Can it be buffed out? GMT Bezel

[lizardking]

Long time lurker here! Just got a new Rootbeer GMT last week and I noticed a very small scratch on the bezel. If I had gotten this pre-owned or had it for a year or two, I wouldn't be so anal about this.

Wondering if there's anyway to actually get this little scuff out? Any insight would be appreciated. Cheers!

[CarlOver]

That scuff is in the textured operation of the triangle. If it is transfer of material onto this texture then it should be removable. If this is actually a scratch into this textured finish then that would be a question for a company thst does restoration work. Maybe LA Watch Works?

[lizardking]

I can't believe it was scratched this easily. It literally just brushed up against my laptop accessory. Out of all places right on the textured area. Ty for the reply

[0nly5iv3Digits]

If it's scratched, it's scratched. It's paint after all. Very expensive paint, but paint nonetheless. If isopropyl alcohol doesn't get it out, it's not coming out.

[2loaded]

It will soon fade into the other scratches, dents, dings as the years roll on

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 2loaded

It will soon fade into the other scratches, dents, dings as the years roll on

Have to agree and than miniscule mark is just like the other many you will have while wearing and that's a simple fact .

[Jake Sully]

Its most likely the residual material of what it rubbed on. Get a soft toothbrush and use some body wash and give it a nice clean up in the shower. I bet the mark is gone when your done cleaning it. Also it isnt paint. Here is the description from Rolexs web page.

"The markers and numerals on the 24-hour graduation are moulded into the ceramic before being coated with a contrasting precious metal – yellow gold, pink gold or platinum – via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition)."

[dba]

Originally Posted by 2loaded

It will soon fade into the other scratches, dents, dings as the years roll on

This. At least you're not seeing bare metal/ceramic underneath the scratch.

[Harry-57]

Unlucky. Looks like you've lost some gold. As stated above, it's vapour deposited PM, not paint or ceramic material. It's going to deform if hit with something hard enough or at just the right angle. You must have really good eyesight. My inclination would be to forget about it.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Unlucky. Looks like you've lost some gold. As stated above, it's vapour deposited PM, not paint or ceramic material. It's going to deform if hit with something hard enough or at just the right angle. You must have really good eyesight. My inclination would be to forget about it.

Harry is spot on.

I believe that they coat the entire bezel in a vapor of rose gold to get into the number deposits, and then they polish it off to expose the ceramic.

I think Rolex wouldn't do a new coating but would instead insist on replacing the insert. If I had to guess, that would probably cost about $2-$3 thousand to replace. I'd try to live with it if I were you.

However, if you call Rolex and explain how this happened so quickly, perhaps they'll take pity on you and fix it free or for "cheap."

[NAUI1982]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Harry is spot on.

I believe that they coat the entire bezel in a vapor of rose gold to get into the number deposits, and then they polish it off to expose the ceramic.

I think Rolex wouldn't do a new coating but would instead insist on replacing the insert. If I had to guess, that would probably cost about $2-$3 thousand to replace. I'd try to live with it if I were you.

However, if you call Rolex and explain how this happened so quickly, perhaps they'll take pity on you and fix it free or for "cheap."

Rolex taking Pity? Thats a good one!

OP - Just enjoy the watch and in five years when it's been used like it should be, you can consider a new insert. This won't be the first "ding". Roll with the punches... There are more to come.

[996marty]

If it’s a scratch you’ll struggle to polish it out

[CarlOver]

OP, if you rubbed onto a laptop accessory then good chances it’s a transfer of that material that is left on this surface. Should be removable.

[Zach69SS]

I don’t think it will come out completely, but you maybe able to clean it up a bit.
Try a polishing cloth, gently rubbing the area, slowly and carefully.
I would try that first or wait until you have some more wear and send it for service.

Good luck,

[Jonny8]

I’ve got rid of transfer marks (which I thought were scratches) on a ceramic bezel before with a pen eraser.

[brandrea]

Try the magic eraser

[johnsonsxusfrt]

it could be transferred material. I would get a soft brush, and use some soap and water to see if it comes off. if it doesn't fade after cleaning then unfortunately Rolex it's a scratch

[Robf52]

I'd try gently rubbing with an eraser.

[Hemdog]

Just enjoy your watch and put your microscope away :)

[WS9D]

try a pencil eraser

[BriansRolex]

If it's an actual scratch you will be hard pressed to get it out yourself but any reputable watch shop can have it touched up (fixed) rather easily

[Cambo]

I get that once you see it you can’t unsee it, but besides you, NOBODY will see this minor scratch. Enjoy your watch!

[hutch300]

Originally Posted by lizardking

Long time lurker here! Just got a new Rootbeer GMT last week and I noticed a very small scratch on the bezel. If I had gotten this pre-owned or had it for a year or two, I wouldn't be so anal about this.

Wondering if there's anyway to actually get this little scuff out? Any insight would be appreciated. Cheers!

How about a follow-up? :)

[911991]

Ignore and enjoy your new watch

[L8r]

Given the material and texture, any attempt to fix it might make it worse. Eventually, it will need servicing, and you can address it then if it's still an issue. For now, just let it go and move on—other blemishes will come, and this one will become less noticeable over time.

[H0KIE FAN]

With the mark being so small, I wouldn't mess with it and take a chance of making it worse. It's been a steep learning curve for me to stop looking for marks and just wear it and enjoy it. Maybe one day one of my grandsons will own it and know his Pop Pop put those marks on it.

[H0KIE FAN]

I would leave it alone. I would be afraid of making it worse.

[garyk]

So minor, I would not worry about it if possible!

[worldofoyster]

i dont think you can polish ceramic

[Greenp]

I'm surprised that no one said if the bezel were Al this would be a cheap fix or wouldn't have happened.