How to Remove Scratches from a Watch
Watch Crystal Types Explained
The glass covering your watch dial is called the crystal, and the type of crystal determines how easily it scratches — and how you can fix those scratches. There are three main types used in modern watches, each with different properties.
Acrylic (Hesalite / Plexiglass)
Scratch resistance: Low — scratches easily
Shatter resistance: High — flexes rather than shatters
DIY repair: Yes, very effective
Found on: Vintage watches, some affordable quartz models
Cost to replace: £15–£40
Mineral Glass (Hardlex)
Scratch resistance: Moderate — tougher than acrylic
Shatter resistance: Moderate — can crack on impact
DIY repair: Limited — only very light surface marks
Found on: Most mid-range watches including BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Olivia Burton
Cost to replace: £30–£80
Sapphire Crystal
Scratch resistance: Excellent — 9 on the Mohs scale (only diamond is harder)
Shatter resistance: Lower — can crack with a sharp impact
DIY repair: No — requires professional polishing or replacement
Found on: Tissot, Citizen (higher-end models)
Cost to replace: £80–£250+
Sapphire-Coated Mineral
Scratch resistance: Good — sapphire layer over mineral base
Shatter resistance: Moderate
DIY repair: No — DIY may damage the sapphire coating
Found on: Some mid-range Tissot and Citizen models
Cost to replace: £50–£120
| Crystal Type | Mohs Hardness | DIY Fixable? | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | 2–3 | Yes | Shatter-proof, inexpensive to replace |
| Mineral Glass | 5–6 | Light scratches only | Good all-round durability |
| Sapphire | 9 | No | Almost impossible to scratch |
Which Crystal Does Your Watch Have?
Not sure what type of crystal your watch uses? Here is a quick breakdown of the brands we stock at OD’s Jewellers and the crystal types used across their ranges.
| Brand | Crystal Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tissot | Sapphire crystal | Most models use scratch-resistant sapphire. Some sport models use sapphire-coated mineral. |
| Citizen | Sapphire or mineral | Higher-end Eco-Drive models (Promaster, Tsuyosa) use sapphire. Entry-level models use mineral with sapphire coating. |
| BOSS | Mineral glass | All current BOSS models use hardened mineral glass. |
| Tommy Hilfiger | Mineral glass | Standard mineral crystal across the range. |
| Olivia Burton | Mineral glass | Mineral crystal with some models featuring domed glass for a vintage look. |
| Vivienne Westwood | Mineral glass | Mineral crystal across most models. |
| Nomination | Mineral glass | Paris and Time collection watches use mineral glass. |
Quick Identification Test
- Tap test: Tap the crystal gently with your fingernail. Acrylic sounds soft and dull. Mineral glass has a higher-pitched “tick”. Sapphire produces a sharp, clear sound.
- Water drop test: Place a drop of water on the crystal. On sapphire, the water beads up into a tight dome. On mineral glass, it spreads more flat.
- Check the case back: Many watches, especially Tissot and Citizen, print the crystal type on the case back or in the product specifications.
DIY Methods for Minor Scratches
For light surface scratches on acrylic or mineral crystals, you can attempt a DIY fix at home. Deep scratches, cracks, or any damage to sapphire crystals should always be handled by a professional.
Method 1: Toothpaste Polish (Acrylic Crystals Only)
This method works well on acrylic (hesalite) crystals with light surface scratches.
- Clean the watch crystal thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt
- Apply a small amount of non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste to the crystal
- Using a microfibre cloth or cotton ball, rub in circular motions for 2–3 minutes
- Apply light, consistent pressure — do not press too hard
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and inspect
- Repeat if necessary, up to three times
Why Toothpaste Works
Non-gel toothpaste contains very fine abrasive particles (usually silica) that gently polish the acrylic surface, blending out shallow scratches. It is not abrasive enough to damage mineral or sapphire crystals, but it also will not be effective on those harder materials.
Method 2: Polywatch Scratch Remover (Acrylic Crystals Only)
Polywatch is a purpose-made compound designed specifically for polishing acrylic watch crystals. It is more effective than toothpaste and is the product most recommended by watch enthusiasts.
- Apply a small dot of Polywatch directly onto the scratched area
- Rub in circular motions with your finger or a soft cloth for 2–3 minutes
- Wipe clean and check the result
- For deeper scratches, repeat the process up to five times
Polywatch typically costs £5–£8 per tube and is available from most watch supply retailers.
