I recently did this on my watch with a brushed SS bracelet and it worked like magic. It looks almost new again after 20 years. Add some cleaning with soap and a toothbrush between the links and I’m gold. It works! Thanks Marc! Your videos are excellent.
Congratulations Marc on completing the half-century of the best Watch Education video series on TH-cam (or any other Media platform). Thank you again for your time, knowledge, and the content :)
Damn, I was hoping to see your method for polishing the Omega clasp. Mine has small shallow scratches I'd like to clean up, but I'm hesitant to do so, with the worry of damaging it.
I recently did this with my Seiko bracelet which has a finish similar to the speedmaster you showed. After the Scotch Brite, I used 1500-2000 grit automotive finish sandpaper and wet sanded the stainless to bring back some luster without removing the "grain" of the brushed finish.
Good morning, Marc, Thanks for another good "Watch and Learn". Just wondering if the gray Ultra Fine Scotch-Brite pad might be more forgiving for a novice to use, instead of the green? Might take a bit longer but be more controllable? I'm assuming that the green is slightly more abrasive than the gray variant. Thanks again!
Bergeon makes brush blocks in various grits that work really well. They make fine and medium grit versions. It's easier to get a straight brushed finish since it's a largish block. If possible, remove the bracelet from the watch head and then disassemble the bracelet from the clasp. It makes it easier if the bracelet / clasp is flat on a horizontal surface. If the clasp, etc., is pretty scratched up, you can start with the medium grit, then finish off with the fine. If it's just a touch-up, then just the fine block will get rid of minor scratches.
Beautiful watch. Even more attractive than any new model I could find. Just stunning, including the strap. That’s exactly the one I would chose. Plus, I’m pretty new to watches, so I wasn’t aware of this brand.
Long Island lol I thought he was being serious as well(I know nothing about cricket) but after doing some research I came across this "Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera scuffing the surface of the match ball with a piece of sandpaper, and tried to hide the evidence when informed that he’d been filmed in the act. "
Hello. After watching this, I used a wet scotch bright pad on my Omega 300 professional clasp. It worked beautifully with just light pressure. Maybe 50 passes. The deeper scratches remained, but that’s ok. I don’t think you need a dremel tool.
I use different grit sand paper, depending on how bad the scratches are. Typically start with 600 grit, if the scratches are bad enough, and work my way up to 3000 grit and then finish it up with Mothers polishing compound for a mirror finish. All done by hand, no power tools, that way I have better control and avoid deforming the surface. Works every time. Dings and Scratches that come across the edges are not going to disappear unless you completely reshape the edges, which I think is not worth it anymore since you’d be altering the original design and thus ruining the possible value of the watch. That’s why you wear a beater for every day use and a fine watch for special occasions.
Helpful video! Just wondering, were I am (in Korea), I don't have access to products as easily as if I was home. We have orange scotch brite pads here. I've tried using them to get a brushed finish on polished steel, with not much effect. Are they much different than the green ones?
Hi Marc. Is it possible that a highly polished watch bracelet could even be susceptible to scratches from something as innocuous as clothing, the surface of a recliner chair or the sheets on one's bed? I've had a Glycine Airman GMT for 7 weeks now and I'm noticing way too many scuffs and small scratches on the highly polished H-Link bracelet. Not just the underside but along the sides as well. I haven't performed any strenuous activity while wearing the watch but the appearance of the bracelet looks otherwise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
very helpful video! is this going to work on most stainless steel watches? i was stupid i scratched my oris clasp by using a fine abrasive paper, would it help to even out the scratched surface by using this method? need help
Thank-you for this! I am a new subscriber. I have known auto and motorcycle mechanics to use engine valve grinding paste on both the steel and the acrylic crystal to remove scratches.
hi, may i ask because the caseback of my seiko 5 have a single deep scratch though it's not noticeable since it is on the caseback, do you think it can be repaired? and how much do you think it will cost? just wondering if you have any idea :)
Depends on what type of crystal it is, if it's sapphire then no chance, plastic or some softer mineral glass i have heard tooth paste can remove some very fine scratches.
Curious: Does your store sell Pins and Collars for Seiko Watch bracelets? I bought a Seiko Samuri and when I had I sized they popped out the pins thinking they were friction pins. They never replaced the collars and the watch bracelet fell apart after I left. Now, I either need to buy new pins or a new bracelet. I know you deal in Seiko watches.
