Removing scratches from watch crystal: how to get perfect results again
A scratch on your watch crystal is easily made. Even with normal use, small, almost invisible damages often occur. Yet, precisely these minimal scratches can affect the appearance of your watch.
Do you want the best end result? Then it's important to first remove scratches from your watch crystal before protecting the crystal. In this article, we explain how this works and why this order is essential.
How do scratches on watch crystals occur?
Scratches on a watch crystal usually arise from daily use. For example:
- contact with hard surfaces (tables, walls)
- dust and sand (act as abrasives)
- minor bumps or movements
Even if you handle it carefully, light scratches are often inevitable.
Removing watch crystal scratches: what are your options?
If you want to remove scratches from your watch crystal, there are roughly two possibilities:
1. Polish yourself
For light scratches, you can use a polishing agent yourself.
Advantages:
- accessible
- relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- risk of uneven results
- chance of additional damage
2. Professional watch crystal polishing
For the best result, many people opt for professional watch crystal polishing.
Advantages:
- smoother and more beautiful end result
- less risk of damage
Disadvantage:
- higher costs
In both cases: you remove a thin layer from the surface to make scratches less visible.
Why just removing scratches is not enough
After removing scratches, your watch looks like new again. But this effect is often short-lived.
Without protection:
- new small scratches appear
- you have to polish again after a while
- you remain in a repetitive cycle
This is precisely why simply polishing a watch crystal is usually not the ideal long-term solution.
The best approach: first polish, then protect
Do you really want the maximum result? Then the order is crucial:
Step 1: remove scratches from watch crystal
Ensure the crystal is as smooth and clear as possible by polishing (or having it polished).
Step 2: protect watch crystal
Then immediately apply a crystal protector.
Why does this work so well?
- you start with a perfect base (without visible scratches)
- the crystal protector keeps that condition intact
- new scratches appear on the protector, not on your watch
The result: a watch that looks new for a long time.
What if your watch is new?
Do you have a new watch without scratches?
Then it's even simpler:
- skip polishing
- protect your watch immediately
This prevents scratches from forming in the first place.
Why this combination yields the best results
The combination of polishing + protecting watch crystal offers the best of both worlds:
- existing scratches disappear from view
- new scratches are prevented
- you have to polish less often (or never again)
- your watch stays in top condition longer
This is especially interesting for:
- more expensive watches (due to value retention)
- less expensive watches (due to softer crystal)
- watches with emotional value
- daily worn watches
Practical alternative to constant repolishing
Many people continue to polish their watches as soon as new scratches appear. But that is actually just treating the symptoms.
By protecting immediately after removing scratches:
- you break that cycle
- you prevent new damage
- you save costs in the long term
Want to know how to optimally protect your watch after polishing?
Check out the possibilities of a Chaperon crystal protector
For optimal results with a used watch: First restore, then protect!
Removing scratches from your watch crystal is a good first step. But those who stop after polishing will find that the effect is temporary.
The best approach is therefore:
- remove scratches (polish)
- immediately protect against new damage
This way, you get the most out of your watch — both visually and in the long term.
FAQ
Do I always have to polish before I protect?
No, only if there are already large scratches in the crystal. Small scratches are camouflaged by the crystal protector
Does protection also work if there are already scratches?
Yes, the protector can be applied over the scratches, and small scratches are immediately no longer visible, so you certainly don't always have to polish first.
How quickly do scratches reappear without protection?
That can be within a few days to weeks, depending on use.
Is polishing bad for your watch?
Not with incidental use, but frequent polishing can affect the material in the long term.