Method 3: Diamond Paste (Mineral Glass — Light Scratches Only)
For very light surface marks on mineral glass, a fine-grade diamond polishing paste (0.25 micron) can help. This requires a careful touch:
- Mask the watch bezel with painter’s tape to protect the case
- Apply a tiny amount of 0.25 micron diamond paste to the scratched area
- Polish gently with a cotton bud in small circular motions for 1–2 minutes
- Clean thoroughly with a damp cloth
- Inspect under good lighting
What NOT to Do
- Never attempt DIY on sapphire crystal — you risk creating micro-abrasions that worsen the appearance
- Never use nail polish, baking soda, or household abrasives on any watch crystal
- Never submerge a non-water-resistant watch to clean the crystal
- Never use a power tool or Dremel — you will almost certainly ruin the crystal and damage the case
When to See a Professional
Some scratches are beyond DIY repair. Take your watch to a professional watchmaker or jeweller if:
- The scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail — this means it has gone through the surface coating and into the crystal body
- You can see a crack or chip — even a hairline crack can let moisture in, which damages the movement
- The crystal is sapphire — sapphire scratches are rare but require professional diamond polishing or full crystal replacement
- Multiple deep scratches cover the crystal — a full crystal replacement is more cost-effective than polishing at this point
- The anti-reflective coating is damaged — some crystals have AR coating that cannot be restored with DIY methods
What About the Watch Case and Bracelet?
Scratches on the stainless steel case or bracelet are also common. Professional watchmakers can polish brushed and polished finishes separately, restoring the watch to near-new condition. This typically costs £30–£80 depending on the complexity and is well worth the investment for a quality timepiece.
Bring It to OD’s
If you are unsure whether your watch scratch is DIY-fixable or needs professional attention, bring it in to OD’s Jewellers. We can assess the damage, identify the crystal type, and advise on the best course of action. No appointment needed.
Scratch Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than repair. Here are practical ways to keep your watch crystal scratch-free for years:
Daily Habits
- Wear your watch on your non-dominant hand — this naturally reduces bumps and scrapes
- Remove your watch before physical work — DIY, gardening, gym work, and housework are prime scratch opportunities
- Avoid stacking jewellery — do not pile watches, bracelets, and bangles together in a drawer
- Be mindful of door frames and desks — the most common source of daily watch scratches
Storage
- Use the original watch box or a dedicated watch roll
- Store watches face-up (crystal facing upward) to protect the glass
- Keep each watch in its own compartment — metal cases scratch each other
- A microfibre cloth wrapped around the watch provides excellent protection during travel
Consider Crystal Type When Buying
If scratch resistance is a priority, choose a watch with sapphire crystal. At 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, sapphire is virtually scratch-proof in daily wear. Only diamond or certain ceramics can mark it. Tissot and higher-end Citizen models offer sapphire as standard — a worthwhile investment for an everyday watch.
Shop Watches at OD’s Jewellers
We stock watches from some of the world’s most respected brands, with crystal types to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove scratches from a sapphire crystal watch?
Minor surface marks on sapphire crystal can sometimes be polished out by a professional watchmaker using diamond paste. Deep scratches typically require a full crystal replacement. DIY methods do not work on sapphire — its extreme hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) means household abrasives are too soft to have any effect.
Does toothpaste really remove watch scratches?
Yes, but only on acrylic (hesalite) crystals. Non-gel toothpaste contains fine silica particles that act as a mild abrasive, polishing out shallow surface scratches. It will not work on mineral glass or sapphire crystal. For acrylic crystals, a purpose-made product like Polywatch is more effective.
How much does it cost to replace a watch crystal?
Crystal replacement costs vary by type: acrylic replacement is typically £15–£40, mineral glass £30–£80, and sapphire crystal £80–£250 or more. These prices include fitting by a watchmaker. For premium brands like Tissot, using a genuine replacement crystal from the manufacturer is recommended.
Can you polish scratches out of a stainless steel watch case?
Yes. A professional watchmaker can polish both brushed and polished finishes on stainless steel cases, restoring them to near-new condition. This typically costs £30–£80. Avoid DIY polishing on watch cases as it is easy to round edges, remove fine brushed finishes, or damage the bezel.
Which watch crystal is best for everyday wear?
Sapphire crystal is the best choice for everyday wear due to its exceptional scratch resistance. It rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning only diamond can scratch it. Brands like Tissot and Citizen (higher-end Eco-Drive models) use sapphire crystal as standard. If budget is a concern, mineral glass with sapphire coating offers a good middle ground.
How do I know if my watch crystal is scratched or cracked?
Hold your watch under bright light at different angles. Scratches appear as fine lines that change visibility as you tilt the watch. A crack will appear as a consistent line that does not move or change with the angle. Run your fingernail gently across the mark — if it catches, the damage is deeper than a surface scratch.