Scratch on crystal

[Cavester]

Tbh it's minute, can't even see it unless it hits the light. However now I know it's there!

Can really light and small scratches be removed from the crystal?

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[LooseCann0n]

Yes - by removing the crystal and replacing it with a new one..!

Sapphire crystal can only really be scratched by diamonds- most likely culprit probably from the missus’ engagement ring..!

[Andad]

Yes, it it possible.

I have used 0.5 Micron 5 Gram Diamond Polish Lapping Paste.

As long as you take your time and mask off the adjacent areas you can remove very fine scratches from a Rolex sapphire crystal.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Cavester

Tbh it's minute, can't even see it unless it hits the light. However now I know it's there!

Can really light and small scratches be removed from the crystal?

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The only thing that will remove scratches from sapphire crystals is diamond paste. I have used 3 micron to remove the main quite bad scratch on my working tool SD 16600, going across the scratch first, it takes a fair bit of elbow grease. But use only a tiny bit on a cloth like a spectacles cloth or similar. Then just a fine polish after with the quarter micron,and scratch will be gone,and good as new. Cost for the two tubes in the UK around £20 expect cheaper out of the UK and cheaper on ebay. Its far cheaper than buying a new crystal takes a bit of time,but if scratch is very deep then crystal should be replaced. Your scratch IMHO best left as you state its so miniscule not worth the cost and effort needed to remove it. If it needs to be changed best left till normal routine service, as they have to strip watch down crystal cost then around $100 or less.

[Cavester]

It's about 2mm in length but really fine. I need to turn the watch to hit the sun just right or know where it is to see it.

I think I'll leave it. Just annoying when you know it's there.

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[Cavester]

When I send it in for service, what would Rolex do?... Replace, leave or polish out?

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[padi56]

Originally Posted by Cavester

When I send it in for service, what would Rolex do?... Replace, leave or polish out?

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Rolex would replace it if they deemed it was necessary.

[faimag]

If they notice it, they will suggest replacement which you can accept or not. They do not polish the crystal.

[Cavester]

Ok so I can leave it, then before sending in for service try and polish out. If I then want it replacing may as well highlight when I take it in.

Thanks for the feedback all.

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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Cavester

When I send it in for service, what would Rolex do?... Replace, leave or polish out?

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If it doesn't come out with normal polishing, they will give you the choice to purchase a new crystal.

[Guybrush]

FWIW, RSC Just replaced the crystal on my 36mm DD and it cost $133. Not an expensive issue to resolve. Assume the price might be a wee bit more on your watch, but probably not much.

[can-am]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

FWIW, RSC Just replaced the crystal on my 36mm DD and it cost $133. Not an expensive issue to resolve. Assume the price might be a wee bit more on your watch, but probably not much.

I could be wrong, but I assume that the domed crystal on a Deepsea would be MUCH more expensive.

[7enderbender]

Diamond paste and a Dremel on slow will take off that.

[Bladeshot]

I know it’s hard to live with, on crystal or metal… but leave it until a service. Replacement required.

It’s hard, but it can be done (for example, me minimizing my OCD to live with it).

[You]

I would replace it if it was me.

[Bizcut1]

A Rolex sapphire crystal and a Dremel tool in unskilled hands...what could go wrong?

Not like it's a Citizen or anything....go for it!

[Incroyable12]

I've noticed a lot of older Rolex sapphire crystals often have chips on the edge.

[Momo26]

My 116610 has 2 chips at the edge and scratched at the 6 o’clock. I left it as is and will replace the crystal when servicing it. Have lived with it for about a year if not more. Yes it’s annoying but I’m not going to start to be adventurous with my Rolex.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I've noticed a lot of older Rolex sapphire crystals often have chips on the edge.

Yes quite common as the crystal sits a bit above the bezel on most Rolex watch but back then many used watches as real tool watches.Today in general Rolex watches gets a very very pampered life.But chips scratches etc all best left till normal routine RSC service.

[Incroyable12]

If you get an older Rolex serviced will they install the new AR crystal on it?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

If you get an older Rolex serviced will they install the new AR crystal on it?

They would replace it to what was original to that watch, or what ever they have in stock that fits original to that watch whether AR coated or not.

[excelerater]

my wife has a 31MM DJ
in a year the crystal was scratched to death

in my entire life I have never seen a crystal so beat up and believe me
she is not hard on watches. I think we got a soft crystal or something weird
I have watches 20 years old a beat to death that have no scratches on them

[Tools]

Crystals get scratched when worn with another piece of jewelry on the same wrist.

[Innocenti]

I once bought a an omega sales assisted took great delight in telling me about “sapphire blah blah only a diamond blah blah “
After 2 weeks of ownership I took it back as there was a fault . The same SA took out an eye glass too inspect the sapphire for marks , I explained I didn’t own any diamonds, he then showed me the micro scratched on the sapphire and said they will pick up scratches.

Can’t go wrong with a plastic watch crystal

[Calatrava r]

I would just have the crystal replaced at some point and not attempt any repair. It may just look worse afterwards, as of now only you know it's there.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by excelerater

my wife has a 31MM DJ
in a year the crystal was scratched to death

in my entire life I have never seen a crystal so beat up and believe me
she is not hard on watches. I think we got a soft crystal or something weird
I have watches 20 years old a beat to death that have no scratches on them

Does she wear a tennis bracelet on the same hand?

[mmalek1]

I have my blnr gmt in for service, they gave me an optional crystal replacement of which I agreed to for 130.00. The crystal had small scratches from everyday use and I believe a very small edge chip. Worth it to me during its service.

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by padi56

The only thing that will remove scratches from sapphire crystals is diamond paste. I have used 3 micron to remove the main quite bad scratch on my working tool SD 16600, going across the scratch first, it takes a fair bit of elbow grease. But use only a tiny bit on a cloth like a spectacles cloth or similar. Then just a fine polish after with the quarter micron,and scratch will be gone,and good as new. Cost for the two tubes in the UK around £20 expect cheaper out of the UK and cheaper on ebay. Its far cheaper than buying a new crystal takes a bit of time,but if scratch is very deep then crystal should be replaced. Your scratch IMHO best left as you state its so miniscule not worth the cost and effort needed to remove it. If it needs to be changed best left till normal routine service, as they have to strip watch down crystal cost then around $100 or less.

Good to know! I would have assumed the only way was replacing the crystal. Thanks! 👍

[ogbeans]

Originally Posted by LooseCann0n

Yes - by removing the crystal and replacing it with a new one..!

Sapphire crystal can only really be scratched by diamonds- most likely culprit probably from the missus’ engagement ring..!

False…..plastic buckles on north face backpack as well