Let’s Talk Scratches
So it’s no secret that I used to be, and in many ways still am, a scratch baby. By scratch baby I mean that I do not like scratches on my watches, (even from regular, daily wear), and when I notice a scratch, it bothers me to a certain extent.
Obviously not all scratches are created equally; firstly, scratches on the bracelet near the clasp and scratches on the case itself are two separate ballparks in my book— also— big, deep cuts into the metal probably drive almost all of us watch geeks insane, where lighter “swirls” and small surface scratches are generally seen as almost a necessity for proper acknowledgement of “actually wearing your watch”.
The previous statement is where I start to disagree a bit with the consensus. I have worn numerous high-polish watches daily, at work and at home, and have never even inflicted the slightest scratch on anything other than the clasps (not that the naked eye can distinguish at least).
My Orient Kamasu and San Martin Datejust Homage are two of the watches that I “actually wore” every day in a variety of situations, and looked brand new, other than, like I mentioned, a few swirls on the clasps. These watches I have since sold. (I regret selling the Kamasu a bit, but I was trying to do something in my personal life that required some liquidation).
I literally had messages on both eBay listings asking if I even wore the watches or if I polished them, and of course I was truthful and said yes I wore them, and no I didn’t polish the cases. I now currently have my Tissot LeLocle and PRX as the watches in my collection that have high-polished surfaces
(Haven’t worn the LeLocle in a few days, I’m still in honeymoon mode with my PRX)
and you guessed it!—zero scratches on anything other than the clasp links on the PRX bracelet, seen above by the title. Anything that may appear to be a mark on the LeLocle is certainly just a reflection.
So what’s the point of all this rambling? Well I like to point out that us watch lovers can indeed “actually wear our watches” and not subject them to nicks, scratches, and gouges on the cases themselves (which more thoroughly applies to watches that come on straps, like my LeLocle).
Where do I get this annoying mindset from?
My dad. I can’t tell you how many times the words “take care of your things” came out of his mouth while I grew up, so I always was fixated on making sure to do just that—take care of my things. Where I went wrong with this mindset is that you can take perfectly good care of your things and subject them to a little physical deterioration at the same time—with watches, this may take the form of regular servicing, or strap changes, or even just washing/cleaning your watches that may be a little beat up. I am still learning to let go of the physical, but when you live in the physical world, it can be hard to do.
Also, something that makes a huge difference is the length of ownership while wearing daily. A few months of daily wear with no scratches isn’t really an amazing accomplishment; let’s talk years or decades and then we will see how quickly my “scratch babiness” goes away.
I never had to consciously think about what was on my wrist when wearing these watches in order to keep them scratch-free, it just comes naturally to me as someone that doesn’t let their things get very beat up—phone, tablet, car, you name it.
Being true to myself, I don’t think being a scratch baby will ever go away completely, but as long as it doesn’t prevent me from wearing what I love and doing what I love, then I’m OK being a little bit of a scratch baby.
Unfortunately, EBay removes the listings after 90 days, so I have no other photos of my since sold watches (other than what’s on my profile), but I will leave you with this: if you don’t like scratching your watch, buy one that is already “broken in” 😂 like this Seiko 5 with a bead blasted case:
Absolutely none of the visible markings came from my daily wear, and if I did, well I guess I wouldn’t be able to notice against the bead blasted finish—problem solved.
Even better yet, get a bronze watch; the scratched shiny bronze will certainly patina and then you won’t even notice after a short time. You may feel it though, as I did with my old bronze watch.
Well, enough rambling for me, can you tell I don’t have people in person to talk watches with? So all of you crunchers are stuck with my word vomit.
Have a good Thursday/Friday and feel free to drop any anti-scratch baby inspiration, insights, or just plain ramblings down below.
MI, USA • Quartz & Mechanical Lover • I ramble a lot
My DeepBlue is my work watch. Working on cars, the house, machinery doesn’t matter. I wear that watch and it has the battle scars to prove it. My pseudo dress watch , a Glycine could almost pass as new. If my car broke down on the side of the road, I’d take the glycine off before I started working. Whereas I may use my DeepBlue as a strap wrench if it would get me home.
