How to Fix Scratches on Watch Glass: A Step-by-Step Guide

You glance at your wrist and the sunlight catches the scratch. It's deep, noticeable, and ruining the sleek look of your watch. But this isn’t the end of the road. Whether it's an heirloom piece, an expensive timepiece, or just a favorite watch, scratches on the glass are inevitable with regular wear. However, don’t rush to a professional yet; you can fix scratches on your watch glass yourself. The process depends on the type of glass—whether it's mineral glass, acrylic, or sapphire crystal. Here's a comprehensive guide to restoring your watch's pristine appearance.

Types of Watch Glass:

Before diving into the repair process, it's crucial to identify the type of glass on your watch. Each type requires different techniques and materials for scratch removal. Watch glasses are typically made from acrylic, mineral glass, or sapphire crystal.

• Acrylic (Plexiglass): The softest and most affordable option, usually found on lower-end or vintage watches. It's prone to scratching but easy to polish.
• Mineral Glass: A step up from acrylic, harder but still vulnerable to scratches.
• Sapphire Crystal: The hardest and most scratch-resistant. It’s often found on luxury watches but also the hardest to repair if scratched.

Step 1: Gather Materials

The materials required to fix scratches vary based on the type of watch glass. Here's a list to get started:

• For Acrylic (Plexiglass):

  • Polywatch Scratch Remover or toothpaste (non-gel, non-whitening).
  • Soft microfiber cloth.
  • Masking tape to protect the watch's bezel.

• For Mineral Glass:

  • Cerium oxide or jeweler’s rouge.
  • Electric polishing tool (optional but recommended for deep scratches).
  • Microfiber cloth.

• For Sapphire Crystal:

  • Diamond paste (with a grit size of about 3-5 microns).
  • Polishing cloth or buffing wheel.

Step 2: Polishing Acrylic (Plexiglass)

Acrylic is the most forgiving type of watch glass when it comes to scratches. If you have an acrylic watch crystal, you're in luck. Here's how to tackle those annoying scratches:

1. Clean the Watch Glass: First, use a soft microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris from the watch surface. Avoid using water or chemicals at this stage.
2. Apply Polywatch or Toothpaste: Squeeze a small amount of Polywatch (or toothpaste) onto the scratched area.
3. Buff in Circular Motions: Use a clean microfiber cloth to rub the product in a circular motion. Be consistent with your pressure—gentle but firm. This step can take several minutes depending on the depth of the scratch.
4. Wipe Clean: After polishing for a few minutes, wipe away the excess product with a clean section of the cloth. Inspect the scratch. If it’s still there, repeat the process. Deeper scratches may need multiple rounds of buffing.

Step 3: Polishing Mineral Glass

Mineral glass is tougher than acrylic but can still accumulate scratches. Repairing scratches on this type of glass is a bit more challenging but doable with the right materials:

1. Prepare the Glass Surface: As with acrylic, start by cleaning the watch face thoroughly to ensure there's no dirt or dust.
2. Use Cerium Oxide or Jeweler’s Rouge: These are professional polishing compounds used for glass. Apply a small amount onto the watch glass.
3. Polish with Microfiber Cloth or Electric Tool: You can manually polish the scratch using a soft cloth, but for deeper scratches, an electric polishing tool will speed up the process. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the glass further.
4. Check Progress: Wipe the glass clean and inspect the scratch. Repeat the process if necessary.

Step 4: Polishing Sapphire Crystal

Sapphire crystal is the hardest and most scratch-resistant material but also the most difficult to polish. Deep scratches often require professional intervention, but if the scratch is minor, you can try the following method:

1. Clean the Watch: As always, start with a clean surface to prevent further damage.
2. Use Diamond Paste: Sapphire crystal requires diamond paste due to its hardness. Apply a small amount of 3-5 micron diamond paste to the scratch.
3. Buff the Surface: Using a microfiber cloth or buffing wheel, polish the area in circular motions. Sapphire is tough, so this process may take longer compared to acrylic or mineral glass.
4. Wipe and Inspect: Clean off the diamond paste and check the scratch. Minor scratches may be diminished or completely gone, but deeper scratches may not fully disappear.

Step 5: Preventing Future Scratches

After you've restored your watch glass, you'll likely want to avoid going through the process again. Here are a few ways to protect your watch glass:

• Use a Screen Protector: Just like phones, watches can benefit from a thin, clear film to protect the glass from scratches.
• Avoid Rough Surfaces: Be mindful of placing your watch face down on hard surfaces like concrete or wood.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your watch glass clean and polished with appropriate materials to avoid small scratches becoming worse over time.

When to Seek Professional Help

While these DIY methods can be highly effective for minor to moderate scratches, some scratches may be too deep or on highly valuable watches where you don't want to risk further damage. In these cases, it’s best to consult a professional watchmaker. They have specialized tools and the expertise to replace or fully polish the glass without damaging the watch's internal mechanisms.

Conclusion

Fixing scratches on your watch glass doesn't always require a trip to the jeweler. With the right materials and techniques, you can restore your watch to its former glory right at home. Whether you’re dealing with acrylic, mineral, or sapphire crystal, a little patience and the correct approach can go a long way in keeping your watch looking brand new. That said, knowing when to attempt repairs yourself and when to seek professional help is just as important.

In the end, the most critical part is ensuring that you properly identify the type of glass on your watch before proceeding. Scratches on watch glass are inevitable, but with the knowledge and tools at your disposal, they're far from permanent. Whether you use toothpaste for a quick fix or invest in diamond paste for your luxury watch, the key is to approach the repair with care and precision.