How to Fix a Scratched Watch Face (& What Polish to Use)

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Expert tips to remove scratches from your watch face
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Finding a scratch on the surface of your watch face can be disappointing. Luckily, most scratches can be easily removed with polish and a microfiber cloth. Once you determine what type of crystal your watch contains, you can choose the appropriate polish to buff the scratches out in a matter of minutes. Keep reading for clear and easy steps on how to buff scratches out of glass , so your watch looks its best. Find additional tips from watch expert Bill Green and Rolex historian Gisbert Brunner on fixing a scratched watch, along with ways to prevent further scratches from occurring.

How to Remove Scratches from Watch Glass

  1. Use toothpaste, Polywatch paste, or Brasso polish on acrylic crystal.
  2. Use any type of watch polish on mineral glass crystal.
  3. Polish sapphire crystal with Lapping Paste or DP3 Dia-Paste.
  4. Polish the surface of the watch crystal by buffing with a microfiber cloth.
  5. Consider replacing the crystal if the scratch is too deep.
Section 1 of 4:

Choosing the Right Polish to Fix Scratches

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  1. Use toothpaste, Polywatch paste , or Brasso polish on an acrylic crystal. If your watch is inexpensive, it most likely has an acrylic crystal, sometimes referred to as plastic or Hesalite. It’s also likely your watch has an acrylic crystal if it was manufactured before the 1980s. If the watch crystal looks plastic-like or is extremely lightweight, it is probably acrylic.
    • If you use toothpaste, make sure it is not grainy, as this can scratch the watch crystal.
  2. If you have a mid-priced watch, you’re likely telling time through a mineral crystal. This type of watch glass is commonly found in mid-range watches. It’s a glass crystal that has been treated with heat or chemicals to withstand scratches, and might appear hazy. If your watch has a mineral crystal, you can use any polish or paste you would use on an acrylic or sapphire crystal.
    • Mineral crystal is more scratch-resistant than acrylic crystal and tends to crack or shatter under extreme temperatures or when hit from an angle.
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  3. Polish a sapphire crystal with 0.5 Micron Lapping Paste or 3 Micron DP3 Dia-Paste . If you own an expensive or luxury watch, chances are your watch has a sapphire crystal. This is the most expensive of the three types of watch crystal, and is preferred because of its resistance to scratches and shattering. The crystal also will not appear hazy. You need to use a polish made specifically for sapphire crystals to avoid scratches or damage to the crystal.
    • Sapphire crystals are harder than mineral glass or acrylic crystal and are more likely to withstand cracks and breakage than other types of watch glass.
  4. Figuring out the type of crystal your watch contains isn’t always straightforward. If you can’t determine the type of crystal based on price points or age, try sending an email or placing a call to the manufacturer of your watch. They should be able to help you determine what type of crystal was used in the manufacture of your watch.
    • Do not use any type of polish on a watch crystal you are unsure about, as this can cause damage.
    Gisbert Brunner, Rolex Historian

    When polishing out light scratches on the crystal of vintage Rolex watches, it's crucial to take a delicate approach. I suggest using a high quality plastic polish rather than an abrasive compound, massaging it into the glass with a soft cotton cloth. Take care to avoid pressure on the edges, and clean thoroughly afterwards to prevent new scratches from dust.

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Section 2 of 4:

How to Remove Scratches From a Watch Face

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  1. Protect your watch with painter’s tape . Before you polish a watch , you will want to all cover parts of the watch near the crystal with painter’s tape , paying particular attention to the watch bezel, which is the top ring that surrounds the watch crystal. [1]
    • Using painter’s tape will protect the rest of your watch from being damaged during the polishing process.
    • While you don’t need to cover the band or strap, you might want to remove it to make the polishing process easier.
  2. Be conservative with the amount of polish you apply to the watch crystal. Applying too much can make the polishing process more difficult, and increase the odds of gunking up the rest of your watch with the polish. [2]
    • Green agrees that most “scratches on watch glass can be removed with a bit of special polish and a soft buffing cloth, if they are plastic crystals or armored acrylic.”
  3. Use a microfiber cloth to buff the watch crystal. Once you’ve applied the polish or paste, use a soft cloth to gently buff the surface of your watch face. Use a gentle, circular motion and keep buffing the watch crystal until you see the scratch disappear. [3]
    • Keep the pressure light as you buff in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.
  4. While polishing watch glass will usually help remove scratches, sometimes a scratch or crack is too deep to repair with a simple polishing routine. If the scratches in your watch glass can’t be removed through polishing, consider replacing your watch crystal.
    • Try taking your watch to a local watch repair shop and ask them to replace the watch crystal.
    • Consider returning the watch to the manufacturer to see if they can replace the watch glass.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Prevent Scratches on Your Watch Glass

