Before:


After:


Review: Doesn’t do magic filling but incredible results for a raw/unsanded crystal - I was using Menzerna 3500 before, makes more sense to be on a higher level as imperfections rarely go that fine

 

Try sanding and don't be afraid. Just try to spread out your sanding strokes so as not to optically distort the crystal. Basically just avoid concentrating on one spot. I'm not so sure doing this with an unmounted crystal is such a great idea tho. I prefer mounted on the watch with masking tape around the case edges so nothing gets inside the crystal. Once you get dust/debris inside and attempt to wipe the inside clean it's hard to get things "crystal" clear again.

 

I'll go as course as 320, then > 400, 600, 1500 and polish.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, my approach was also mask, sand + polish - but many of the compounds can't be found internationally, Menzerna products however are widely available in this part of the world as they are for automotives - so this is a review on a test crystal for those who are in search for alternatives

I go 800, 2000, 5000, 7000 - but I doubt whether 7000 does any good, if the sandpaper piece is smaller than the crystal, the edges of the paper leaves stroke marks larger than 7000 grit - so the next time I have a go, I'll likely do a quick 800 without going too deep, 2000, then Menzerna 400, 5000, and Menzerna 3500

Sometimes you'll need to remove the crystal tough as there'll be rust between the crystal and the case, in the second picture you can see a reverse rolled masking tape holding the crystal in place, it prevents compounds from getting inside the crystal

I think both approaches have their ups and downs, but I too avoid removing crystals whenever I can

In the long run considering trying Menzerna's final polish too

 

I'm all for eventually removing the crystal to continue the resto work just not before I sand and polish. I'm not sure what anything finer than 1500 grit could help as most decent polishes are capable of pushing through the 1500 sanding marks. Sounds like a whole lot more work and steps but then again I'm a former auto body man and used to using compounds to clean up surfaces.