Acrylic Crystal Mystery Scratch(s)

[pdxdatejust]

I got my 1986 16013 DJ back from the RSC about 2 weeks ago. They replaced the acrylic crystal but naturally it has already accumulated some scratches. I was able to get all but a few mystery scratches off with toothpaste and some elbow grease. I ordered some PolyWatch to get rid of the remaining scratch clusters, and they will not come out for the life of me! Ive probably spent over an hour cumulatively trying to get the buggers out. Now, these scratches are very odd. I can only see them unless I hold the watch JUST RIGHT, in the light. It's about 4 clusters of what look like hundreds of micro scratches each maybe 2mm long all between and right above the crown and the "II" on the dial. Almost look like streaks, but they are scratches for sure. These couldn't possibly be on the other side (bottom) of the crystal....could they? I took the watch to a watch maker here in Corvallis Oregon where I go to school to see if he could buff them out, but he was afraid his buffing wheel would just add more scratches. He confirmed (or at least also thinks) that they are scratches. Should I take the watch to the AD that sent the watch to the RSC for me originally, to have them buff it out? Why won't they come out with Poly Watch? I took scratches out that were 5 times worse with out any problem. Should I order a new crystal from my AD? Online? I don't think I can just ignore this.


Thank You!

[MonBK]

Sounds like it's under the crystal?

I would send it back and let them worry about it.

[dysondiver]

as its just back from service , id let them have a look ,, see what they say.

[NukeMan]

Seems to be on the inside. Take it to your AD.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by pdxdatejust

I got my 1986 16013 DJ back from the RSC about 2 weeks ago. They replaced the acrylic crystal but naturally it has already accumulated some scratches. I was able to get all but a few mystery scratches off with toothpaste and some elbow grease. I ordered some PolyWatch to get rid of the remaining scratch clusters, and they will not come out for the life of me! Ive probably spent over an hour cumulatively trying to get the buggers out. Now, these scratches are very odd. I can only see them unless I hold the watch JUST RIGHT, in the light. It's about 4 clusters of what look like hundreds of micro scratches each maybe 2mm long all between and right above the crown and the "II" on the dial. Almost look like streaks, but they are scratches for sure. These couldn't possibly be on the other side (bottom) of the crystal....could they? I took the watch to a watch maker here in Corvallis Oregon where I go to school to see if he could buff them out, but he was afraid his buffing wheel would just add more scratches. He confirmed (or at least also thinks) that they are scratches. Should I take the watch to the AD that sent the watch to the RSC for me originally, to have them buff it out? Why won't they come out with Poly Watch? I took scratches out that were 5 times worse with out any problem. Should I order a new crystal from my AD? Online? I don't think I can just ignore this.


Thank You!

Just wonder if there is not a clear plastic crystal protector still on surface of your crystal.Myself had one returned like that tried polywatch plus other only to discover it had a crystal protector still on, peeled it off bubbles and scratches were gone.

[cop414]

Sounds like it might be on the inside, ultimately the best case scenario would be what Peter said and you're polishing a protector instead of the crystal itself.

[RolexJNJ]

Originally Posted by padi56

Just wonder if there is not a clear plastic crystal protector still on surface of your crystal.Myself had one returned like that tried polywatch plus other only to discover it had a crystal protector still on, peeled it off bubbles and scratches were gone.

X2. I would really be surprised if these blemishes were present on the underside of the crystal. Also, I wouldn't recommend using toothpaste on acrylic, its a lot more abrasive than you think!

Either way, I hope this gets resolved to your satisfaction ASAP!

[Cc1966]

Saw a 1655 that had crystal imperfections seemingly within the substrate of the acrylic itself. The owner didn't mind and it was probably taken care of at the next normal service. Either way, polishing would have done no good whatsoever...

[pdxdatejust]

Originally Posted by padi56

Just wonder if there is not a clear plastic crystal protector still on surface of your crystal.Myself had one returned like that tried polywatch plus other only to discover it had a crystal protector still on, peeled it off bubbles and scratches were gone.

There is no protector on it that i can see. I guess the scratches must be on the underside of the crystal? Very puzzling considering how much my AD told me my watch would be returned looking pristine and the crystal is brand new. I will take it in to my AD (Ben Bridge) in Portland. Home of the 35 dollar battery change.

[Evil-Twin]

If the crystal is Brand new, how and why are there scratches on it already? the scratches must be at least on the surface because you said you buffed some out. An acrylic crystal is a plastic crystal. if the crystal was just replace or not, why would there be any scratches on the inside? If they replaced the crystal under service it should have a two year warranty, unless abuse has been detected. a new crystal should not have any scratches on the inside be it a mineral or a plastic crystal. The only thing that would cause an internal scratch ( actually a crack ( a stress crack ) would be an external impact, that would stress the inside face of the crystal
If that is detected, it would not be covered under warrantee.
Bill