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AS_NY · 13 January 2025, 08:14 AM

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 · 13 January 2025, 08:54 AM

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 · 13 January 2025, 09:34 AM

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 · 13 January 2025, 09:50 AM

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

springer · 13 January 2025, 11:19 AM

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 · 13 January 2025, 11:52 AM

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

Watcheroo · 13 January 2025, 12:00 PM

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

springer · 13 January 2025, 02:19 PM

Quote:

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 · 13 January 2025, 03:13 PM

Quote:

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 · 13 January 2025, 10:28 PM

Quote:

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 · 14 January 2025, 02:41 AM

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

crowncollection · 14 January 2025, 10:45 PM

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

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AS_NY · 15 January 2025, 01:10 PM

This is one hell of a restoration! Bravo!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan S

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

AS_NY · 15 January 2025, 01:14 PM

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 · 15 January 2025, 01:55 PM

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

13 January 2025, 08:14 AM	#1
AS_NY "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3	Scratched Crystal on 1601 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. Attached Images

13 January 2025, 08:54 AM	#2
Dan S 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,457	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. __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

13 January 2025, 09:34 AM	#3
Jamwill79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: UK Posts: 37	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. __________________ My Instagram page:- https://www.instagram.com/dodimead_h...NyYmluZmtmdA==

13 January 2025, 09:50 AM	#4
Dan S 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 6,457	Here is one of the most challenging restorations I've done. These crystals are just not available. Attached Images __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

13 January 2025, 11:19 AM	#5
springer 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,389	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. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

13 January 2025, 11:52 AM	#6
0nly5iv3Digits "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: EARTH Watch: What is "watch"? Posts: 1,539	Agree with the above comments. Get yourself some "polywatch" and put some elbow grease into it :) __________________ “UNpolished or I’m not interested” 😎 2FA Enabled

13 January 2025, 12:00 PM	#7
Watcheroo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Posts: 3,928	Polywatch is the way to go. It’ll buff out if not deep.

14 January 2025, 02:41 AM	#11
TuRo "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Real Name: Paul Location: Cantabrigia - G.B Watch: ing the detectives Posts: 2,916	30 mins of elbow grease plus a scratch removal paste and it would be gone imho __________________ I may go out tomorrow if I can borrow a coat to wear. Oh, I'd step out in style with my sincere smile and my dancing bear. Outrageous, alarming, courageous, charming. Oh, who would think a boy and bear could be well accepted everywhere, It's just amazing how fair people can be. S.S.A.T.A.D.B - RANDY NEWMAN

14 January 2025, 10:45 PM	#12
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,228	You can buff that out. Many threads on this process. Good luck Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

15 January 2025, 01:14 PM	#14
AS_NY "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3	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*

15 January 2025, 01:55 PM	#15
502 to Right "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 335	Be sure to tape off the bezel so that doesn't get polished too.

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