How can I remove scratches from a crystal watch face?

First you need to be sure what material the watch face is made of. Use this simple rule of thumb: Watch faces made from acrylic -- a type of plastic -- are found on many less expensive watches or those made prior to the 1980s. These watch faces are very easily scratched, so if you have multiple scratches, it's very likely your watch face is acrylic.

Consider the age of your watch. If you have a newer, more expensive watch, the face is most likely made from mineral glass or sapphire crystal. These new watch faces are much harder to scratch, and it's therefore much harder to remove a scratch.

Remove Scratches From Sapphire or Mineral Glass Faces

Step 1

Cover the bezel of your watch (the rim around the glass face) with masking tape.

Step 2

Apply a small amount of 3µ diamond paste to the scratched area, and let it sit for one minute.

Step 3

Rub the paste firmly in a circular motion for several minutes or until you see the scratch disappear, using a polishing cloth.

Step 4

Apply a small dab of .25µ paste to the watch face, and work it in a circular motion with a clean section of your polishing cloth.

Step 5

Wipe away the excess paste with a clean section of your cloth and remove the masking tape when the scratch has completely disappeared and you are satisfied with the results. I

If the scratch is still visible, repeat Steps 2 to 4.

Remove Scratches From Acrylic Watch Faces

Step 1

Apply a dime-sized amount of regular non-gel household toothpaste directly to your watch face, in an area that is well lit enough to see all the scratches.

Step 2

Work the paste in a circular motion with a clean polishing cloth.

Step 3

Wipe the watch face clean with your cloth. If scratches are still visible, reapply the toothpaste, flatten it into the scratched area, and let it sit for five minutes.

Step 4

Work the toothpaste once again in a circular motion, applying slight pressure.

Step 5

Buff the watch face with a clean portion of your cloth, using the same circular motion, wiping all of the toothpaste clean.