[richy240]

OH MY GOD! I was putting a suitcase in the attic and I put a GIANT scratch on the clasp of my (gulp) *new* SMP! :sad:

So, what should I do? I've heard people talk about steel wool and the like, but I think I'd rather take a more pay-a-professional-to-buff-it-out-for-me sort of approach. Is this something anyone has experience with? How much should it cost me? Will it be noticeable?

Thanks in advance for advice.

 

[symtech]

Hey Richy,

1st thing: Do not panic! Is it a surface scratch or is deep in the metal? That will help you select the method to fix it. The first scratch is the worst but it will not be the last one.

I did use a green scotchbrite pad to remove some scratches on my clasp. It's pretty easy if you take your time. I prefer to use the pad when it's wet. You can buff with the green side by going in one direction and putting small amount of pressure. Always follow the «grain» of the metal. You can wipe with the sponge side to check your progress.

A couple of hours after I fix mine, new scratches could be seen, so I will do it again in a couple of months.

You can find lots of tips on this forum or on the archive in the old house.

Most of all, enjoy your watch and don't worry scratches makes good stories to tell. Also, if you can, post some pictures of the damage.

Have a good night and Happy New Year!

 

[glimmer]

OH MY GOD! I was putting a suitcase in the attic and I put a GIANT scratch on the clasp of my (gulp) *new* SMP! :sad:

So, what should I do? I've heard people talk about steel wool and the like, but I think I'd rather take a more pay-a-professional-to-buff-it-out-for-me sort of approach. Is this something anyone has experience with? How much should it cost me? Will it be noticeable?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Hi,
Most often the best advice I've heard and tried is using Scotchbrite (the pads) to buff out the scratch. Use the green side and apply it on the clasp, moving it in one direction. I don't use any compound or any liquids, just dry application. Anyhow scratches are a part of wearing the watch...but if you really want to buff it out this would be the best way to go...you'll get the hang of it but at first you'd feel awkward in doing it...:001_smile:

 

[Mike295855]

I am sorry to hear that. My seamaster is also new and the clasp has many scratches. That clasp is a magnet for scratches.

John himself has recommended using a scotchbrite sponge on the clasp. I myself have done it and it works. Nevertheless, one piece of advice that I received from the fellow members here was to learn to live with it. If you chase every single scratch down you will go crazy. I understand that it is new and it means a lot to you.

Hope that helps

 

[richy240]

No, it's not really that bad - I'm just panicking, really. And being picky. It's a surface scratch, not the last of course, and it appears it could easily be buffed out. It's just SO BIG!

Scotchbrite, huh? I'm not so sure... Which one specifically? They've got a variety of pads to use: http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scotchbrite/products/scrubber.html

 

[symtech]

I use the one found in grocery store, the one with the green buffing pad. The grit is small enough to correct scratches. I use it wet but lots of people have use it dry. Try both ways, you will see what works best...

 

[Fergie]

OH MY GOD! I was putting a suitcase in the attic and I put a GIANT scratch on the clasp of my (gulp) *new* SMP! :sad:

So, what should I do?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Learn to live with them. I found it quite upsetting when I saw scratches on my watch at first. Even more when I looked at the bracelet through a magnifying glass. And as one of the people who have posted more topics on the removal of scratches I understand your pain. But you will have to learn to live with the scratches and just attend to your watch every 6 months to a year, or else it will consume you and before you know it, your clasp will be wafer thin. You have been warned!!

 

[LarryD]

Scotchbrite, huh? I'm not so sure... Which one specifically? They've got a variety of pads to use: http://www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/scotchbrite/products/scrubber.html

The green scouring pad is the one to get.:thumbup1:

You will be surprised how easily it takes the scratch off...

Well, actually...it takes surrounding metal off...this blends the bracelet back to its original look....but remember, you are re-arranging the grain of the metal and removing some...so don't do this every day..

It's worth a couple of bucks... you can't do worse than it is...if you really screw it up, then it's time for professional help..

Practice on some spare kitchen knives and forks....

:cool1:

 

[timefinder]

It is *not* a scratch. Think of it this way. It is a memory that has been slightly etched in your watch. Whereas you were putting away the luggage, you must have just come from some great trip, so think of it as a reminder of the vacation you took! My watch has thousands of memory etchings! :001_smile:

 

[beamon]

It is *not* a scratch. Think of it this way. It is a memory that has been slightly etched in your watch. Whereas you were putting away the luggage, you must have just come from some great trip, so think of it as a reminder of the vacation you took! My watch has thousands of memory etchings! :001_smile:

Gives a whole new meaning to the line, "Wanna see my etchings?" :biggrin:

 

[richy240]

It is *not* a scratch. Think of it this way. It is a memory that has been slightly etched in your watch. Whereas you were putting away the luggage, you must have just come from some great trip, so think of it as a reminder of the vacation you took! My watch has thousands of memory etchings! :001_smile:

Well, had I gotten drunk, fell on my face and got bitten by a dog, I would agree with you. I could laugh about that later. Unfortunately, I was putting a suitcase in the attic when I scratched the clasp. Not as fun, I'd say. :sad:

The vacation, however, was a good time.

 

[J!m]

I have used the maroon colored 3M ScotchBrite pads on my SMP GMT.

Omega sells the grey ScotchBrite pads as the 'correct' pad for their Titanium models. Ofrei has these, but they are much cheaper from McMaster-Carr or MSC...

 

[Houston]

All this talk about ScotchBrite in the vicinity of watches is making me feel decidedly off colour.

Richy I would take Mr Timefinder's memory etchings route to healing were I in your shoes - short of visiting the watchmaker. That said, the guys are right on the SB approach. It's just not for me ..... :001_rolleyes:


Be well pal

ZIN

 

[LarryD]

There are other options..

Sensitive content, not recommended for those under 18

Show Content

one of Jocke's great photos.

 

[richy240]

All this talk about ScotchBrite in the vicinity of watches is making me feel decidedly off colour.

Richy I would take Mr Timefinder's memory etchings route to healing were I in your shoes - short of visiting the watchmaker. That said, the guys are right on the SB approach. It's just not for me ..... :001_rolleyes:


Be well pal

ZIN

Hmm... I guess I'll see if the scratch grows on me. I don't like the idea of using Scotchbrite either.

There are other options..

Sensitive content, not recommended for those under 18

Show Content

one of Jocke's great photos.

AHH!

 

[ama11441]

Most of the clasp scratches on my Omegas result from moving my hand around on my desk. I stretched some Clear Mailing Tape (from the post office) over the clasp and trimmed it with a razor blade. If it lasts a week or so I will be happy.