How do pro watchmakers restore dull finish/minor scratches on plexi crystals?

[MrNemo]

What equipment do professional watchmakers use to buff/restore minor scratching on a plexi?

I've heard they "buff" them but I'm not sure if it is a machine or by hand with sandpaper or Polywatch or what, but going from jeweler to jeweler, I can't even get the sentence "1965 Rolex Sub-" out before they cut me off and start shaking their heads.

"No way you'll have to send it to RSC for replacement." Nobody will touch it. I don't know if it is a liability thing or if it is really that rare of an artform to lightly buff a crystal.

I tried Brasso as some suggested on here and now it has a cloudier finish with hundreds of hairline scratches.

It isn't a huge deal but there is a noticeable difference in clarity between how it looked before and after my Brasso attempt (it did remove the scuff but made the finish dull).

I know variations of this question have been asked a thousand times and I apologize, but I'm curious to hear a watchmaker's perspective.

[offrdmania]

Usually a polishing wheel and polishing rouge

[roaddog359]

Why not try polywatch.

[MrNemo]

Originally Posted by roaddog359

Why not try polywatch.

That's fine, just wondering what professional watchmakers do. I guess I'll give it a shot.

I just figured after messing up with the Brasso maybe I should leave it to a professional. I guess I'll try the Polywatch first.

[GGGMT]

I never heard of using brasso; polywatch is a good solution for daily wear type scratches.


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[U5512]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Usually a polishing wheel and polishing rouge

X2.

[Mickyfin]

I use either poly watch with cotton wool, or Displex, the latter is intended for mobile device screens but works great with watch plexi's too.

[MrNemo]

Wow guys. Polywatch really works. Unbelievable. I got another scuff after taking it to a watchmaker and having him buff it a bit.

Gave Polywatch a shot to avoid the embarrassment of bothering him again less than a week later and it works splendidly.

[terryuk]

Originally Posted by MrNemo

Wow guys. Polywatch really works. Unbelievable. I got another scuff after taking it to a watchmaker and having him buff it a bit.

Gave Polywatch a shot to avoid the embarrassment of bothering him again less than a week later and it works splendidly.

1) Re using a powered polishing wheel: It's an easy way to melt the plastic if you get too enthousiastic! (friction can build up the heat really quickly)
2) IMO, best way is by hand on a flat wooden stick, with cloth or thin leather cover. This way, you can't end up with uneven surface or wavey finish.