Crystal Polishing Technique

[Doawah]

Thought I would share this with the group.  This weekend I was replacing a scratched up crystal on an old Omega Seamaster that had a small chip on the edge but I thought I would try out a few different alternatives to Polywatch to see what would work on removing the scrathes.  I have to say I was blown away by how good Meguiars Ultimate Automotive Polish did.  After a single application with some very minor rubbing the crystal came back to almost perfect.  Considering that Poly watch costs close to $8-$9 here in the states (Depending where you buy it) for a small tube where as Meguiars cost $15 for a bottle the savings over time is incredible.  I'm sure this is nothing new to you seasoned guys out there but I thought I'd post this for us new guys as an option.  Another nice feature is it provides a nice coating on it that prevents finger marks from sticking to the surface.

[Klassiker]

Does it polish away the crystal, or fill in the scratches?

[jdm]

12 hours ago, Klassiker said:

Does it polish away the crystal, or fill in the scratches?

Polishing it's not based of filling. That would be noticeable right away, and of course, wouldn't last.

The OP didn't mention that he worked on a plastic (acrylic) crystal. That is a very soft material, which can be restored to perfection using pretty much any mild abrasive compound you have at hand.

Repairing a glass crystal is a different story. I've tried to explain how it's done below

 

Edited July 31, 2022 by jdm

[Klassiker]

17 hours ago, jdm said:

Polishing it's not based of filling. That would be noticeable right away, and of course, wouldn't last.

That's why I'm asking. The product is described as a 'pre-waxing glaze', and I was wondering what that means.

[jdm]

59 minutes ago, Klassiker said:

That's why I'm asking. The product is described as a 'pre-waxing glaze', and I was wondering what that means.

It's a very mild abrasive in first place. As tne OP mentioned it also leaves an oleophobic film, but is not that which "eliminates fine swirl marks". Since a plastic crystal is softer than car paint, it become more effective on it.

Edited July 31, 2022 by jdm

[AndyHull]

I use T-Cut automotive polish for final polishing acrylic crystals. It works extremely well.

 

I presume it is very similar to Meguiars. Tescos  supermarket here in the UK sell it from time to time, or you can pick it up in Halfords. 

http://www.t-cut.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1