For reference, I’ve had the same phone since 2017. It’s mint condition, not a single chip ding or anything. I definitely can appreciate taking care of things. Treating them well. At the same time, everything has its purpose. It’s not that I don’t care about my DeepBlue. Quite the opposite actually. Those scars remind me of challenges and obstacles I’ve overcome.
Nobody likes scratches, especially that first mark on a brandy-new watch.
You can choose certain watches that are more scratch resistant for sure. The fully tegimented Sinn watches come to mind as do Duratect equipped Citizen watches. To a lesser extent Seiko Diashield as well.
My DeepBlue is my work watch. Working on cars, the house, machinery doesn’t matter. I wear that watch and it has the battle scars to prove it. My pseudo dress watch , a Glycine could almost pass as new. If my car broke down on the side of the road, I’d take the glycine off before I started working. Whereas I may use my DeepBlue as a strap wrench if it would get me home.
For reference, I’ve had the same phone since 2017. It’s mint condition, not a single chip ding or anything. I definitely can appreciate taking care of things. Treating them well. At the same time, everything has its purpose. It’s not that I don’t care about my DeepBlue. Quite the opposite actually. Those scars remind me of challenges and obstacles I’ve overcome.
Very good way of thinking about it. I think I remember seeing a post or something on IG about a mechanic that wanted to essentially see how long a Seiko 5 would last after being worn while he worked on cars. Lord knows what he did to it, but I think he said it died after 5 months. He definitely treated it like a torture test though. If it dies, can always get a service done or movement swap if needed without losing any sentimentality 💪
Nobody likes scratches, especially that first mark on a brandy-new watch.
You can choose certain watches that are more scratch resistant for sure. The fully tegimented Sinn watches come to mind as do Duratect equipped Citizen watches. To a lesser extent Seiko Diashield as well.
Had to go cruise to the Sinn website to have a read and make my wallet ache. It is an interesting technology
Had to go cruise to the Sinn website to have a read and make my wallet ache. It is an interesting technology
Damasko also has a similar technology at a more affordable price. You can find what you like and then look for a better deal preowned, your wallet will thank you.
When I got my first “collector’s” watch it was already scratched up. If a sctached up Omega Seamaster Pro is fine, I don’t see how scratches on my newer, less collectible watches—whether bought brand new or preloved—would bother me.
That said, I used to be precious about my things. I would wipe my Macbook every hour when I first acquired it to keep the trackpad oilfree. Now? I don’t put my iphone on a case, it doesn’t even have a tempered glass on it. I don’t wipe off my laptop. The only scratchfree thing I have is my 4-month old crossover vehicle. Maybe even that is no longer scratchfree under magnifying lens. I do take care of my stuff. I don’t actively bang them on other stuff. But I’ve learned to let go. If I have to sell things, maybe I will lose money on the deal. Oh well. C’est la vie. I don’t know how I got to this point though.
But the sense of freedom I feel by not worrying about pristineness (is that a word?) means I get to own things, not let things own me.
It definitely depends on the watch for me. For example I really want to wear the heck out of my skx because I like how they look after being worn for a long time. However, i don’t like too many scratches in my other watches. Totally fine with clasp scratches because there is nothing you can do.
If it's a watch I'm certain Ill never sell, then I actually like the wear tear that it acquires. My full metal gold G-Shock that I've worn alot in the year and a half that I've had it has picked up a fair few scratches and marks.
It’s always a bit irksome - Sinn and several micro brands harden their steel and Ti to 1200 vickers, but major brands don’t ever do this.
Most of my watches are quite scratched. my active life and way of moving in the world are the cause.
Weirdly, My new GS Blue snowfield is still 100% scratch free after a few weeks - kind of shocking. I take care of it, but I live the scratchy life. So quite surprised it’s fairing so well. Maybe GS did something extra on it.
