How to Polish a Watch

Co-authored by Edward Lewand

Last Updated: March 2, 2023 References

To keep your watch looking shiny and new, polish it every 3 months. You can easily remove small scratches from the metal with a small amount of elbow grease and patience. Watches made from steel, titanium, gold, and platinum, are the best candidates for polishing and can often be restored to their former glory. For the best result, clean the watch before polishing it with a polishing cloth.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Buffing the Crystal Face

1
Rub the watch face with 1500-grit wet sandpaper for 30 seconds. Wet the surface of the 1500-grit sandpaper. Rub the paper back and forth over the entire watch faces for about 30 seconds. Use a consistent pressure as you sand the watch. You will notice the scratches disappearing from your watch face.^{[1]
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- You can find sandpaper at a hardware store.
2
Polish the crystal face with aluminum polish. Place a pea-sized drop of aluminum cleaner onto a clean cloth. Rub the cloth back and forth over the entire area. Continue to rub the watch face until you are happy with how it looks.
- The longer you rub the watch face, the more polished it will look.^{[2]
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- Aluminium cleaner is effective on all metal types.
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3
Wipe the watch face with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe any excess polish off the watch face. The microfiber cloth will leave the watch face free from streaks.^{[3]
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- Purchase a microfiber cloth from a jewellery store.
4
Repeat the polishing process if there are still scratches. If there are still scratches after you have sanded and polished the watch, repeat the process once more.
- Take the watch to a jeweller if there are still scratches after the second polish.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Polishing the Bracelet

1
Rub 1 link of the bracelet with wet 1500-grit sandpaper. Run water over the surface of the 1500-grit sandpaper. Rub the paper horizontally over 1 link of the bracelet for about 30 seconds. Use a consistent pressure as you sand the link, as this will give the bracelet an even finish. If there are still visible scratches after 30 seconds, continue sanding until you are happy with the finish of the link.^{[5]
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- Sandpaper can be purchased from a hardware store.
- This polishing method is suitable for metal watches.
2
Rub a polishing cloth over the scratched surfaces for up to 2 minutes. Choose a polishing cloth that is designed for fine metals. Rub the cloth back and forth over the link. Make sure to polish the edges of the link so that the bracelet has an even shine.^{[6]
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- Rub the watch gently at first. If the scratches remain untouched, rub the watch with more pressure. Avoid pressing too hard as this can make the watch surface uneven.
- Purchase a polishing cloth from a jewelry store.
3
Repeat the polishing process on each link of the bracelet. Polish the bracelet one link at a time. This will help to achieve an even finish across the bracelet. Once you have finished polishing the bracelet, check that the bracelet has an even shine. If any areas look a bit dull, rub the polishing cloth over them once more.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Cleaning Your Watch

1
Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of dish soap. Measure 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and gently pour it into a small bowl. Pour 1 tbsp (15 mL) of dish soap into the bowl. Mix the water and dish soap together until the mixture becomes foamy. The dish soap helps to break down the oils and greasy particles that form on watch straps.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
- Use an unscented dish soap if you want your watch to have a neutral smell.
- It is advisable to clean your watch before polishing it.
2
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to lightly scrub the watch strap. Dip a clean toothbrush into the water and dish soap mix and shake off any excess water. Lightly scrub the toothbrush back and forth over the watch. Pay particular attention to any areas that have visible dirt.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
- If your watch face isn’t waterproof, keep the water away from the face and concentrate on the strap.
3
Rinse the soap suds off the watch. If your watch is waterproof, place the entire watch under a tap and allow the tap water to rinse off all the suds. If your watch isn’t waterproof, cover the body of the watch with your hand and separately rinse each side of the strap.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
4
Dry the watch with a lint-free cloth. Gently rub the entire watch with your cloth to remove the water. This is important as moisture on the watch can cause mildew. Make sure to remove all the water from between the joins and links in the watch.
- Consider using a microfiber cloth as this won’t leave any streak marks on the metal. However, any absorbent cloth will do the job adequately.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Determining When to Polish

1
Reconsider buffing the watch if you want to sell it. Most people would agree that a polished watch band looks superior to a dusty one. However, avoid polishing a vintage watch as this may devalue it. Collectors often prefer the vintage look, despite the scratches and dings.^{[11]
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2
Check that polishing the watch won’t void the warranty. Many watches come with warranties that last a number of years. However, some warranties specify that polishing the watch yourself will void the warrant. Check the warranty slip to find the warranty specifications.^{[12]
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- If polishing the watch voids the warranty, ask the watch manufacturer to suggest a professional cleaner that can polish the watch for you.
3
Take your watch to a professional if it has deep scratches. If your watch has visibly deep scratches, or the scratches are still prominent after polishing it for 2 minutes, take the watch to a jeweler. A jeweler will be able to assess if the watch is fixable and can professionally polish it for you.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Expert Interview. 6 August 2019.}
- If you have a vintage watch, try to find a jeweler that specialises in vintage or estate jewellery.
4
Polish the watch if you are looking to remove scratches. Polishing your watch will help to restore it to its former glory. If you want to remove scratches and restore the shine of the metal, then polishing is an easy and effective option.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What is the best way to polish a watch?

Edward Lewand
Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser
Edward Lewand is a Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser with over 36 years of experience in the jewelry industry. He completed his residency in graduate gemology at the G.I.A. in 1979, New York and now specializes in Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry, consultations and expert witness work. He is a Certified Appraiser of the Appraiser Association of America (AAA) and an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) of the American Society of Appraisers In Gems and Jewelry.

Edward Lewand

Graduate Gemologist & Accredited Appraiser

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If you really want to make sure the watch is perfectly polished, take it to a professional. They'll have your watch looking nice and shiny in no time.