Marc....always love your vids and your Watch-n-Learn series. Maybe I can give something back in return. I predicted you would say Scotchbrite pads and indeed my suggestion is not that far off. But I think it is an improvement. Why? Because the Scotchrite pads I suggest you use ( and I have done) is to buy professional auto refinishing ("body shop") pads, not the green kitchen variety....and these come in various coarseness or grits, by color ( grey, red, etc). You can then match the "grit" to the level of scratches you start with....AND... (addressing your Speedmaster)...if you finish up using a finer-grit Scotch pad PLUS an incredible fine polishing compound ( Blue Magic Metal Polish cream).....I am *certain* you can bring a scratched-up high end clasp like your Speedmaster to look good AND retain some sense of "polish" along with a grain. I took a deep breath and did just such a refinish on my metal band for my Omega Seamaster 120 ( 1969 Vintage..."pre" Swatch)...and it came out nearly perfect. Caveat....try this on a less expensive watch/band first to gain some experience with the various grits and also "with" or "without" the various jewelers rouge or polishing compounds.....but you will be amazed how "good" you can get this to work. Lastly, depending upon how flat or "Square-edge" your worked-on surface is....you may want to use such pads placed on a new popsicle stick to avoid surface waviness from simple finger pressure.
See my post above....I've done this with the method I cite using automotive Scotchbrite pads either with or without additional polishing compound. Don't use power tools....do it by hand. Works out real nice.
Good tip. Can I suggest a watch and learn video on how to install and remove bracelets, especially ones with curved end links. This is the bane of my existence
Wow, that's a good question. Probably my machine shop work at my old job. They actually used scotch brite on aluminum all the time to give it a dull finish.
Me personally. As long as it is not a big noticeable scratch on the crystal, any scratches or dings on my watches I see as a badge of honor. A good polish does brighten up the watch nicely though.
I really don't see the point of removing hairline scratches. If scratches are easily removed with scotch brite they will easily return again. Trying to remove deeper scratches will remove too much material and it destroys the shape of the watch. It's best to just leave it alone and accept a few scuffs.
I recently did this on my watch with a brushed SS bracelet and it worked like magic. It looks almost new again after 20 years. Add some cleaning with soap and a toothbrush between the links and I’m gold. It works! Thanks Marc! Your videos are excellent.
Congratulations Marc on completing the half-century of the best Watch Education video series on TH-cam (or any other Media platform).
Thank you again for your time, knowledge, and the content :)
Thank you!
Damn, I was hoping to see your method for polishing the Omega clasp. Mine has small shallow scratches I'd like to clean up, but I'm hesitant to do so, with the worry of damaging it.
I recently did this with my Seiko bracelet which has a finish similar to the speedmaster you showed. After the Scotch Brite, I used 1500-2000 grit automotive finish sandpaper and wet sanded the stainless to bring back some luster without removing the "grain" of the brushed finish.
Good morning, Marc,
Thanks for another good "Watch and Learn". Just wondering if the gray Ultra Fine Scotch-Brite pad might be more forgiving for a novice to use, instead of the green? Might take a bit longer but be more controllable? I'm assuming that the green is slightly more abrasive than the gray variant.
Thanks again!
Sure, it would be, sort of like using sandpaper grits. I went with this, because, after all its a clasp that's going to be scratched again soon.
Bergeon makes brush blocks in various grits that work really well. They make fine and medium grit versions. It's easier to get a straight brushed finish since it's a largish block. If possible, remove the bracelet from the watch head and then disassemble the bracelet from the clasp. It makes it easier if the bracelet / clasp is flat on a horizontal surface. If the clasp, etc., is pretty scratched up, you can start with the medium grit, then finish off with the fine. If it's just a touch-up, then just the fine block will get rid of minor scratches.
Start with fine… then go to a horologist for a buff on the wheal after a steam detail. Surprising how much they do for free.
Thanks Marc, this worked perfectly on my Seiko! I can't believe how effective this is.
This is amazing! I just did this on like all of my metal bands, looks new!
Have you ever heard of a Pencron automatic watch ?
Amazing Hack!! This rescued me from the silliness I did with my Tissot.
Man, I LOVE that watch
Beautiful watch. Even more attractive than any new model I could find. Just stunning, including the strap. That’s exactly the one I would chose. Plus, I’m pretty new to watches, so I wasn’t aware of this brand.
