostats to brush in line with the original finish. For stainless steel watches, ensure not to scratch adjacent areas, which can be protected using tape. It’s crucial that all brushing follows a consistent direction, radiating outward from the dial’s center.

Both the watch case and bracelet can be rejuvenated with this approach. Repairing scratches on a watch is not overly complicated with attention to detail. However, polishing requires specific equipment, not usually accessible to the average person. For intricate repairs, sanding and brushing are followed by polishing. Cover any areas that have been repaired, using tape or metal templates, to protect them during the polishing process.