Light scratch removal

[flipdig]

Would someone please tell me how to remove/minimize scratches from someone doing a poor job removing a case back on a Korean era Elgin military wristwatch. I do not want to remove the engraving on the back. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Valenciawatchrepair]

I believe these finishes were sand/media blasted. If you use some sort of machine method or hand sanding method, you will not be able to replicate the original finish. And, if the scratches are as deep as the engraving, you're not going to be able to remove them without also removing the engraving. Laser welder to fill in the scratches and then sand blast again is the best method.

[77T]

I’m sure the watchmaker is right about the methods above.

But I wonder if an alternative method might succeed and be a bit easier.

First step: deepen the existing engraved text. This will allow a conventional flat sanding method until the marks are removed.

Then follow up with whatever technique reproduces the original finish.

With patience you will have the engraved text visible - or still have enough engraving to go over it again.

The thickness of the caseback will dictate how much the existing text can be deepened in the first step.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Valenciawatchrepair]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’m sure the watchmaker is right about the methods above.

But I wonder if an alternative method might succeed and be a bit easier.

First step: deepen the existing engraved text. This will allow a conventional flat sanding method until the marks are removed.

Then follow up with whatever technique reproduces the original finish.

With patience you will have the engraved text visible - or still have enough engraving to go over it again.

The thickness of the caseback will dictate how much the existing text can be deepened in the first step.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

If I remember correctly, those letters are pretty deep. You may even be able to see evidence of them on the inside of the case back. I think I have a junk case that is similar. I'll try to find it. But, this would be a good method as well.