Love the technical stuff - watch movements, escapement, gear trains, etc.
Thank you.
If you want to really restore your watch, the Australian cricket team has an excellent video tutorial.
Seriously?
Long Island lol I thought he was being serious as well(I know nothing about cricket) but after doing some research I came across this "Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera scuffing the surface of the match ball with a piece of sandpaper, and tried to hide the evidence when informed that he’d been filmed in the act. "
Lel good one
Link!? Please
Great video, Marc. I've had great results using 3M's Trizact "sandpaper" in 3000 grit up to 5000 grit for a higher polish.
ttfg
Hello. After watching this, I used a wet scotch bright pad on my Omega 300 professional clasp. It worked beautifully with just light pressure. Maybe 50 passes. The deeper scratches remained, but that’s ok. I don’t think you need a dremel tool.
I use different grit sand paper, depending on how bad the scratches are. Typically start with 600 grit, if the scratches are bad enough, and work my way up to 3000 grit and then finish it up with Mothers polishing compound for a mirror finish. All done by hand, no power tools, that way I have better control and avoid deforming the surface. Works every time. Dings and Scratches that come across the edges are not going to disappear unless you completely reshape the edges, which I think is not worth it anymore since you’d be altering the original design and thus ruining the possible value of the watch. That’s why you wear a beater for every day use and a fine watch for special occasions.
Always by hand, that's the key I feel. Sounds like a great system!
Yeah, always best to avoid power tools. It's so easy to overdo it. Less is more with this type of restoration.
Helpful video! Just wondering, were I am (in Korea), I don't have access to products as easily as if I was home. We have orange scotch brite pads here. I've tried using them to get a brushed finish on polished steel, with not much effect. Are they much different than the green ones?
Thanks 😊 just sharp and short 👏 👌
Hi Marc. Is it possible that a highly polished watch bracelet could even be
susceptible to scratches from something as innocuous as clothing, the
surface of a recliner chair or the sheets on one's bed? I've had a
Glycine Airman GMT for 7 weeks now and I'm noticing way too many scuffs
and small scratches on the highly polished H-Link bracelet. Not just the
underside but along the sides as well. I haven't performed any
strenuous activity while wearing the watch but the appearance of the
bracelet looks otherwise. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I used this method on my Armani beater watch and it looks brand spankin new. Thanks.
Awesome!!!
hey Marc, would you recommend doing this on the Ulysse Rose Gold watch?
very helpful video! is this going to work on most stainless steel watches? i was stupid i scratched my oris clasp by using a fine abrasive paper, would it help to even out the scratched surface by using this method? need help
Thanks Marc. I do like handy tips like this. All very practical advice that helps to keep our watches looking good.
Quick and easy, that's what I like!
Brilliant. I love the Watch & Learn series.
Thank you!
Thank-you for this! I am a new subscriber.
I have known auto and motorcycle mechanics to use engine valve grinding paste on both the steel and the acrylic crystal to remove scratches.
Cool!
Very helpful! Just bought a Seamaster Pro and excited to use this trick
fine polishing paste for knives on a paper towel also works
would you recommend this process for a titanium finished apple watch? thank you
Can you use a copper brillo pad?
hi, may i ask because the caseback of my seiko 5 have a single deep scratch though it's not noticeable since it is on the caseback, do you think it can be repaired? and how much do you think it will cost? just wondering if you have any idea :)
Can you use scotchbrite on titanium?
I use my DeWalt angle. grinder
I`m using a sandpaper. After that everything looks as new.
For polished surfaces Cape COD works flawlessly.
Yes, maybe that's a future one.
Cape COD ? what is that ?
Good outcome & looks like you haven’t taken too much away (also wouldn’t a wet scotch bright be less abrasive?)
Possibly, but I wanted to really get thru it and the oxidation (you can see color difference too)
Long Island Watch sure can & the brand name popped out again once you were finished👍
Great tip!
Would you recommend something like a Dremel power tool for something like this?
Not usually. That just takes away too much, too fast.
It's too easy to overdo it with a dremel. You'll have a tough time getting a consistent brush pattern over the entire surface.
Is there a way to remove scratches on the dial glass
Depends on what type of crystal it is, if it's sapphire then no chance, plastic or some softer mineral glass i have heard tooth paste can remove some very fine scratches.
