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IMG2 · 23 July 2012, 02:18 PM

To expand my enjoyment of watches I'd like to learn how to polish and re-finish bracelets and watch cases. I've done some reading and watching videos and here are my questions. I see Bergeon has coarse, medium and fine satin finish pads. Do I need to start with the medium and move on to the fine or can I just use the fine? Also when re-doing the satin finish do I need to buff it to a shine or can I use Flitz or Cape Cod cloth, clean it up and use the re-finishing pads? Most of what I want to do is light duty, no deep dings or scratches.

rmfnla · 24 July 2012, 01:49 AM

To polish, you start with the grade that matches the worst scratches on that particular area.

Once you have the whole surface looking the same you move to the next finer grade.

For brushed finishes I got one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Satin-Brushe...item2554ebc706

A bit pricey for a 1" square piece of quasi-ScotchBrite but it reproduces the Rolex brushed finish perfectly!

Lt.Arclight · 5 August 2012, 01:23 PM

Finishing a brushed bracelet is a relatively straightforward task. I use scotbrightpads, further polishing takes a lot of work but still something that can be accomplished at home.

When the bracelet has polished center links and brushed outside the task becomes much more complicated.

I do the mirror polish first, to protect the links not to be polished I utilize what is referred to as "helicopter" or Leading edge tape in the aviation industry. It is an extremely adhesive soft,clear protective tape available in numerous thicknesses. It is available via google search. Between polish steps it should be noted that you ARE indeed using abrasive materials and it is absolutely essential to remove the polishing material-preferably using an ultrasonic cleaner. Normal wash and rinse tends to leave the abrasive material INSIDE the pivots of the bracelet.

After I'm satisfied with the mirror polish, I protect it with helicopter tape and finish the brushed portion and once again ultrasonically clean the bracelet and dry it thoroughly.

I have had several bracelets that have "squeaked". This can be remedied by a VERY light application of a light machine oil or Tri-flow.

I would strongly recommend practicing on a cheaper watch. It is well worth the time-you can really make an big aesthetic improvement using very basic materials.

rmfnla · 15 August 2012, 08:34 AM

Not sure if lubrication is good for squeaky bands... most of that stuff will attract dirt, which will accelerate wear and induce more "stretch."

Perhaps a silicon spray..?

23 July 2012, 02:18 PM	#1
IMG2 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Glenn Location: Sacramento Delta Watch: GMT II, TT Sub, DJ Posts: 187	Bracelet Re-Finishing To expand my enjoyment of watches I'd like to learn how to polish and re-finish bracelets and watch cases. I've done some reading and watching videos and here are my questions. I see Bergeon has coarse, medium and fine satin finish pads. Do I need to start with the medium and move on to the fine or can I just use the fine? Also when re-doing the satin finish do I need to buff it to a shine or can I use Flitz or Cape Cod cloth, clean it up and use the re-finishing pads? Most of what I want to do is light duty, no deep dings or scratches.

24 July 2012, 01:49 AM	#2
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	To polish, you start with the grade that matches the worst scratches on that particular area. Once you have the whole surface looking the same you move to the next finer grade. For brushed finishes I got one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Satin-Brushe...item2554ebc706 A bit pricey for a 1" square piece of quasi-ScotchBrite but it reproduces the Rolex brushed finish perfectly! __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

15 August 2012, 08:34 AM	#4
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	Not sure if lubrication is good for squeaky bands... most of that stuff will attract dirt, which will accelerate wear and induce more "stretch." Perhaps a silicon spray..? __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

5 August 2012, 01:23 PM	#3
Lt.Arclight "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Real Name: Todd Location: New Jersey Watch: Explorer 214270 Posts: 104	Finishing a brushed bracelet is a relatively straightforward task. I use scotbrightpads, further polishing takes a lot of work but still something that can be accomplished at home. When the bracelet has polished center links and brushed outside the task becomes much more complicated. I do the mirror polish first, to protect the links not to be polished I utilize what is referred to as "helicopter" or Leading edge tape in the aviation industry. It is an extremely adhesive soft,clear protective tape available in numerous thicknesses. It is available via google search. Between polish steps it should be noted that you ARE indeed using abrasive materials and it is absolutely essential to remove the polishing material-preferably using an ultrasonic cleaner. Normal wash and rinse tends to leave the abrasive material INSIDE the pivots of the bracelet. After I'm satisfied with the mirror polish, I protect it with helicopter tape and finish the brushed portion and once again ultrasonically clean the bracelet and dry it thoroughly. I have had several bracelets that have "squeaked". This can be remedied by a VERY light application of a light machine oil or Tri-flow. I would strongly recommend practicing on a cheaper watch. It is well worth the time-you can really make an big aesthetic improvement using very basic materials.

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