A quick question on polishing...

Posts
404
Likes
330
Hi guys,

I am aware that cases/bracelets can be polished from time to time in order to remove scratches and scuffs, but my question relates to the case back.

Can the area around the Omega 'globe' etching be polished? I have the sapphire case back, and the outer SS ring is polished but there are a couple of scuffs around that detail. There are very light scuffs/scratches but noticeable in the light. Will polishing rub away the detail of the etching?

It's a new watch, picking up the inevitible daily knocks etc but I don't know how I've managed to scuff that bit!

It's not like I'm going to rush it away for polishing after every scrape, but I'd like to know that come service time, these particular marks would disappear without losing the globe.

Thanks!
 
Posts
3,070
Likes
3,529
It depends on how deep the marks are. Polishing, by definition, requires the removal of some material to achieve a smooth surface.
 
Posts
404
Likes
330
It depends on how deep the marks are. Polishing, by definition, requires the removal of some material to achieve a smooth surface.

Yeah, that's why I was concerned, as the etching is not very deep in the steel and so I wouldn't want the act of polishing away the scratches to affect the detail. The scratches are very light and superficial, and if they were anywhere else on the watch I wouldn't be bothered.
 
Posts
8,742
Likes
69,421
Don't worry about it.

How often are you going to look at the back of the watch?

And when you do, you should be looking at that lovely movement!!😉
 
Posts
404
Likes
330
Don't worry about it.

How often are you going to look at the back of the watch?

And when you do, you should be looking at that lovely movement!!😉

This is very true. It was when I was admiring the movement in the sunlight that I noticed the marks!

It's a combinaion of my keen eye for detail coupled with my unrealistic expectation of perfection!
 
Posts
27,701
Likes
70,395
My recommendation on scratches on the case back is to leave them alone unless they are bad enough to cause discomfort when wearing the watch. As noted you don't normally look at the back all day long, so for me it's less of a concern. Although some people are slightly obsessive about these things - I once had someone send me a watch so I could polish the inside of the case lugs as the spring bars had made marks in there and he wanted them gone. With the bracelet in place you could not even see the marks of course, but no amount of logic would sway this person, so I did what I could (not an easy place to polish!).

Cheers, Al
 
Posts
404
Likes
330
Thanks Al. It is very much an obsessive, aesthetic point (although not to the degree of the example you mention!).

It looks like it's the bracelet that has marked it as I have placed the watch down flat (the Omega globe is roughly at the 12 o'clock position). It's just a bit of a shame as it is such a fine, intricate detail that I would prefer not to damage/lose.
 
Posts
175
Likes
54
My recommendation on scratches on the case back is to leave them alone unless they are bad enough to cause discomfort when wearing the watch. As noted you don't normally look at the back all day long, so for me it's less of a concern. Although some people are slightly obsessive about these things - I once had someone send me a watch so I could polish the inside of the case lugs as the spring bars had made marks in there and he wanted them gone. With the bracelet in place you could not even see the marks of course, but no amount of logic would sway this person, so I did what I could (not an easy place to polish!).

Cheers, Al
This sounds like something I would do.