Polywatch works well for acrylic crystals, you can buy it on amazon
Polywatch works wonders! If it's glass or harder, then you are into pastes with diamond grit.
My watch is casio edifice chronograph. The watch dial is made of mineral glass.
Long Island Watch Generic 20g 1 Micron Diamond Lapping Grinding Polishing Paste Compound is available at Amazon. Will it be suitable?
My balck belt buckle got scratched and turned white can u help
Curious: Does your store sell Pins and Collars for Seiko Watch bracelets? I bought a Seiko Samuri and when I had I sized they popped out the pins thinking they were friction pins. They never replaced the collars and the watch bracelet fell apart after I left. Now, I either need to buy new pins or a new bracelet. I know you deal in Seiko watches.
Try SeikoServiceUSA. They are usually good with stuff like that.
Great video, I’m curious in the same process with a watch finish like your speed master, what would be the difference in the process?
Some sort of polishing compound would likely be involved after you brush it.
Right; you'd need to go finer in grit, and finish with a paste.
Marc....always love your vids and your Watch-n-Learn series. Maybe I can give something back in return. I predicted you would say Scotchbrite pads and indeed my suggestion is not that far off. But I think it is an improvement. Why? Because the Scotchrite pads I suggest you use ( and I have done) is to buy professional auto refinishing ("body shop") pads, not the green kitchen variety....and these come in various coarseness or grits, by color ( grey, red, etc). You can then match the "grit" to the level of scratches you start with....AND... (addressing your Speedmaster)...if you finish up using a finer-grit Scotch pad PLUS an incredible fine polishing compound ( Blue Magic Metal Polish cream).....I am *certain* you can bring a scratched-up high end clasp like your Speedmaster to look good AND retain some sense of "polish" along with a grain. I took a deep breath and did just such a refinish on my metal band for my Omega Seamaster 120 ( 1969 Vintage..."pre" Swatch)...and it came out nearly perfect. Caveat....try this on a less expensive watch/band first to gain some experience with the various grits and also "with" or "without" the various jewelers rouge or polishing compounds.....but you will be amazed how "good" you can get this to work. Lastly, depending upon how flat or "Square-edge" your worked-on surface is....you may want to use such pads placed on a new popsicle stick to avoid surface waviness from simple finger pressure.
Much appreciated, thank you!
I did this but my band smells like metal now is that normal?
Can anything be done to take scratches out of a semi polished bracelet, like a super oyster?
Finer grit paper; you'd have to experiment unfortunately, or search around the forums and see if someone''s done it before.
See my post above....I've done this with the method I cite using automotive Scotchbrite pads either with or without additional polishing compound. Don't use power tools....do it by hand. Works out real nice.
Good tip.
Can I suggest a watch and learn video on how to install and remove bracelets, especially ones with curved end links. This is the bane of my existence
Thank you!
Does this also work for Titanium? I have a Pelagos and the clasp is pretty scratched up.
The Pelagos clasp is made out of stainless steel, so the results should be similar.
Very useful tutorial, thanks!!! Have you discussed why the Roman numeral 4 is displayed IIII, instead of IV? Just saw it on your UN watch.
Yes. It's to balance the VIII on the other side of the dial. Old clockmaker leftover.
My watch is getting scuffs anyway I can remove them
What made you first try this method? Interested to know!
Wow, that's a good question. Probably my machine shop work at my old job. They actually used scotch brite on aluminum all the time to give it a dull finish.
So simple but effective! Thanks for the reply!
Hey!
One short question:
Is the citizen automatic nh8350 with blue dial ever getting back in Stock? :)
Thank you
Hopefully.
Me personally. As long as it is not a big noticeable scratch on the crystal, any scratches or dings on my watches I see as a badge of honor. A good polish does brighten up the watch nicely though.
Light marks like that, Brasso wadding, allow a few minutes to dry, polish off and scratches gone.
Brasso! I used to sell that stuff in my dad's hardware store :)
How dare u put your watch face down on the desk?!?!?!?
Yap yap yap just get on with it.
I really don't see the point of removing hairline scratches. If scratches are easily removed with scotch brite they will easily return again. Trying to remove deeper scratches will remove too much material and it destroys the shape of the watch. It's best to just leave it alone and accept a few scuffs.
In this case I don't agree. This isn't a full polish where I'm removing case bevel. This was 4 years of wear. So it will be good for a long time.
Oh lord help me