Watch Maintenance question

[Lucky Bob]

I started a thread a while ago about repairing a new (at that point) beadblasted titanium watch (Seiko SNA139). Came to the conclusion that scotchbrite would do the trick for scratches in the thin beadblasting on the titanium. Just wanted to make sure that this is the scotchbrite we're talking about. Also, anybody have any suggestions for polishing some minor dings in the hardened mineral crystal ("Hardlex"). I'm thinking Maas, since it's the only multi-purpose polishing compound I have on hand, but I wanted to get y'all's opinon!

 

[Midget]

i dunno about the scotchbrite, although the pads you linked to will likely do the trick. i've polished my seiko 5 using the felt wheel + polishing compound + dremel before, with good results. if the scratches are not too deep, consider some very fine sandpaper (>=800 grit), then some brasso + cloth.


as for the mineral crystal, you will have a very difficult time removing imperfections. mineral crystal and sapphire crystals are VERY hard surfaces. i wouldn't sweat crystal damage. when it gets too horrible, get it replaced with either a sapphire crystal or an acrylic one.

if you want professional work, there's a lot of rave around industrial watchworks and mkii watch company.

http://www.angelfire.com/blues/andcameysiww/Firstpage.html
http://www.mkiiwatches.com

i have experience with bill at mkiiwatches.com, and the service is nothing short of impressive.

 

[Midget]

oooh, scratch my advice on the dremel/felt wheel/brasso. i didnt realize your surface was beadblasted.

the dremel/brasso would be more for a satin, polished finish.

your scotchbrite will probably do the trick though.

 

[Lucky Bob]

Alrighty, thanks.

And it's not quite worth sending to get serviced, yet

 

[GarageBoy]

They seller finer scotchbrite..(commerical) use that instead..creates a less rough surface

 

[JohnG]

Look for International Watch Works on the web--they do case sandblasting, reluminating, all the good stuff.

Also, try Broadarrow.net, the Military watch Forum. Great place to ask these sorts of questions, as is Timezone.

 

[GarageBoy]

Drop by the Seiko Citizen forum (google up SCWF, 2nd link down) IWW and Randall (Hands of Time) do resto jobs all the time

 

[kamkazmoto]

You might try the nail files that they use to buff your nails to polish the crystal. If it is a saphire crystal it shouldn't scratch and if it is plastic the flexible nail files that have different grits work great. Just make sure that you get one that has a very smooth polishing side.

 

[Cougar Allen]

I want to clarify that quick before you wreak havoc -- Kamkazmoto is not talking about a nail file. He is talking about a nail buff.

 

[Lucky Bob]

I want to clarify that quick before you wreak havoc -- Kamkazmoto is not talking about a nail file. He is talking about a nail buff.

Good, he had me scared for a moment. Thanks again, Cougar!

Thanks to all the rest of you, too. I don't think I'm going to get it sent out-of-house for restoration (it's only a $130 watch), so thanks especially to those with homebrew advice.