My other fancy watch, a GS 413, was bought pre scratched. It feels so good to not really have any concerns and wear with reckless abandon. It’s Ti and I think likely is a scratch magnet 🧲
I hate scratches, but I'm also the guy who doesn't baby my watches. I see them as things to be worn and while I still treat the with respect, I am content knowing that the brand new shiny thing on my wrist will certainly not be as flawless in a year's time.
When I got my first “collector’s” watch it was already scratched up. If a sctached up Omega Seamaster Pro is fine, I don’t see how scratches on my newer, less collectible watches—whether bought brand new or preloved—would bother me.
That said, I used to be precious about my things. I would wipe my Macbook every hour when I first acquired it to keep the trackpad oilfree. Now? I don’t put my iphone on a case, it doesn’t even have a tempered glass on it. I don’t wipe off my laptop. The only scratchfree thing I have is my 4-month old crossover vehicle. Maybe even that is no longer scratchfree under magnifying lens. I do take care of my stuff. I don’t actively bang them on other stuff. But I’ve learned to let go. If I have to sell things, maybe I will lose money on the deal. Oh well. C’est la vie. I don’t know how I got to this point though.
But the sense of freedom I feel by not worrying about pristineness (is that a word?) means I get to own things, not let things own me.
No phone case is a little too wild for me, just from a practical point. These days you drop a full glass iPhone and you’re out minimum $200 and that’s with monthly insurance premiums; without, you are looking at $500.
It definitely depends on the watch for me. For example I really want to wear the heck out of my skx because I like how they look after being worn for a long time. However, i don’t like too many scratches in my other watches. Totally fine with clasp scratches because there is nothing you can do.
Yup that is pretty much exactly where I am at as well. Bracelet and clasp scratches are just inevitable. I’ve only had my PRX for like 5 days and the scratches on the clasp don’t bother me.
It’s always a bit irksome - Sinn and several micro brands harden their steel and Ti to 1200 vickers, but major brands don’t ever do this.
Most of my watches are quite scratched. my active life and way of moving in the world are the cause.
Weirdly, My new GS Blue snowfield is still 100% scratch free after a few weeks - kind of shocking. I take care of it, but I live the scratchy life. So quite surprised it’s fairing so well. Maybe GS did something extra on it.
My other fancy watch, a GS 413, was bought pre scratched. It feels so good to not really have any concerns and wear with reckless abandon. It’s Ti and I think likely is a scratch magnet 🧲
Great watches; at first I thought Ti was supposed to be more scratch resistant than SS, but I have since found out that it is not the case.
I hate scratches, but I'm also the guy who doesn't baby my watches. I see them as things to be worn and while I still treat the with respect, I am content knowing that the brand new shiny thing on my wrist will certainly not be as flawless in a year's time.
I am beginning to think exactly like you my friend. Personally, I would rather wake up one day and see the scratch, and be surprised rather than actually consciously scratching it, and realizing it in the moment.
Get Rado watches with their high tech scratchproof ceramic case and bracelets.
I just use a bit of 3M Scotch tape on vulnerable parts 😜
Great watches; at first I thought Ti was supposed to be more scratch resistant than SS, but I have since found out that it is not the case.
Some say that titanium is really scratch resistant due to it's hardness. The scratch mark is just the oxidised titanium on the surface. Don't know how true. Normally it can be buffed out with scouring pads.
You may consider ceramic watches. They never pick up scratches. I had a Chanel J12 GMT for 6 years (before giving it to my wife). I wore that everyday. It picked up no scratches what so ever. The entire case and bracelet is made of ceramic.
No phone case is a little too wild for me, just from a practical point. These days you drop a full glass iPhone and you’re out minimum $200 and that’s with monthly insurance premiums; without, you are looking at $500.
What can I say? I’m a wild one.
Some say that titanium is really scratch resistant due to it's hardness. The scratch mark is just the oxidised titanium on the surface. Don't know how true. Normally it can be buffed out with scouring pads.
I’m not very knowledgeable, but a quick Google I did yesterday actually turned up that titanium is softer than stainless steel. Unless I looked at the wrong thing.
Some say that titanium is really scratch resistant due to it's hardness. The scratch mark is just the oxidised titanium on the surface. Don't know how true. Normally it can be buffed out with scouring pads.
