Making your watch look brand new and aesthetically pleasing after prolonged use is an art. Let’s explore some simple methods to polish the watch face and bring back its shine!
1 Types of Watch Crystals and Their Polishing Potential
There are three main types of crystals used for watch faces on the market, but not all of them can be polished to remove scratches.
Acrylic Crystal (Plastic)
Acrylic Crystal (Plastic)
This type of crystal is commonly used for children’s watches and inexpensive watches as the material is prone to scratching. While light scratches can be polished out, deeper scratches may require a replacement.
Mineral Crystal
Mineral crystals are relatively resistant to cracking and are less prone to scratching due to their hardness. If the scratches are not too deep, it is possible to polish the crystal and make it look brand new.
Sapphire Crystal
Sapphire Crystal
Sapphire crystals are high-end, sturdy, and offer the best scratch resistance. However, once scratched, it is challenging to polish sapphire as it may lead to cracking. The best option is to replace the crystal.
2 Simple Polishing Techniques for Your Watch
Toothpaste
Use toothpaste to polish your watch face
Toothpaste is not just for oral hygiene; it can also effectively reduce the appearance of scratches on your watch face. This method is simple. First, apply a thin layer of toothpaste around the watch face and let it dry for 2-3 minutes.
Then, gently rub the crystal with a cloth for 3-5 minutes. Finally, use a soft cloth dampened with water to wipe the crystal clean.
Rubbing Alcohol
Use rubbing alcohol to polish your watch face
Rubbing alcohol is a great cleaning agent, and low-concentration alcohol can be used to polish the watch crystal and remove scratches. Simply soak a soft cloth with alcohol and rub the crystal gently for 2-3 minutes. Then, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe the crystal clean.
Baking Soda
Use baking soda to polish your watch face
Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent, and it works wonders on watch crystals, too. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Then, follow the same steps as with toothpaste to effectively clean your watch crystal.
Car Wax
Use car wax to polish your watch face
Car wax is also effective in removing scratches from watch crystals. This type of wax is completely safe for glass and plastic, so you can use it with confidence.
Simply apply the wax with a soft cloth and rub it around the crystal for about a minute. Then, use another cloth to wipe the crystal clean.
Professional Services
Take your watch to a repair shop for professional polishing
If you’re unable to polish your watch crystal yourself, you can always take it to a repair shop or a specialized polishing service. Polishing services are relatively inexpensive, and you’ll have your watch looking brand new in no time.
Now you know five easy ways to polish your watch crystal! Good luck, and may your watches always shine bright!