Mm, challenging question indeed

 

 

Amateur

 

For the same price as paying for mulitple polishings, you could buy your own Dremel set and learn to polish your watch(es) yourself (DIY, YouTube!) - it isn't that difficult - then all your questions will be answered. So polish to your heart's content, or don't. If you have a chrome plated watch (many Timex and Fossil watches for example) with deeper than hairline scratches, one bad polishing job to make it look better can quickly reveal the brass case underneath, then your watch will look even more like garbage. Make sure you are polishing stainless steel, and just cover off or remove the parts you don't want to polish. Good luck.

And welcome to the forum with your 1st post!

 

yeah i suppose i could DIY. never took a watch for a polishing before. just thought i'd try it. and thanks for the welcome! always lurked on some forums here and there. never thought id see myself join a forum 😅 nice to see that this forum is very active though.

 

Not sure an old Casio needs polishing.

 

😂 fair enough. just thought itd be nice to see it ✨shiny✨ again

 

 

Periodically polishing is ok as long as the case lines and chamfers remain defined. We’re talking about a Casio here, not a Patek so I wouldn’t over think it.

 

A good polishing always keeps them looking fresh….just finished up my BP Fifty Fathoms LE

 

Taking corners or edges down is too much polishing.

 

Too much if you alter the shape of the case. Round the edges, add dimples etc...

 

is there like a "lifeline" of polishings i can do for a watch? like a good rule of thumb?

I think a good rule is to stop polishing as soon as you're happy with the result. If there are lots of little scratches and then a deeper gouge, I'd leave the gouge to preserve the original shape and lines - but then I am kind of adverse to polishing (except for the "polishing" that happens when you wear long sleeves).

 

i mean this is my first time taking watch to get polished and i know nothing about polishing. but later down the line if i want to get it polished again...is there like a "lifeline" of polishings i can do for a watch? like a good rule of thumb?

Hard to answer your question, because you remove a layer of metal with each polish. The amount of metal to be removed during the polish depends on how deep are the scratches and how much one needs to grind it down to get the smooth finish? You can of course say, leave the deep scratches and get it to be near new, or, you can insist to completely polish it. For dents, watch makers tend to have to add metal to the deep crevice's and then smoothen it.

For reference, I have a circa ~ 2010 Casio Edifice. Polished once back in ~ 2019 after near daily use and plenty of scratches. I got all the scratches removed and had the bezel repainted. The end links do not rattle and looks new. I think the watch will find its way to the scrap heap before the amount of metal wears off completely and starts to look awful.

 

It really depends on the finish of the surface that is being polished as they all require different tools.

• Mirror polish : these are done using felt brushes and paste. You don't lose much material in the process, it mostly moves the metal around. If you have deeper impacts and scratches though, some sanding with abrasive paper or even some milling is necessary to reach a proper smooth surface and that's when loss of material starts.
• Beatblasting/sandblasting : that's getting harsher on the metal, particularly beatblasting. When getting a watch re-polished, it's very likely it will be beatblasted since sanding machines are expensive and only serve one purpose whereas beatblasting can be done with a specific metallic "brush" that goes on the polishing machine a watchmaker's workshop already has.
• Satin finish/matte : that's where you are likely to lose mor material. These operations require sanding with abrasive paper can do the trick and cause minimal loss but in many cases you need to use abrasive mills and grinders, steel or brass brushes and bufflex grinders...

Some workshops now are equipped with laser soldering equipment in order to refill the case with steel or gold before polishing in order to maintain the case with the appropriate amount of material.

 

I'm going to start a microbrand called "Knob" and sit back and wait for a thread on polishing one's Knob.

 

Are you being a watch knob?

 

This is too much.

 

When your wrist gets sore.

 

... but there has to be an objective number of polishings because at some point it would wear down too much material right?
...

No

 

YouTube has lots of video on how to DIY.

 

You don't lose much material in the process, it mostly moves the metal around.

This sounds interesting but rather unintuitive. How does the process work exactly?

I'm going to start a microbrand called "Knob" and sit back and wait for a thread on polishing one's Knob.

All the simple pleasures that watches may provide - let me count the ways...

 

Too much polishing...?

Maybe this-

 

i know nothing about polishing

1) What degree of proficiency does this watchmaker have in buffing watch cases?

2) Is your watch case stainless steel or chromed?

3) If it's chromed I wouldn't touch it. If it's stainless steel is it brushed or polished or a combination? What about the bracelet?

4) Generally speaking they are going to use a bench grinder with varying degrees of buffing pads and pastes. This will always have an affect on the edges, even if they tape them off.

5) If you have some deep gouges, how far do you want them to go? Just remove the surface scratches and leave the deep gouges?

6) And what's the cost? Will it be worth it to you?

 

You’re right to consider the long-term effects of polishing your watch. Polishing can remove a thin layer of metal each time, and while there isn’t a strict "lifeline" for how many times you can polish a watch, it’s generally recommended to minimize it as much as possible.

A good rule of thumb is to think about polishing only when there are noticeable scratches or damage that detract from the watch’s appearance. Many collectors suggest that you can polish a watch a few times without significant concern, perhaps every 5-10 years, but it really depends on the specific watch and how much material it can afford to lose.

When you do have it polished, consider going to a reputable watchmaker who understands how to maintain the integrity of the watch. Regular maintenance can also help reduce the need for polishing by keeping your watch in good condition. It's great that you're being proactive about your watch's care!

 

An "old Casio" ???????? good luck

 

Generally, every time a watch is polished, a small amount of material is removed from the case and bracelet.