I had a Titanium Pelagos 42. It picked up lots of scratches after 1 week.
I sold that watch after the A.D offered me a submariner
Personally, I like to live in my watches. I love scratches, nicks, swirls, etc. All of the blemishes tell a story. But, if you’re looking to sell your watches or just like to baby them in the sense that you Ike to take extra care of your things then I totally understand looking at your collection you would not want to see any imperfections. Just like some people thinking that Quartz watches have no soul, IMO I can say the same thing about a watch you own that you can’t fully live in because you’re too careful while wearing it. How can you truly experience it? How can you truly enjoy it!?
Personally, I like to live in my watches. I love scratches, nicks, swirls, etc. All of the blemishes tell a story. But, if you’re looking to sell your watches or just like to baby them in the sense that you Ike to take extra care of your things then I totally understand looking at your collection you would not want to see any imperfections. Just like some people thinking that Quartz watches have no soul, IMO I can say the same thing about a watch you own that you can’t fully live in because you’re too careful while wearing it. How can you truly experience it? How can you truly enjoy it!?
Well, part of my point was that I am living it up while wearing my watches, yet I still keep them nice at the same time. I’m not going rock climbing anytime soon, but if I were, I guess I could forgo wearing my favorite watch for the duration of my activity in order to keep it looking nice, and not miss out on any life experience—just my take on the matter.
Kind of like a Jeep lover that goes mudding every weekend, but also gets a wash and wax once a month and keeps their Jeep looking nice.
Well, part of my point was that I am living it up while wearing my watches, yet I still keep them nice at the same time. I’m not going rock climbing anytime soon, but if I were, I guess I could forgo wearing my favorite watch for the duration of my activity in order to keep it looking nice, and not miss out on any life experience—just my take on the matter.
Kind of like a Jeep lover that goes mudding every weekend, but also gets a wash and wax once a month and keeps their Jeep looking nice.
Love that jeep analogy. Great way to look at it. I travel a lot (too much if you ask my GF) so, I’ll go completely insane if I thought about every scratch, nick or swirl. But, I totally understand wanting to keep your things nice. That’s always my intention from the first moment I purchase them. Just the way my life is set up, there is absolutely no way that I can keep them pristine. Not too mention that I have an adventurous toddler roaming the halls daily that I have to keep up with…
I 100% agree, I don't quite understand how watches of some people get so banged up. If I don't treat something gently then I buy the cheapest thing that does the job.
I think that's common sense but, like yours, my dad used to say "take care of your stuff" all the time too 🍻
Love that jeep analogy. Great way to look at it. I travel a lot (too much if you ask my GF) so, I’ll go completely insane if I thought about every scratch, nick or swirl. But, I totally understand wanting to keep your things nice. That’s always my intention from the first moment I purchase them. Just the way my life is set up, there is absolutely no way that I can keep them pristine. Not too mention that I have an adventurous toddler roaming the halls daily that I have to keep up with…
I’ll bet life as a parent would definitely change my perspective a bit! Definitely can’t be worried about items and things when you’ve got kids on the mind 😂 very good point my friend
I’ll bet life as a parent would definitely change my perspective a bit! Definitely can’t be worried about items and things when you’ve got kids on the mind 😂 very good point my friend
One day my GF FaceTimed me while I was traveling for work & told me my daughter got into my watches & was running around the house banging it on whatever she ran pass. My heart almost dropped. I asked her to show me which one & it was my Seiko SPB151 “Captain Willard”. I breathed a sigh of relief because that thing is a tank…🤣
…’scratch baby’. I must then be fresh from the womb.
One day my GF FaceTimed me while I was traveling for work & told me my daughter got into my watches & was running around the house banging it on whatever she ran pass. My heart almost dropped. I asked her to show me which one & it was my Seiko SPB151 “Captain Willard”. I breathed a sigh of relief because that thing is a tank…🤣
Hahah that is hilarious! Same, my seiko 5 could be dropped from the Empire State Building and as long at it worked I wouldn’t even care