Removing hairline scratches on crystal..Cape Cod or Diamond Paste?

[sampelligrino]

Hey TRF

Knocked my SubC against a table at a wedding last week and noticed a hairline scratch on my crystal that I can just barely feel with my finger nail and can see in sunlight. Scratches on my bracelet I don't mind but this is driving me nuts for some reason.

I've been doing searches on the forums and found that people have had success removing hairline scratches on the sapphire crystal with Diamond paste and/or a Cape Cod cloth. I was wondering which of the two you guys you guys might suggest? Figured I'd go this route first before having to actually replace the entire crystal.

Does my SubC have AR coating, and will buffing the scratch out remove that? Also, will the crystal be good as new or will there be a "buff spot" where I polished the scratch out on the crystal?

Thanks as always fellas

[MP5]

I have used fine micron diamond paste to good results but its best to budget for a new crystal just in case

[rmfnla]

Ouch, I understand; that would drive me nuts, too!

I believe the sapphire is a 9 on the Mohs scale, so it's hard to believe anything except diamond paste would work.

I've never done it but there are several informative threads on TRF so do a search.

Speaking of information, I recently read (on TRF) that only the cyclops has the AR coating, so unless that's where your scratch is you should be ok in that regard...

[salty_snack]

There will be many small "hairline" scratches on the crystal if you use diamond paste. I'm not sure a cape cod will do anything.

I would replace it before messing around with an at home sapphire polishing project.

[AK797]

Send a PM to member cc1966, he has the right formula for this.

[Cc1966]

Got messages regarding sapphire crystal scratch removal, so i'll post here for general reading for all. Here is my method in abbreviated form:

Sapphire Crystal scratches ~ DMT brand (1, 3, and 6 micron) diamond paste. Put a little 6 micron paste on your fingertip and buff briskly with pressure into the scratch, extending/feathering out to the entire crystal. Do the same with 3 micron, and finish up with 1 micron. Inspect carefully. Wash the watch in liquid hand soap and H20 (along with you own hands thoroughly).

I do not recommend the use power tools (e.g., Dremel) for non-experienced users as concave spots can occur if you are not careful.

[maj88]

Had he same problem and decided today to leave my subC at service to have the glass exchanged. 180E but it was driving me nuts. Also thought the sapphire would be tougher to scratch.


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[APguy1]

It isn't a scratch on the Sapphire it is on the AR coating that is applied to the crystal. So if you use an abrasive compound it will wear the AR coating off permanently and it will leave a rub mark permanently which is not fixable at all. Diamond paste will wear the crystal which isn't scratched i don't think. Do you have any pictures ?

[MP5]

Rolex has no AR on crystals and the AR on the Cyclops is between the Cyclops and the crystal. Omega had ar on both and so does breitling iirc

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[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by MP5

Rolex has no AR on crystals and the AR on the Cyclops is between the Cyclops and the crystal. Omega had ar on both and so does breitling iirc

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So the AR is maybe on the underside of the cyclops..?

[sheldonsmith]

Yes correct


From my discussion on GMTs at http://www.minus4plus6.com/116710.htm

Sheldon

[Racerdj]

Thanks for the great and useful information that I hope I never need.

[AndyK]

A tiny amount of 0.25 micron diamond paste with a microfiber lens cloth should work on a watch without AR coating.

[Cc1966]

^^^^ it probably will Andy.

I go 6,3,1 micron to speed up this somewhat slow process. Using .25 micron DP will take a while on a scratch of any significance IMHO, but I have not used that fine a paste. The final 1 micron buff I use leaves the sapphire looking perfect/flawless.

[perpetualman88]

saphire crystal must be replaced it can't be buffed out if its scratched

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by perpetualman88

saphire crystal must be replaced it can't be buffed out if its scratched

Not correct according to the crystals that I have successfully fixed. I learned this process here on TRF and have "corrected" five crystals for myself and others with excellent results. I am somewhat insistent because I want to save our DIY members some $$$.

Next time I will post some before and after pictures.

[RRGHOST1]

I have removed a very large area of windscreen that had been scratched by the wiper using glass polish so I think Cc1966 info he gives would be correct. Thanx

[perpetualman88]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Not correct according to the crystals that I have successfully fixed. I learned this process here on TRF and have "corrected" five crystals for myself and others with excellent results. I am somewhat insistent because I want to save our DIY members some $$$.

Next time I will post some before and after pictures.

Id love to see please show me how.

quick question the method you are using does it fill the scratch or does it grind down the rest of the sapphire or what?

Would love to hear as it could save my lots of money because anytime I have a scratch on a watch it costs me 200 to replace

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by perpetualman88

saphire crystal must be replaced it can't be buffed out if its scratched

Not to sound pissy, but have you actually tried it..?