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  1. If you’re an outdoor type who loves swimming, fishing, or hiking, pick a more durable waterproof watch. If you wear suits most days and work in an office, you might prefer to choose a watch that is vintage or features a dressier style.
  2. Avoid intense physical work or hobbies while you wear the watch . If you have a dive watch that can get wet, feel free to wear it while you swim, but if you’re wearing a more delicate vintage piece, try not to wear it on rainy days or while working out. If your job involves a lot of physical work or you love playing rough sports as a pastime, make sure you protect your watch glass from scratches as needed. [4]
    • If you have a physically demanding job or hobby, try wearing what is called a “beater watch,” which is a watch that you consider expendable. This way, you can save your less durable or more expensive watches for times when you’re not doing physical labor.
  3. Invest in a watch box where you can safely store your watch(es), so they remain free from dust and debris. When you take your watch off to shower, don’t leave it in the bathroom, especially if it’s non-waterproof. The humidity from the steam can get inside the watch face and damage the movement. If you take your watch off while at the beach or while playing sports, keep it in a bag while you’re not wearing it. [5]
    • Clean your watch regularly using dish soap and water (only if the watch is waterproof). Keep non-waterproof watches clean by wiping with a soft, dry cloth or soft brush.
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Section 4 of 4:

Types of Crystal Used for Watch Faces

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  1. Plastic is the cheapest type of watch crystal and the easiest to repair when it scratches or cracks. Plastic is known to scratch easily, but can usually be buffed out with polish and a cloth. [6]
    • Hesalite is a specific brand name for a plastic watch face, most commonly used by Omega for the Speedmaster watch.
    • Acrylic and plexiglass are more general terms for plastic watch faces, although plexiglass is also known as a brand name for a type of plastic. [7]
  2. They are harder than plastic watch crystals, but are not as hard as a sapphire crystal. Mineral watch crystals are considered mid-range when it comes to cost, and can scratch, chip, or occasionally shatter. Mineral crystals that are deeply scratched are more likely to need replacing by the watch manufacturer than crystals that are plastic or sapphire. [8]
  3. They’re made by heating Aluminum Oxide and synthetic sapphire to very high temperatures. The Aluminum Oxide and synthetic sapphire are then pressed together, sliced into disks, and polished with diamond-coated saws. Sapphire watch crystals are a favorite choice of many luxury watch brands and are the most expensive. [9]
    • Most smart watches, including the Apple Watch, feature sapphire crystals for their watch face. [10]
    • Some high-end brands feature a sapphire crystal caseback, which is the back case of a watch that is usually made of metal. A sapphire caseback allows you to see the movement in the watch at work.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I open a screw-back watch?
    Bill Green
    Jewelry & Watch Expert
    Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.
    Bill Green
    Jewelry & Watch Expert
    Expert Answer
    To open a screw-back watch, consider seeking assistance from a local watchmaker to avoid potentially costly mistakes or damage to the case. If you choose to proceed, the method depends on the type of watch. For older pocket watches, like those from the 1920s, firmly hold the watch and use a piece of firm rubber or rubberized fabric placed on the case back for grip. Apply gentle pressure with your palm to turn and unscrew the back. Exercise caution to avoid cross-threading, which can cause damage. Some watches may require a wrench. If the back has cutouts around the edge, use an adjustable wrench designed for watches, such as a Jaxa wrench. Adjust the wrench to fit into the cutouts, then turn anticlockwise to release the back. Remember, opening the watch exposes it to dust and moisture, potentially compromising its integrity. In some cases, gaskets may need replacement due to compression over time. For complicated repairs, I suggest bringing the watch to a watchmaker to avoid further damage.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/watch-crystal-considerations.385611/
      2. ↑ https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/watch-crystal-considerations.385611/
      3. ↑ https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/watch-crystal-considerations.385611/
      4. ↑ https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/what-is-a-beater-anyway
      5. ↑ https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/what-is-a-beater-anyway
      6. ↑ https://www.thewatchcollectorsclub.com/blog/what-are-watch-crystals-made-of/
      7. ↑ https://www.copeplastics.com/knowledge-base/blog/is-plexiglas-the-kleenex-of-see-through-plastics/
      8. ↑ https://www.thewatchcollectorsclub.com/blog/what-are-watch-crystals-made-of/
      9. ↑ https://www.thewatchcollectorsclub.com/blog/what-are-watch-crystals-made-of/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/3rrrKEYY6Kg?si=GPUCVT_m-XDRn9Pg&t=70

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