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How to Fix a Watch Crystal Scratch

Fixing a scratch on a watch crystal, the clear cover over the dial, is an easy, inexpensive task. There are several different polishing materials that can do the job that are probably already in your home. Some watch crystals are tougher to fix than others. Pre-1970s watches, for example, have acrylic or plastic crystals. It's easy to buff out scratches on acrylic crystals. Most contemporary watches have mineral or sapphire glass crystals. It's difficult to remove scratches from sapphire crystals since they are highly scratch resistant. An authorized dealer of your watch should perform the task if the timepiece is under warranty.

Things You'll Need

Toothbrush
Jeweler's loupe
Toothpick
Tissue
Toothpaste
Brasso
Cerium oxide
Autosol
Polywatch
Diamond paste
Polishing cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Use a jeweler's loupe to identify all scratches on the watch crystal. You do not have to remove the watch crystal from the watch.
- 2
  Use a polishing cloth to remove dirt, grit, lint or any debris on the watch crystal. Squeeze a small amount of standard toothpaste with abrasive properties onto the watch crystal. Gently brush the toothpaste into the crystal for five minutes. Wipe clean the watch crystal. and repeat another five minutes, according to Timezone.com.
- 3
  Use the jeweler's loupe to inspect your progress. Repeat application if necessary. Apply Brasso polish once the watch crystal is wiped clean. This will polish the crystal to a clear, bright shine.
- 4
  Apply Autosol or Polywatch to the watch crystal in the same manner as toothpaste if you prefer to use a product specifically designed for watch crystals. These products will provide the same results as toothpaste. You may also apply Cerium Oxide, a glass scratch remover used specifically in the window manufacturing industry.
- 5
  Apply a small amount of 3-micron diamond paste using your finger or a Kleenex if removing scratches from a sapphire crystal. Rub the paste in for about five minutes. Remove paste with cloth. Buff the sapphire crystal with one-quarter micron buffing diamond paste for finishing.
- 6
  Use a toothpick to remove excess polish and gunk that may accumulate between the crystal and the bezel that secures the crystal in place. Gently work the toothpick around the diameter of the bezel. Wipe the bezel clean with a cloth.
- 7
  Buff the watch crystal with a polishing cloth.

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