Hesalite scratch removal -- really bad

[LandLawMan]

I'm either (1) SUPER hard on watch crystals, or (2) this Hesalite scratches awfully easily. With more than a dozen daily wearers, and with most of my "watch time" spend in an office, I'm very surprised at how bad this crystal looks. I know the pics make it look really bad due to the angle of the light. But please believe me: It looks that bad at pretty-much any angle.

If I replace it with a new Hesalite, it'll only end up looking this bad again in a year.

So, which should I do? -- give it to my omega boutique for a Sapphire replacement (if there is such a thing)? Or just keep it, & continuously use some kind of home remedy?

THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE!

[TimeToGo]

Have you tried polishing yourself, with like Polywatch - Great for acrylic crystals..

[LandLawMan]

Another pic of the Hesalite

[SearChart]

Polish it with polywatch, toothpaste or a polishing machine if you happen to have one.

I use polywatch on my acrylic watch crystals, just put a bit on an old (clean!) cotton rag or T-shirt and make round motions until you have the result you want.
Then use a damp cloth to wipe the remaining stuff off.

[LandLawMan]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Polish it with polywatch, toothpaste or a polishing machine if you happen to have one.

I use polywatch on my acrylic watch crystals, just put a bit on an old (clean!) cotton rag or T-shirt and make round motions until you have the result you want.
Then use a damp cloth to wipe the remaining stuff off.

Thank you.

So, you opine that it's better to keep using the polishing technique, and to NOT replace it with a sapphire crystal? Or is that even possible?

[droptopman]

Keep the plexi. Dome plexis rule. Polywatch with a dremel and soft wheel at low speed works great for polishing up plexi.

[LandLawMan]

I keep reading that plexi owners say "it's not that bad", or "the scratching isn't a problem."

Does your Hesalite look as bad as mine? I wear mine ONCE a month (maybe less), and I've had it four years.

[the_Hunter]

Do you use it as a hammer? I have had my speedy for almost as long as you. I have only had to polish it once, and it looks perfect.

[Rolex Rolex]

r u sure it an original plexi ?

[DCheeta]

I polish my Speedmaster hesalite crystal about twice a year. Sometimes I like the beat-up look and just let it go.

But if it really troubles you, trade it for a sapphire sandwich.

[imperio]

Wow you just convinced me not to get a speedy with a hesalite. I was contemplating between a sapphire and hesalite. Halo I can live with - scratches like these def a no go!


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[MP5]

Originally Posted by LandLawMan

I keep reading that plexi owners say "it's not that bad", or "the scratching isn't a problem."

Does your Hesalite look as bad as mine? I wear mine ONCE a month (maybe less), and I've had it four years.

No, Have no idea how you do that I wear mine for wrenching, ranching, working and never pay one thought to the crystal and mine is 20X less than that after 2 YEARS! I poly watched it when I got it used though it barely needed it maybe that creates a barrier or something.

[LandLawMan]

Originally Posted by Rolex Rolex

r u sure it an original plexi ?

Bought it brand new from an Omega AD.

I occasionally bump my watches against something or another during normal office wear, or as a consequence of your typical suburban sojourn.

This is my only plastic crystal watch, so maybe I take durability for granted. But I have to wonder HOW CAN IT BE that others who really wear their moon watch all day, don't have a crystal that looks like mine.

[climbwithahelmet]

This is why I opted for sapphire. Hesalite did look "warmer" side by side, but I would hate having to constantly buff out scratches. Not worth it.

[LandLawMan]

Just ordered some polywatch. The YouTube videos make the application of it look easy, and the results of it look terrific. I'll try it, then show pics here.

Thanks to all who replied.

[Runfar]

I tried everything as well in the end- keep the hexi but replace with a "modern" crystal is my vote

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by LandLawMan

Thank you.

So, you opine that it's better to keep using the polishing technique, and to NOT replace it with a sapphire crystal? Or is that even possible?

Don't know if it's possible as the case could be slightly different on the sapphire vs hesalite. But even if it would be possible I would never switch hesalite to sapphire, it takes away the vintage feel from the watch.

[PVR]

Hesalite is nothing more than plastic. I think Otto Frei sells genuine replacement ones for about $50 but, it could be more Im not sure. You can buff it our on a special crystal buffing pad, use polywatch or just replace it. They aren't that expensive..

[Sub13]

"...Or is that even possible?"

I've read that it is not possible. There are differences in the case the prevent swapping the Hesalite and sapphire crystals.

[theprocess]

Polywatch. Simichrome works great also.

[GTS Dean]

Automotive rubbing compound and your thumb. If they are really tough, turn the watch face-down on newspaper with rubbing compound.

[NYCREBROKER]

I've had mine for eight months, wear it often, and there is no scratching. Not sure what you could be bumping against with yours.

[xjeeunitx]

The conversion is not possible. The cases between the hesalite and sapphire models are different.; hence, the gaskets are different.

[postman10mm]

Post photos after you polish with the Polywatch, I think you will be pleasantly surprised and forget all about trading in for sapphire.

[LandLawMan]

Originally Posted by imperio

Wow you just convinced me not to get a speedy with a hesalite. I was contemplating between a sapphire and hesalite. Halo I can live with - scratches like these def a no go!


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Update: I brought my Hesalite Speedy to a different AD than that from which I purchased. But I had my receipts, original boxes, etc (I don't know whether an absence of same would've lead to different results. I'm just reporting what I did).

They said that they would remove the scratches for free (not even shipping charges!), and that it would only take a few days.

They also said that a Hesalite crystal was designed to be polished SIX TIMES before it needs to be replaced. So, Imperio, my AD says about 30 years of normal wear before any major cosmetic surgery needed on a Moon Watch. In other words, don't let my scratches deter you.

I'll post pics as soon as I get it back.

[jinikari01]

any update?

[LandLawMan]

Got the moon watch back. Looks great! It isn't out-of-the-box perfect, but the AD didn't charge me, and even gave me this cool case.

What do you think?

[LandLawMan]

Another pic of the polished crystal.

[Daytona88]

Great!

[AlexMachine]

Nice result!
My 1957 reissue was about in similar condition before I polished it with a Polywatch. It took maybe 5-10 mins first time, still some visible marks, I washed the hesalite and round two. Perfect, like new one.
Don´t have before pic, but here is a after: