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linux_cat · 4 July 2012, 05:10 AM

Hey guys, im panicking at the moment and am wondering if anyone can help.

I basically got a Rolex Air King, which i dropped on the floor a while back which left a little scratch on the polished side of the case.

Now I bought a polishing kit that came with no instructions, and being the idiot that i am I thought i would just try and figure it out, so I used the Satin pads to remove the scratch from the polished side of the Rolex....even though the scratch has gone....the side is now dull.

I did get a Cape Code polishing cloths, but im guessing its too late to use that now??

is there anyway i can restore the shine to the side of the case that ive messed up?

I really will appreciate any help that you guys can give me!

esm · 4 July 2012, 05:12 AM

cape cod brings back the shine

swissautopro · 4 July 2012, 05:12 AM

I don't think you have ruined it. Stop what you are doing, and get it to a qualified watchmaker. A light polish will probably fix you right up.

roadcarver · 4 July 2012, 05:12 AM

Based on what I've read from the forums, the cape cod cloth can bring it back to a polished finish (so long as the original finish was polished).

The cape cod cloth will remove metal (a thin layer) so use very lightly/sparingly.

Is the watch still keeping time? That's the second question.

ddnyc77 · 4 July 2012, 05:13 AM

I'm sure its not ruined. However you may be in over your head, take it to a professional watchmaker and I'm sure it will look good. However pictures wouild help.

Rolesor · 4 July 2012, 05:13 AM

Cape cod should restore the shine to it. I know it adds a nice shimmer to my datejust when I use it to remove scratches.

If the "damage" you did was merely by hand, I think the cape cod should be able to bring it back. If you used some sort of machine to remove the scratch it may take a proper buffing to bring it back to it's pre-fix lustre.

Some one else will chime in I'm sure.

joe100 · 4 July 2012, 05:23 AM

I'd be more concerned about the drop doing damage to the movement...

slcbbrown · 4 July 2012, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddnyc77

I'm sure its not ruined. However you may be in over your head, take it to a professional watchmaker and I'm sure it will look good. However pictures wouild help.

Good advice. Before you dig the hole any deeper, get some help.

linux_cat · 4 July 2012, 05:29 AM

thanks guys, agreed im in WAY over my head, i tried some cape god and its brought back the shine.....ill leave it for now and take it for a proper polish by a professional..

The movement is fine, i took it back to the store it was bought from in the UK and they confirmed everything was ok.

this is my first real watch, i must be more careful! thanks for the advice much appreciated!

mmmmp · 4 July 2012, 05:46 AM

Take another couple runs at it w/the CC and a mircro fibre cloth. I've had amazing results doing likewise. And contrary to opinion, you *can* put a lot of elbow grease into your buffing with no ill effects. Just don't do it too often and tape off brushed areas. Or, as some have suggested, have it done by a pro. In any event it is not ruined by any means. Good luck!

Sean.c · 4 July 2012, 06:14 AM

pictures of your work?

azguy · 4 July 2012, 07:11 AM

Just continue with the cape cod until happy and rinse and wear

z32turbo · 4 July 2012, 09:12 AM

Glad it worked out well.

Z-Sub · 4 July 2012, 09:16 AM

just make sure they only polish the "polished" side and leave the brushed surface alone.

Hairdude1 · 4 July 2012, 09:45 AM

Cape cod should be fine

Megalobyte · 4 July 2012, 09:47 AM

Just FYI. Tried the cape cod alternative, ie. Sunshine Cloths, I prefer them now. They work just as well, are much cheaper, and no oily, smelly mess.

I got 10 shipped for under $20 on eBay. Should last a lifetime.

MortgageGuy · 4 July 2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

cape cod brings back the shine

Yup, just use the cape cod until you have the polished finish back. I have used numerous times and it works great. Next time just skip the other and use the cape cod, it is great at removing scratches too

Just remember not to use the cape cod on any brushed parts of the watch and tape them off prior

DJJon · 4 July 2012, 01:12 PM

I agree with both sentiments above:
A. Take it to a professional watch maker to have it polished right, and if it is nearing time to get a service, send it to an RSC and they'll do that as part of the service, and
B. Cape Cod cloths will do the trick if you dare. I turned a brushed finish cheap Seiko into a highly polished dress watch using CC cloths, elbow grease, and time.

Michael M. · 4 July 2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

I'd be more concerned about the drop doing damage to the movement...

X2-take the watch to a rolex certified watchmaker, have him lightly polish case and check movement.

How · 4 July 2012, 08:06 PM

Hope this helps:

http://www.clockmaker.com.au/rolex/rolex_case_polishing

travisb · 4 July 2012, 10:40 PM

Cape Cod should restore the shine but can also shine the brushed surfaces that are meant to be brushed if you are not careful.

SL1229 · 10 July 2012, 03:59 PM

So I'm can Cape Cod wipes really damage the casing? I mean, how much is too much? I've used it probably 15 times on my watch to remove scratches, but not sure if I've changed the contour of the watch or not..

padi56 · 10 July 2012, 04:39 PM

Just cannot see why you guys worry about a scratch or try to polish and DIY.Because at normal routine service those very nice folks at the RSC will return your watch looking almost as good as new.

mikkolopez · 10 July 2012, 06:36 PM

have the movement checked first since the watch should tell time. which you said you did and works fine.

next a scratch or ding should be a little thing, like battlescars of wearing your watch, unless you like everything perfect. if you do, a cape cod polish should be fine

should not be a biggie after these.

WyoWatch · 11 July 2012, 12:17 AM

Yeah, just to echo what others have said here, take it to someone with the proper equipment - ie: a good buffing wheel. I make custom knives and I can tell you from many hours of experience, steel isn't easy to get marks out of and bring to a mirror polish...especially if you don't know what you're doing. You have to properly work through your grits and if you miss some deeper scratches at one step, you won't be able to get them out with the finer grits.

2th Dr · 11 July 2012, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Just cannot see why you guys worry about a scratch or try to polish and DIY.Because at normal routine service those very nice folks at the RSC will return your watch looking almost as good as new.

To each his own, right?

Megalobyte · 11 July 2012, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SL1229

So I'm can Cape Cod wipes really damage the casing? I mean, how much is too much? I've used it probably 15 times on my watch to remove scratches, but not sure if I've changed the contour of the watch or not..

I think as long as you're doing it by hand you'd have to really be a nutjob to do it enough to remove significant metal.

4 July 2012, 05:10 AM	#1
linux_cat "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: UK Posts: 2	Have I ruined my Rolex Hey guys, im panicking at the moment and am wondering if anyone can help. I basically got a Rolex Air King, which i dropped on the floor a while back which left a little scratch on the polished side of the case. Now I bought a polishing kit that came with no instructions, and being the idiot that i am I thought i would just try and figure it out, so I used the Satin pads to remove the scratch from the polished side of the Rolex....even though the scratch has gone....the side is now dull. I did get a Cape Code polishing cloths, but im guessing its too late to use that now?? is there anyway i can restore the shine to the side of the case that ive messed up? I really will appreciate any help that you guys can give me!

4 July 2012, 05:12 AM	#3
swissautopro "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: South Carolina Watch: 3.3M 1655 Mk I Posts: 2,384	I don't think you have ruined it. Stop what you are doing, and get it to a qualified watchmaker. A light polish will probably fix you right up. __________________ "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24 "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubt." Unknown "Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food." Proverbs 12

4 July 2012, 05:12 AM	#4
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	Based on what I've read from the forums, the cape cod cloth can bring it back to a polished finish (so long as the original finish was polished). The cape cod cloth will remove metal (a thin layer) so use very lightly/sparingly. Is the watch still keeping time? That's the second question. __________________ I'm just a cook...

4 July 2012, 05:13 AM	#6
Rolesor "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Brandon Location: Toronto, ON Watch: 116234 Posts: 4,150	Cape cod should restore the shine to it. I know it adds a nice shimmer to my datejust when I use it to remove scratches. If the "damage" you did was merely by hand, I think the cape cod should be able to bring it back. If you used some sort of machine to remove the scratch it may take a proper buffing to bring it back to it's pre-fix lustre. Some one else will chime in I'm sure. __________________ 116234 - Blue Concentric Dial - Fluted Bezel - Oyster Bracelet Tudor Black Bay 54 - Rubber Strap

4 July 2012, 05:23 AM	#7
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	I'd be more concerned about the drop doing damage to the movement... __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

4 July 2012, 05:12 AM	#2
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	cape cod brings back the shine

4 July 2012, 05:13 AM	#5
ddnyc77 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: nyc Posts: 425	I'm sure its not ruined. However you may be in over your head, take it to a professional watchmaker and I'm sure it will look good. However pictures wouild help.

4 July 2012, 05:29 AM	#9
linux_cat "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: UK Posts: 2	thanks guys, agreed im in WAY over my head, i tried some cape god and its brought back the shine.....ill leave it for now and take it for a proper polish by a professional.. The movement is fine, i took it back to the store it was bought from in the UK and they confirmed everything was ok. this is my first real watch, i must be more careful! thanks for the advice much appreciated!

4 July 2012, 05:46 AM	#10
mmmmp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Mark P Location: Toronto Watch: SS Wimbledon DJ41 Posts: 2,046	Take another couple runs at it w/the CC and a mircro fibre cloth. I've had amazing results doing likewise. And contrary to opinion, you can put a lot of elbow grease into your buffing with no ill effects. Just don't do it too often and tape off brushed areas. Or, as some have suggested, have it done by a pro. In any event it is not ruined by any means. Good luck!

4 July 2012, 06:14 AM	#11
Sean.c Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dubai / Ireland Watch: Sub date Posts: 505	pictures of your work?

4 July 2012, 07:11 AM	#12
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Just continue with the cape cod until happy and rinse and wear

4 July 2012, 09:12 AM	#13
z32turbo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sea Level Watch: Varies Posts: 6,877	Glad it worked out well. __________________ Instagram @z32turbo

4 July 2012, 09:16 AM	#14
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	just make sure they only polish the "polished" side and leave the brushed surface alone. __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

4 July 2012, 09:45 AM	#15
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Cape cod should be fine

4 July 2012, 09:47 AM	#16
Megalobyte "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Ari Location: Florida Watch: ...me go broke Posts: 2,428	Just FYI. Tried the cape cod alternative, ie. Sunshine Cloths, I prefer them now. They work just as well, are much cheaper, and no oily, smelly mess. I got 10 shipped for under $20 on eBay. Should last a lifetime.

4 July 2012, 01:12 PM	#18
DJJon "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Real Name: Jon Location: USA Watch: DJ - Need Sub Bad Posts: 1,889	I agree with both sentiments above: A. Take it to a professional watch maker to have it polished right, and if it is nearing time to get a service, send it to an RSC and they'll do that as part of the service, and B. Cape Cod cloths will do the trick if you dare. I turned a brushed finish cheap Seiko into a highly polished dress watch using CC cloths, elbow grease, and time.

4 July 2012, 08:06 PM	#20
How "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne Watch: 16610, Tudor 1960 Posts: 1,554	Hope this helps: http://www.clockmaker.com.au/rolex/rolex_case_polishing

4 July 2012, 10:40 PM	#21
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,489	If you're not comfortable then take it to a good watchmaker. Cape Cod should restore the shine but can also shine the brushed surfaces that are meant to be brushed if you are not careful.

10 July 2012, 03:59 PM	#22
SL1229 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Sam Location: Washington Watch: the jewels Posts: 190	So I'm can Cape Cod wipes really damage the casing? I mean, how much is too much? I've used it probably 15 times on my watch to remove scratches, but not sure if I've changed the contour of the watch or not.. __________________ DJ 116234 (random), TT Sub 16803 (9 mil), SS Sub 16610 (F serial), Oyster Perpetual 116034 (V serial), SS Sub 16610LV (M serial)

10 July 2012, 04:39 PM	#23
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,062	Just cannot see why you guys worry about a scratch or try to polish and DIY.Because at normal routine service those very nice folks at the RSC will return your watch looking almost as good as new. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

10 July 2012, 06:36 PM	#24
mikkolopez "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Philippines Posts: 2,301	have the movement checked first since the watch should tell time. which you said you did and works fine. next a scratch or ding should be a little thing, like battlescars of wearing your watch, unless you like everything perfect. if you do, a cape cod polish should be fine should not be a biggie after these.

11 July 2012, 12:17 AM	#25
WyoWatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Chad Location: USA Watch: 1675 GMT and Sub C Posts: 1,443	Yeah, just to echo what others have said here, take it to someone with the proper equipment - ie: a good buffing wheel. I make custom knives and I can tell you from many hours of experience, steel isn't easy to get marks out of and bring to a mirror polish...especially if you don't know what you're doing. You have to properly work through your grits and if you miss some deeper scratches at one step, you won't be able to get them out with the finer grits.

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