Even the highest quality luxury watches can develop scratches on their crystal faces over time. While some watch collectors enjoy the patina scratches created over years of use, others prefer to keep their timepieces in pristine condition for as long as possible.
Both sapphire glass and synthetic glass are used in watchmaking today, but sapphire glass is considered superior due to its scratch-resistant properties and durability. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the sapphire crystal that gets scratched in most cases - it's the anti-reflective coating (AR coating) on the outside or both sides that can show a blue or purple tint when scratched or damaged. The sapphire crystal itself is extremely durable and resistant to scratches - which is why it's often used in high-end watches. However, it's important to note that the sapphire crystal can crack if struck hard enough, so it's still important to take extra care with your timepiece and avoid heavy impact or shock exposure as much as possible. If your crystal does get damaged, fortunately, there are a few things you can do to remove scratches from your luxury watch's crystal and restore its shine and beauty.
If you have light scratches on your watch crystal, toothpaste or a paste made from baking soda can help buff out minor blemishes when applied with a soft microfiber cloth. However, these DIY methods have limitations. The abrasive particles can themselves cause additional scratches if used incorrectly, and baking soda can remove protective coatings on the crystal. Be sure to use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the crystal further. If the scratch is particularly deep or long, you may need to take professional assistance to remove the scratch completely.
For deeper scratches or the best results, take your watch to a professional watchmaker for specialized abrasive compounds and expert polishing techniques. They have specialized abrasives in varying grit sizes that can target specific scratch depths for an even polish. Professional watchmakers also have the expertise to disassemble your watch, apply the polishing compounds to a buffing cloth or lathe, and buff out the scratches in a controlled manner that minimizes potential for further damage. Plus, most watchmakers offer warranties on their services - so you can feel confident that your investment is protected in the event of any accidental damage to your watch's crystal glass face.
While DIY techniques may seem like a cheaper initial option, professional repair ensures your watch crystal is restored properly without risk of permanent damage that could affect the watch's value and longevity. The investment of professional repair now can preserve your luxury timepiece for years of enjoyment.
We would recommend to steer clear of buttons and zippers as they can cause scratches or knicks on the face of your watch. Try to keep your watch secured in a pocket or purse when not in use to avoid accidental contact. You may also want to consider wearing a watch guard to protect your timepiece from scratches and other damage.
Scratches on luxury watches is actually a divisive topic among watch collectors. It's no secret that luxury watches can be expensive - so it's natural to want to keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible. However, some watch collectors believe that scratches add character and charm to their timepieces, while others prefer to maintain perfection at all costs. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what works best for you and your collection.
One of our favorite beautiful crystal watches would be the Tissot Flamingo, a jewel in the Tissot’s collection at The Watch Store. The gorgeous sapphire crystal of the Tissot Flamingo is what truly makes it shine. The luxurious sapphire crystal elevates the entire timepiece, showcasing Tissot's high standards of Swiss craftsmanship and attention to detail. The sapphire crystal is truly the crowning jewel of the Tissot Flamingo - imbuing it with an aura of sophistication, durability and elegance that shines through year after year. So it’s important to take the utmost care of the crystal glass in pieces such as these so as not to take away from the value when it comes to things such as resale for asset pieces.
In summary, minor scratches on your watch crystal can potentially be buffed out at home using toothpaste or baking soda. However, for deeper scratches or the best, safest results, consider taking your watch to a professional watchmaker who has the expertise, specialized compounds, and proper buffing techniques to restore your luxury watch's crystal glass face to like-new condition.
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Sources:
[1] https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a83591/watch-crystal-remove-scratches/
[2] https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/how-to-avoid-scratching-your-luxury-watch-p_102439/
[3] https://gundersons.com/blogs/news/unwanted-opinion-on-scratches-on-luxury-watches
[4] https://wahawatches.com/faq-why-are-there-scratches-on-my-sapphire-crystal/
[5] https://www.cjcharles.com/blogs/cj-charles-jewelers/how-to-repair-a-scratched-watch-sapphire-crystal
[6] https://nsbwatch.com/blogs/news/how-to-remove-scratches-from-your-watch-crystal
[7] https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/blogs/watchobsession-blog/can-you-fix-scratched-watch-glass
[8] https://portahl.com/blogs/materials/everything-you-need-to-know-about-watch-crystals
[9] https://blog.esslinger.com/how-to-remove-scratches-from-glass-watch-crystals/