Sapphire surface’s scratch!! How to settle?

[hai.tranhr]

My Back Submariner 116610 LN bought in 2017. In couple weeks, I realize a scratch on the sapphire surface. Till now, I don’t know what causes this scratch. Feeling unhappy now. Please advice what should I do to recover this scar???



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[LndLord]

battle scar

[Greenwich Mean Time]

That's nothing. Just enjoy your watch. When you get it serviced, you can replace the crystal if you want.

[hai.tranhr]

It’s quite long to Rolex service. 2024. Scar on bracelet is acceptable but this.... feel down


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[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Greenwich Mean Time

That's nothing. Just enjoy your watch. When you get it serviced, you can replace the crystal if you want.

He’s right

[Bxtek]

I would personally leave it alone. Not worth changing out the crystal for imo. I would wait until it gets some more scars and replace at that time.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by hai.tranhr

It’s quite long to Rolex service. 2024. Scar on bracelet is acceptable but this.... feel down


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You can service it tomorrow if you want...it won’t need it but you don’t have to wait...just saying

[liu_watch]

Rolex replacement is the only option should you choose to. I had a scratch on a DSSD and a Vacheron Overseas. Tried all kinds of methods posted online, e.g. diamond paste polish with handheld rotary tool, cape code with elbow grease... none worked. Just FYI before you proceed :-)

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Rolex replacement is the only option should you choose to. I had a scratch on a DSSD and a Vacheron Overseas. Tried all kinds of methods posted online, e.g. diamond paste polish with handheld rotary tool, cape code with elbow grease... none worked. Just FYI before you proceed :-)

You’re spot on.

While it is of course possible to remove a scratch - as the crystal does not start life off perfectly polished, the time involved in regrinding and polishing a sapphire crystal hugely eats in to any monetary saving made over replacing it. To the point where it cannot possibly be the cheaper option. Plus you are left with a crytal that is however many 1/100mm thinner than it was to start with, and the bevelled edge is going to be wrong.

[mjclark32]

Just an fyi, I paid $315 for a new crystal on my OP39...

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

You’re spot on.



While it is of course possible to remove a scratch - as the crystal does not start life off perfectly polished, the time involved in regrinding and polishing a sapphire crystal hugely eats in to any monetary saving made over replacing it. To the point where it cannot possibly be the cheaper option. Plus you are left with a crytal that is however many 1/100mm thinner than it was to start with, and the bevelled edge is going to be wrong.

Plus the polishing created minute traces of hairlines on the crystal. However, I saw some success stories online (a Panerai). I began to wonder if all crystals are created equal? Any possibility of varying degree of pureness in the raw material? Anyone knows?

[Defiancekofb]

Usually a crystal scratch will occur when in contact with a diamond ring.

[hai.tranhr]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Rolex replacement is the only option should you choose to. I had a scratch on a DSSD and a Vacheron Overseas. Tried all kinds of methods posted online, e.g. diamond paste polish with handheld rotary tool, cape code with elbow grease... none worked. Just FYI before you proceed :-)

Did it work? Diamond paste polish


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[hai.tranhr]

Originally Posted by Defiancekofb

Usually a crystal scratch will occur when in contact with a diamond ring.

I guess that the scratch caused by my wife’s ring.


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[derekhayden]

I would leave it. I am sure it bothers you now, and would me too but in a few weeks it will just become part of the watch and you wont even notice it.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Plus the polishing created minute traces of hairlines on the crystal. However, I saw some success stories online (a Panerai). I began to wonder if all crystals are created equal? Any possibility of varying degree of pureness in the raw material? Anyone knows?

Absolutely there can be variations. But you’ll be talking parts per million or even parts per billion. These are lab made crystals so will be chemically as close to perfect as makes no difference.

The level of success is down to the tools/products used. The glass manufacturing for watches is no different to griding and polishing any type of lens. It is possible, but a diy job will almost always look like a diy job.

This is why for example, repairing damaged camera lenses is an expensive industry. To get it right you need more than elbow grease and a Saturday afternoon.

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by hai.tranhr

Did it work? Diamond paste polish


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It did not. I was able to polish it off a tiny bit, but it was still clearly visible. As Mentioned in previous response to another comment, there was a guy who posted a success story with his Pam. Not in my case, although I think I got the high quality diamond paste and proper tool :-) Your luck may vary...

[mjarolex]

I know you are able to polish out the old type acrylic crystals, but not the sapphire ones.
Enjoy the watch. I'm sure you will have more battle scars before you are due for a service.

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Absolutely there can be variations. But you’ll be talking parts per million or even parts per billion. These are lab made crystals so will be chemically as close to perfect as makes no difference.

The level of success is down to the tools/products used. The glass manufacturing for watches is no different to griding and polishing any type of lens. It is possible, but a diy job will almost always look like a diy job.

This is why for example, repairing damaged camera lenses is an expensive industry. To get it right you need more than elbow grease and a Saturday afternoon.

Good to know, thank you.

[datejustrms]

That would bother me too. I'd replace the crystal.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

It did not. I was able to polish it off a tiny bit, but it was still clearly visible. As Mentioned in previous response to another comment, there was a guy who posted a success story with his Pam. Not in my case, although I think I got the high quality diamond paste and proper tool :-) Your luck may vary...

I wonder if the Panerai just looks better because of the more domed crystals masking.

[Daveclock]

Is it the tiny mark at 9 o’clock?
If you wanted the worry you should see my friends 50 year old 5513

[JohnTz]

Just ignore it. After a couple of weeks you will not even notice it anymore.

[sensui]

Forget diamond polishing etc. Not going to work the way you think it will. Replace the crystal (now or next service) or learn to live with it.

[Rocket_Man]

Yes probably got nicked by your wife's diamond ring. And it will happen again. Obviously you need a divorce. No seriously, the 5 second fix... hit it with a black sharpie. You'll never notice it. You may have to redo it after you clean the watch, but it will stop the light reflecting off the nick and you won't see it again.

[Wizardly]

Keep the wife, replace the crystal.

[dkg1616]

It’s a sub...it’s meant to get beat up a little...

Below is my edit after reading more of the comments:

You are out of your fricken mind trying at home remedies for a 8500 dollar watch. Either leave it because my note above or spend the 1000 bucks for a proper service and replacement

[ctang]

It would bug the crap out of me.

[RolexReviews]

that sucks... I got a scratch on the side of my new phone and every time I see it I get angry I can't imagine how you feel

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[sco]

It would drive me nuts. I’d have the crystal replaced.