To Polish or Not-Polish?
Wearing and enjoying a watch comes with some wear (scratches). The topic of polishing is often debated for both the watches you own and the potential pre-owned watches you want to buy.
Some loves the idea of scratches telling a story, while others hate the looks of it.
Would you prefer to polish or not polish your watch / pre-owned watches?
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Kharis
🇮🇩🇭🇰 New watch enthusiast & accuracy snob from Indonesia! Want to learn more about horology with fellow enthusiast! Proud owner of Seiko SARB033 & Casio GW-M5610
Hong Kong
Member since
Last active: 1 year ago
Virtually all my scratches are hairline scratches not worthy of saving for patina’s sake. So polish that thing up. 👍
I voted polish, but...
It has to be light (deep scratches to avoid), by a professional who knows what is doing (so many watches are ruined because of amateurs), and probably not more than 3 or 4 times in a watch lifetime. My personal opinion of course.
Only two of my watches were purchased used, but I had the crystals replaced on both of them right away.
I also think that's an important distinction. Scuffs on the body or band of the watch makes it look worn and loved. Scratches on the sapphire make it look uncared for, IMO.
Since polishing actually removes metal and can change the shape of the case and bracelet over time, no thanks unless done lightly by a professional. And even then, it's iffy.