Welcome to Lesson 20 of our intensive guide on watchmaking. In this article, we will explore advanced techniques on how to polish acrylic watch crystals to perfection. As a watchmaker, one of the essential skills you need to master is maintaining the quality of watch crystals. With the right tools and techniques, you can restore old, scratched-up acrylic crystals to their factory shine. We are excited to share our knowledge and experience with you, so let’s dive right into the intricacies of polishing watch crystals.

Learn How to Perfectly Polish Acrylic Watch Crystals with Advanced Techniques #

Introduction

Are you tired of looking at your scuffed acrylic watch crystal? Do you want to learn how to make it look like new again? There are several ways to polish acrylic watch crystals, but they are not all equally effective. In this article, we will explore two advanced techniques for polishing acrylic watch crystals that go beyond the common PolyWatch method.

Technique 1: PolyWatch Method

PolyWatch is a popular product used by watch enthusiasts to repair acrylic watch crystals. However, it has its limitations and may not produce the best results for deep scratches or extensive damage. Here’s how to use PolyWatch for best results:

1. Obtain PolyWatch and a soft cotton glove.
2. Apply a small amount of PolyWatch to the glove.
3. Turn on the buffing wheel and place the glove against it.
4. Buff the crystal for one minute.
5. Apply another small amount of PolyWatch to the glove and repeat the process for a total of six minutes.
6. Buff any remaining PolyWatch from the crystal with a clean part of the glove.

After using the PolyWatch method, examine the watch crystal under a microscope to determine if the scratches and damage have been effectively removed.

Technique 2: Sandpaper and Polenium Method

The second method for polishing an acrylic watch crystal is more extensive than the PolyWatch method but can produce better results. Here’s how to perform the sandpaper and Polenium method:

1. Obtain sandpaper in grits 1000, 1500, and 2000, and Polenium compound.
2. Cut small pieces of each type of sandpaper.
3. Wet the 1000 grit sandpaper in water.
4. Gently rub the sandpaper against the crystal for one minute.
5. Repeat the process with the 1500 and 2000 grit sandpapers.
6. Apply a small amount of Polenium compound to a soft cloth.
7. Buff the crystal with the cloth for one minute.

After using the sandpaper and Polenium method, examine the watch crystal under a microscope to determine if the scratches and damage have been effectively removed.

Which Method is More Effective?

Under a microscope, it appears that the sandpaper and Polenium method produces better results overall, especially for deep scratches and extensive damage. However, the PolyWatch method remains a quick and easy option for minor scratches. Ultimately, the method chosen depends on the severity of the damage and personal preference.

Tools and Supplies

Here are the tools and supplies used in the video:

• PolyWatch
• Soft cotton glove
• Buffing wheel
• Sandpaper (1000, 1500, and 2000 grit)
• Polenium compound

     

WATCHMAKING TOOLS SEEN IN THIS VIDEO ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

 

vvv Click the product images below vvv

 

HAYEAR 4K HDMI Microscope Camera

   

AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M Digital Professional

  0.5X Barlow Lens     Stone Washer      

Bergeon Screwdriver Set

 

Dumont Tweezer #3

 

Bergeon Springbar Tool

 

Bergeon Case Opening Ball

 

Bergeon Presto Hand Removal Tool

 

Bergeon Movement Holder

 

Horotec Hand Setting Tools

 

Rodico

 

Bergeon Blower

 

Bergeon Case Opening Knife

 

Bergeon Quick Service Kit

 

Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

 

Amscope Microscope

 

Multifunction Timegrapher

 

Sanding Sticks

   

CAMERAS AND AUDIO:

 

Main Camera, Sony A7III

 

Secondary Camera, Sony RX100

 

Tertiary Camera, Sony A6400

 

Main Macro Lens, Sigma 70mm f/2.8

 

Secondary Macro, Laowa 100mm f/2.8

 

Camlink 4k Video Converter

 

Shure MV7 Microphone

 

Audio Recorder, ZOOM H6

 

Small Sirui Tripod

 

Sirui Tripod Head for Overhead Camera

 

COMPUTER STUFF:

 

Apple Macbook Pro

 

Synology NAS

 

Seagate HDDs for NAS

 

Samsung Portable Drive

     

Conclusion

Acrylic watch crystals can easily become damaged and scratched, but these advanced polishing techniques can restore them to their former glory. Whether using PolyWatch or sandpaper and Polenium, it’s important to examine the watch crystal under a microscope to ensure that the scratches have been effectively removed. Have fun restoring your timepieces to their former shine and luster!

FAQs

1. Can these techniques be used on other types of plastic watch crystals?

• These techniques are specifically designed for use on acrylic watch crystals and should not be used on other types of plastic or mineral watch crystals.

2. What should I do if I don’t have access to a microscope?

• If you don’t have a microscope, examine the watch crystal closely under a bright light to determine if the scratches have been effectively removed.

3. Can these techniques be used on sapphire or mineral watch crystals?

• No, these techniques are only effective on acrylic watch crystals. Sapphire and mineral watch crystals require different polishing techniques.

4. Will these techniques damage the watch’s water resistance?

• If the watch is designed for water resistance, it is important to take care not to damage the seals or gaskets during the polishing process.

5. Can these techniques be used on other types of plastic items?

• Yes, these techniques can be used on other types of plastic items with caution. Always test the products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that they do not damage the plastic.