Products for removing scratches

[PeterT]

Hi,
I am keen to keep my watches looking good and so have invested in a bit of kit to touch up the satin on bracelets and polish up the shiney bits as required.
Recently, I bought a new GMT II red/black where one of the links arrived with scratches on the shiny sides. My AD ordered a replacement link and so I had the scratched link to play around with.
My basic tool was a cotton bud which I could use to apply various materials.
First out of my cleaning kit was a cape cod cloth that I wrapped around of the cotton bud.
The scratches started to fade but it did seem to leave some faint marks too of it's own.
Next I tried some Simichrome on a lens cloth that was wrapped around the cotton bud. This proceeded to remove the scratches but did not leave marks of its own.
To protect the satin finish to the top and bottom of the link I wrapped it in electrical insulating tape just exposing the sides.
Some time later the scratches had disappeared to the naked eye leaving a totally shiny finish.
So my suggestion is to give Simichrome a try if you have a scratch to sort out on your shiny watch parts.
I suspect nothing will be as good as the full Rolex treatment but this will get you up and running again!!

Cheers, PeterT

[f16570]

Leave as is, you may rub a bit to hard and end up worse off than when you started.
They are character marks, just like wrinkles.

[Tools]

Simichrome is great stuff.

If you use it on your watch, ensure you remove all residue completely though as it will continue to polish/abrade things if it gets in the moving parts.........

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by f16570

Leave as is, you may rub a bit to hard and end up worse off than when you started.
They are character marks, just like wrinkles.

I'm with Fraser on this one. Personally, I suggest leaving the scratches alone and have RSC remove them professionally.

Still, thanks for the heads up, Peter!

[Perdu]

Thanks for the info. Helpful.

[AJF]

I would just use soap and water and a soft brush. Followed by a clean with a soft dry towel.

You will be amazed when it comes back from the RSA. Virtually a new watch, worth every penny of the cost.

AJF.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by f16570

Leave as is, you may rub a bit to hard and end up worse off than when you started.
They are character marks, just like wrinkles.

Another that completly agree's with this. Some who have built up the confidence and skill do it themselvs between services but i'm the type who does not care and will just wait and let them handle it. The Soft toothbrush with warm soapy water (liquid hand soap or dish soap diluted) works wonders to keep it clean.

[PeterT]

Hi,
Thanks for your input. I was just trying to let you know that Simichrome comes up with the goods if you ever need to sort out your scratches and is possibly better than Cape Cod.

PeterT

[DoxaDavid]

One of the best jewelery polish out there is Wenol. Been around forever. Use a soft cloth and tape off the brushed pieces. Makes the polished bits on a watch look like new. Works great for SS or precious metal.

Cheers

[fear]

Hey everyone. How does Flitz compare to Simichrome, Wenol and Cape Cod. Flitz is also a paste and is abrasive. I've used it to polish knives, guns and my Seiko Diver. Although it polishes it leaves micro scratches too. Do the other polish leave tiny scratches?

[sheldonsmith]

I have some methods posted at http://www.minus4plus6.com/maintenance.htm

-Sheldon

[PeterT]

Thanks for your guide Sheldon, especially the part about removing the bracelet.

PeterT

[Baptistman]

Thanks for the headsup guys

[DoxaDavid]

I don't believe Wenol leaves any scratches. At least none that can be seen with the naked eye..