Scratches: to buff or not?

Why do you want to buff out your memories? 😂 I understand the first scratch is an eye sore, but it will be less of a thing after you pick up a few more. No matter how careful you are with your watches, especially for polished parts, they will pick up scratches over time. 
just let it be and now the watch is uniquely yours :)

You should give it a few weeks to see how you feel. Buffing it out is not a great idea since you’ll be altering the shape of the case. You will likely scratch it again in the same place and it’ll be a vicious cycle

Just remember, every polish removes metal. Not a lot, but it does. 

You do you. Your possession, your rules. 

That is exactly why I don't like all polished case.

In my case with the Explorer I just let it be. It's part of the journey. That's not what my watchmaker believes, but our discussions about it is also part of the journey.

I say no.  

i wouldn't. it'll just get scratched again.

I think it's one of those self-made dilemmas where we think that a tiny small/mark scratch is huge and everyone can see it therefore ruining the watch. I don't think that's the case, I honestly think it adds a bit of personal charm/character - that you like wearing it and that it not just sitting in a drawer/safe deposit box. So a "no" from me but it's all down to your preference :) 

Lovely watch, Longines coming out with some really nice classics.

I'd keep the scratches, it makes a watch your watch 😉

scratched up watches look cool, fact! just watch the latest talking watches of hodinkee with this cook... even his saphire crystals were scratched up like acrylic crystals 😂 i really love that look. dont worry about the scratches, just collect and chill 😉🤙

This is one of my favorites watches in my collection. 

If you’re not scratching it, you’re not wearing it!

I’ve been looking into this LLD a lot in the past couple of weeks. Really tempted to get one just need to try them on in person. 
A couple of surface scratches should be the standard for a watch that’s worn. I wouldn’t worry. 

Buff it out. I mean every few years obviously, not manically. Dishes get washed and dried, clothing laundered and pressed. Metal gets buffed and polished. Or do you want to cherish that memory of spilling spaghetti sauce on that white shirt? Don't bleach it, chemicals are harsh to the fabric!!!

I clean up all my watches. Not obsessively, just when I feel like I need to. I first learned how to do polished surfaces by hand, then with a dremel. Then I learned how to do brushed surfaces with a dremel. I can’t fix deep gouges. It’s another way to interact with my collection and it’s so very satisfying to get a watch case back to new or remove the desk rash from a bracelet clasp.

Only buff if you require, otherwise try and even it up on the other lugs. I find office doorframes are particularly misleading after a cheeky half at lunchtime, so it might hasten the desired distressed look.

I used to not able to withstand my watch not looking new. But now I feel that a watch with scratch marks shows character rather than flaw. I would leave it as it is. 

If it bothers you and like me you are meticulous. I advise you to buy Cape Cod wipes. The result is great on all mirror polished surfaces.

Leave it be mate. Tool/ drivers always look better for it 👍

i say wait for it, after a few year you might want to buff it

I would probably leave it. I suppose once it gets to be a lot, then I might change my mind and have it polished. 

If you are OCD, and it bothers you, a little Simichrome polish and a Q-Tip should do the trick.  Be careful not to polish away that crisp case line and you will be fine.

True, this scratch is a memory of myself possibly reaching my hand hastily into a bag and grazing the zipper hardware. 😂 It seems unavoidable especially given the size of this watch.

In my humble opinion, watches are meant to be worn and every little scratch gives your watch character and history. Just to give an example, I have a pre-moon Speedy that belonged to my grandfather, which at some point fell off and stayed with a detail in the bicel and I would never think of changing it, because for me that gives it an inheritance.

I'm interested!  How does one buff out scratches on a polished case or brushed clasp?  I'll try by hand first.  

Don't currently have a Dremel but would consider buying one if it works like a hot damn.  Cheers! 🍻

While all my daily watches are scratches gone crazy, my white whale is the scratches in my DLC watch.  Closest repair for that I've gotten is jiffy marker... but it wears off in about 1 day.

I know, right?  We are all supposed to be in love with our scratches since it adds character.  I personally am not feelin' that way....

I guess if it's scratch number 3286 then it's character?  But scratch number 4 on a polished surface is just a painful reminder of my random clumsy arm swings...

A scratch or 2 is a clumsy accident, but a thousand scratches is a life well lived!