sorry the pictures are all a bit strange and apologies again for my lack of photography skills

 

Nice work, thanks for sharing!

 

Years back, I tried polishing out a scratch on a hesalite crystal. I didn’t have the the same commitment as you, and have up after half an hour. It was a relatively inexpensive watch, though at the time it was a lot to me. Maybe I’ll dig it out and give this a shot.

 

Years back, I tried polishing out a scratch on a hesalite crystal. I didn't have the the same commitment as you, and have up after half an hour. It was a relatively inexpensive watch, though at the time it was a lot to me. Maybe I'll dig it out and give this a shot.

Did you mean to say mineral crystal? I've spent probably 30 minutes total over the 20 years I've owned my Speedy polishing the hesalite. It's never once NOT looked like new after 5 minutes.

The OP's examples are one reason I don't like mineral crystals (or Hardlex, or any other trade name). To me, they are the worst of both worlds. Too hard to polish, not hard enough to avoid scratches. All my vintage Seikos with the scratched up mineral crystals always get the crystal replaced by an acrylic version. I prefer acrylic over sapphire.

 

Thanks for posting, we all know its easy on hesalite but that's a good job on the Bambino mineral crystal. I'm taking note of that product you used, Scratch Genie.

 

Good job.

Nice write up and pictures.

And I agree, if you own an older Speedy, Polywatch must be in the tool kit.

 

What's the difference in abrasion between Polywatch and Scratch Genie? I have used the former with success on light scratches.

 

Thank you so much for the encouraging words guys. I appreciate it. MrButterworth, give it another shot Polywatch is really easy to use.

Chris Stark, in regards to abrasion, Polywatch only really works well on acrylic crystals. I suppose the particles used aren't just hard enough to polish glass. I tried on the bambino but it made no difference.
Scratch Genie is a diamond polishing paste (I assume there are plenty other alternatives to this brand too) and is able to polish out the scratch on mineral glass crystal and they also claim it could polish sapphire crystals but i can't say it would as i've not attempted it. It was a lot of work to even remove it from the mineral glass but as i said may just be my skills.
I would assume Scratch Genie would be too abrasive on hesalite (it may not and may just polish quicker with less effort) but considering It was a my speedy, i didn't risk it and went with the tried and tested Polywatch.

 

excellent work. Polywatch is a godsend.

 

Btw, Polywatch works well on old Subs too, not just Speedys. Yes, Rolex did make watches without sapphire crystals!

 

Nice post. It is helpful to us guys who are not master watchmakers or even amateur watchmakers. I have one or two scratches that I am inspired to try and tackle now.

 

Thanks for the post! I actually just purchased some polywatch to get some of these small scratches out of the speedy

 

Excellent, good to know gents! I will be trying this on my Speedy as well.

 

Polywatch is a no-brainer if you're a Speedy owner. And remember, just like Brylcreem, a little dab'll do ya!

 

I’ve read that diamond paste will take the scratches out of mineral but (as you discovered) it takes lots of elbow grease.

 

IDIOT ALERT...

So being a clumsy sod I am...I have managed to bash my beloved newly polished bambino on the door handle and cause a scratch middle of the watch...This one is way bigger...
Talk about bad luck...

Will attempt to polish it out again...and report back results in a few days.

 

That's awesome!!! I might try it out for light scratches on mineral glass. Thanks for posting!!!

 

Fixed it up.

 

View attachment 13939413

Fixed it up.

Good job. Did it go faster this time?

 

Hey, I'm new to WUS and a watch 'noob'.
I have been looking for tips on this, had a Bambino 3 months and worn it a handful of times and managed to scratch the centre with three light looking scratches and one that's the more noticeable scratch. *Sigh* I'm not sure I was the cause, but that's besides the point.

Good work on removing it! This gives me hope that I could achieve the same result, instead of trying to find a replacement.

 

Nice write up thanks for sharing, i too hate scratches on thd crystals.

 

major75, thanks for your post.

This is really great information for us. |>

 

Just thought I'd add one thing for anyone looking to polish hesalite for the first time. By hand only, dont use a drill to speed up the process or it'll end badly!

 

More great info.

 

I've had my Speedy for probably 25 years. The scratches actually will work themselves out just by rubbing against clothing, especially wool. I use toothpaste on my when I'm in the mood, which is rarely. Does the same thing. Hesalite is remarkably forgiving, I actually prefer it to sapphire.

 

I use Never Dull. You just pull off a small amount and work it different directions for a few minutes. Its not too messy and you don't need to mask off the rest of the watch. Just wipe off the mild residue when you're finished. Works on mineral crystal or hesalite. Plus you can use it to polish metals. And you can reuse it and a can lasts forever.

I'm on the same can that was purchased in the late 80's.

 

You can use Brasso on watch plexi's. Works well on plastic.

 

Looks real nice, good work.

 

I've had a huge vintage watch collection, mostly WWII era field style watches.... I always enjoy cleaning up old neglected watches.

For acrylic crystals, the best method I use that works quickly and easily, and by hand only (even for really deep scratches) is to start with a 2000 or 2500 grit automotive paint grade sandpaper (I prefer 3M), followed by Meguairs 105 polish. Sounds crazy but gives great easy fast results.

First, I mask off the edges of the watch with masking tape. I tear a tiny piece of the sandpaper off (tear - never cut it, the sharp edges from cutting will create new scratches if you slip), add a tiny amount of water to keep it lubricated, and gently sand the scratch until its smooth. I go a very little at a time, until the scratches are just not visible. Then, I wipe off the residue, and with cotton cloth, I polish by hand with a small dab of Meguairs 105 polish using fairly firm pressure with a finger. Once the polish works its way off, I check and reapply once or twice more until all the dullness from sanding is gone, and the crystal looks like new. Most of the time, one polish will take care of it. One pack of sandpaper and one container of the polish will probably last a lifetime lol.

Here is a mid-40's Doxa watch I recently cleaned up and had serviced (and yes, that is the same crystal):

View attachment 14968825

Try this at your own risk obviously, but its a proven method for me. Scratches that look bad aren't really that deep most of the time. Good luck!