How to remove scratches from watch glass.

[derekpara]

Anyone know if I can remove scratches from my watch glass successfully ? Can it be done ?

I would prefer expert and accurate advice on this as the watch is an Omega Speedmaster.

Thanks.

[colin6789]

If the scratches are not to deep they could be removed possibly by a watch repairer using something like jewellers rouge or a similar very fine grinding paste. I removed some fine scratches caused by grit on a windscreen wiper blade with diamond paste I got hold of, one of the benifits of working on aircraft parts.

[davewr]

I've used Brasso and a duster on lots of watch glasses and stainless steel cases/straps over 30 years with perfect results. I have one watch bought in 1971 that still looks like new.

[VillageVicar]

derekpara: It depends on the type of 'crystal' you have.
Watch 'glass' can either be real crystal, or synthetic (plastics). If your watch has a plastic type, I'm concerned about using anything other than non-abrasives. Typically, dried shaving foam (not gel) can work to buff and shine. However, if it's crystal it must be done by a professional craftsman only.

Several years ago I made the mistake of taking a Tiffany & Co strap watch to a high street jeweller near Heathrow. I just assumed they would do a good job...they accidentally broke the crystal and I felt I had no choice but to take it to Tiffany's to have it repaired properly. It was very frustrating.

I'd encourage you to visit a reputable jeweller or consider posting your watch directly to Omega. I 'think' your Omega probably does have a lead crystal, rather than plastic.

I wish you well

Fr Bill

[jake-the-peg]

Looks like the crystal is something called hesalite - I'm presuming it's not saphire because it's scratched .

See this thread:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t= 108

[VillageVicar]

Well done Jake! I had a look at this link....crum, it makes me nervous just at the thought of trying this myself...wimp that I am!

Glad you found it...

be well

Fr B

[jake-the-peg]

It sounds as if it might be possible to have it replaced with a saphire crystal - depends on the depth of your pocket I guess

[derekpara]

Thanks, everyone. I'm fairly certain it is crystal glass, so as Jake and Fr Bill advise, I'll save my pennies and get it done professionally; the watch is worth it.

[jake-the-peg]

Careful there "crystal" is just the term for the glass protector.

Hesalite is a "plastic crystal" but the speedmaster is the so-called "moon watch" because NASA certified it for Apollo so some people still want it with that rather than the saphire crystal which is pretty much scratch proof.

Google hesalite and you'll see all about it.

Having read a bit further here:
http://www.chronocentric.com/omega/technical.s html

It looks like it may not be possible to replace the crystal with the saphire crystal from a speedmaster Automatic but I believe later versions had a saphire option so if you want to convert to saphire it may depend of the date of the watch

[derekpara]

Thank you, Jake, for that very interesting link. I bought my Speedmaster new in 1970 so I think it must be a genuine Moonwatch.

Regards, Derek.