Scratched Crystal on 1601

[AS_NY]

Hey folks! Longtime forum reader (though I don't comment frequently). My dad recently got a 1601, which I think is beautiful. But he somehow scratched the crystal pretty bad.

Do you think this needs to be replaced, or is this something that can be buffed out? I haven't had to swap this on any of my own watches in the past.

[Dan S]

Yes, it can be removed if you want to put in the effort. There are various threads describing the approach. Acrylic polish may be enough if it is shallow, otherwise you will need to start with fine sandpaper, gradually move to finer grits, and finish with acrylic polish.

[Jamwill79]

I'd put money on that being retrievable with polish. Would be a good idea to mask off the Cyclops. That way you won't have to worry about distorting it, as it's best to feather in/polish a slightly larger area than just where the scratch is. Good luck.

[Dan S]

Here is one of the most challenging restorations I've done. These crystals are just not available.

[springer]

That scratch can easily be buffed out.

Try some auto headlight polish or any auto polishing compound. Personally, I prefer headlight polish. If it is still there after a hardy polish, try some 1000 grit then 1500 grit sandpaper on the scratch. After the sandpaper finishes up removing the scratch, hit it again with some headlight polish. It will be good as new - and, stay away from the date magnifier.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Agree with the above comments. Get yourself some "polywatch" and put some elbow grease into it :)

[Watcheroo]

Polywatch is the way to go. It’ll buff out if not deep.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Watcheroo

Polywatch is the way to go. It’ll buff out if not deep.

I've tried polywatch. It will take out very minor scratches.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Here is one of the most challenging restorations I've done. These crystals are just not available.

Whoa. What kind of watch is that


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Whoa. What kind of watch is that

That is a Benrus "Type I", issued to US Navy divers in the 70s. There is also a Type 2 version with a less sterile dial. There is a re-issue and some homage watches of the same style, but the originals have become harder to find in recent years. At one point, the market prices tripled almost overnight. They aren't truly rare, but examples with the key original parts are uncommon, and I think people are just holding onto them.

Apologies for the thread drift!

[TuRo]

30 mins of elbow grease plus a scratch removal paste and it would be gone imho

[crowncollection]

You can buff that out. Many threads on this process. Good luck


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[AS_NY]

This is one hell of a restoration! Bravo!

Originally Posted by Dan S

Here is one of the most challenging restorations I've done. These crystals are just not available.

[AS_NY]

Apologies for the late reply here, and thanks everyone for the recommendations! Glad to hear it may be solvable at home. The scratch doesn't look too deep, so I'll start with some Polywatch and go from there. Will keep y'all posted if it works. Fingers crossed*

[502 to Right]

Be sure to tape off the bezel so that doesn't get polished too.