Removing scratches from 116500

[paultagg]

Any advice on how to remove/polish out some hairline scratches? Despite being super careful I managed to nick the right lug! Thanks

[brandrea]

I’m going to suggest you leave it till it’s time for a service.

Rolex polished surfaces pick up marks if you just look at them the wrong way. You polish it now and they’ll be back in no time

[padi56]

Originally Posted by paultagg

Any advice on how to remove/polish out some hairline scratches? Despite being super careful I managed to nick the right lug! Thanks

The only time any Rolex needs any sort of polishing is at normal RSC routine service only,the sure way to ruin a Rolex is wanting to polish every time you see the slightest scratch.

[paultagg]

[Pablito]

Originally Posted by paultagg

Any advice on how to remove/polish out some hairline scratches? Despite being super careful I managed to nick the right lug! Thanks

If it hurts you, you can also use some cape cod polishing towels only on polished surface. Will not modify the shape of your lugs and make it way cleaner. Do respect the process of use anyway

[cdmorenot]

Please leave it alone. I highly dislike scratches on polished surfaces but those polishing cloths or DIY kits will only leave behind a billion micro scratches that will be far worse.

I've come to the realization that the only way to avoid a scratch is to not wear the watch. Not something I am willing to do.

If you're feeling brave, Cape Cod cloths will mask the scratch but it comes at the expense of a "haze" being left behind.

Good luck!

[Rolex1982]

I would let RSC fix it when you service the watch. Scratches cannot be prevented and polishing the watch everytime you scratch it is not wise.

[996marty]

Definitely leave it until it goes in for a service

[DC116710LN]

I wear my 116500's regularly and have accumulated my fair share of scratches. Best to just leave them alone until it's time for a full service

[Chiboy]

When I got my Daytona almost seven years ago, I did my best to baby it, despite wearing it every day. After one day, ONE DAY, there were hairlines on the clasp, etc. I realized it was futile and still try to be very careful with it, but recognize that it's a losing battle if you want to enjoy your watch. Assuming "enjoy" = "wear"

[jb335]

Learn to embrace the wear. Nobody else can see those tiny marks and you won’t either once you stop letting your watch own you.


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[rockysw]

leave it. You will get another scratch and then another. There is no way to avoid scratches.

Best to get it as less polished as possible (during rolex service - every 10 years or so).

[Ali1009]

The scratches are part of the whole experience. I remember when I first scratched my 116500ln black I was devasted and after a few hrs I got over it, and now I've got several scratches on the clasp and the watch is only 5 months old. I've worn it literally every single day since it arrived. I don't intend to ever polish the watch, as I will be handing the watch down to my eldest daughter and all the scratches that I accumulate are memories of me.

[Chadridv]

Let's see a pic. If it's a scratch most here will say no big deal. If it's a nice you can actually feel, that might be a different story.

I nicked a watch once and couldn't live with it. Had it sent to LA Watchworks for repair.

[erict]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

Please leave it alone. I highly dislike scratches on polished surfaces but those polishing cloths or DIY kits will only leave behind a billion micro scratches that will be far worse.

I've come to the realization that the only way to avoid a scratch is to not wear the watch. Not something I am willing to do.

If you're feeling brave, Cape Cod cloths will mask the scratch but it comes at the expense of a "haze" being left behind.

Good luck!

My experience as well. Resist the urge for perfection, you will only regret it in the long run!

[Ontime]

I wont advice you do that.

[Marcjvr]

Easiest way to make small scratches less noticeable is to add some really big ones

[Gearjockey]

I went down that rabbit hole.
See abrasions on oyster bracelet (stored it in a safe where it rubbed another steel item).
Tape it off and polish with rotary tool and rouge. Wash, rinse, repeat.
It never ends.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

I went down that rabbit hole.
See abrasions on oyster bracelet (stored it in a safe where it rubbed another steel item).
Tape it off and polish with rotary tool and rouge. Wash, rinse, repeat.
It never ends.

no amateur should do this

If you want to buff lightly at home, and have a steady hand... get yourself a cape cod cloth, and then tape off the brushed area and go at it lightly. Cape cod does wonders on minor scratches

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Solo118

no amateur should do this

If you want to buff lightly at home, and have a steady hand... get yourself a cape cod cloth, and then tape off the brushed area and go at it lightly. Cape cod does wonders on minor scratches

Stone-cold youtube pro!
I agree. I have tried on “lesser’’ watches and been somewhat successful.
On Rolex, I don’t even swap bracelets for straps because I can’t stand the self imposed scratches. Submariner will live for3ver in Oyster.

[Tools]

To keep your watch looking good it can be given a light refinish at some point. However, if you chase every nick and scratch you can easily end up with an over-polished watch where it no longer holds the original contours.

Refinishing is not a big deal and can be done quite well with a scotch brite pad or fiber pen and a light touch. If you are not up to the task, it should be left to professional care when absolutely needed,

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Tools

To keep your watch looking good it can be given a light refinish at some point. However, if you chase every nick and scratch you can easily end up with an over-polished watch where it no longer holds the original contours.

Refinishing is not a big deal and can be done quite well with a scotch brite pad or fiber pen and a light touch. If you are not up to the task, it should be left to professional care when absolutely needed,

^^spot on^^^

I touch mine up and all my watches look but I have been doing this for decades and am rather experienced in what to do with different scenarios.


Use a yellow “sunshine polishing cloth” over a Cape Cod. It’s much more gentle and responds well to 904l. Very light wipes on PCL on bracelet and clasp requires little skill and does wonders in keeping the sparkle. We are not talking polishing but minor touch-ups / regular upkeep. The whole “polishing” word tends not to be kept in proper perspective.