When it comes to maintaining your watch, something that comes to mind is whether or not you should polish it. Polishing has always been a sensitive subject because some enthusiasts do not wish to have their watches scratched. That is why we strongly recommend you pass your watch to a professional and let them take care of it. In this article, we will discuss the importance of watch polishing, what it involves, and why you should get it polished by a professional.
Why Polish Your Luxury Watch?
Restoring its glory
Your luxury watch is a valuable investment, so it is a good idea to keep it looking its best. Scratches and scuffs can happen over time, which can dull its overall appearance. Polishing will remove these imperfections and restore your timepiece’s original shine, making it look brand new once again.
Enhancing resale value
Polishing your watch can help improve its resale value in the future. A well-maintained timepiece does have its appeal to specific buyers who are more interested in pristine timepieces; a properly polished watch may just track on their radar. Keeping your watch in excellent shape does make for a more enticing proposition for such would-be buyers or collectors.
Personal satisfaction
Some luxury watch owners take pride in having a watch that looks as good as new. Honestly, nothing is more satisfying than seeing your once-scuffed timepiece look as shiny and sparkling as the day you purchased it. The satisfaction of having your prized timepiece return to its original splendour can help you appreciate its beauty all the more.
The Frequency of Watch Polishing
This largely depend on several factors:
- How often do you wear the watch?
- Where do you bring it?
- Is the watch exposed to the environment?
A quick wipe with a soft cloth can help to keep it looking nice and clean, but that alone is not enough in most cases. If you wear your watch very often, you may probably need to get it checked every so often to keep it in great shape. This is especially important when it comes to maintaining the more delicate internal components.
It may surprise you that most watches do have specific cleaning instructions to maintain their overall look. Some luxury watches, for example, may need polishing every six months to maintain their lustre and ensure they work optimally. On the other hand, quartz watches may also need it every three or four years. If you do not remember how often your watch needs cleaning, a professional watchmaker can help you with that.
Regardless, if your timepiece is scratched or scuffed in many places, consider getting it polished immediately. Check your luxury watch regularly for signs of damage and talk to a professional to discuss the best course of action.
How Does Professional Luxury Watch Polishing Work?
Disassembly
The professional watchmaker will take your watch apart very carefully. This part is crucial, as many of your watch’s internal components are extremely delicate and will break when mishandled.
Detailed inspection
Even as the watchmaker dismantles your watch, they are also looking for faulty components and other issues that can impair your watch’s performance. They will take note of anything that needs replacement and prepare the new components for the reassembly process.
Cleaning
Now that the watchmaker knows what needs work, they can clean your watch. They may use specialised tools and techniques, such as ultrasonic cleaning equipment, to remove dust, debris, dirt, grime, and oil from every part of your watch. Old lubricant is also removed and replaced with a new layer, ensuring the delicate components can move smoothly with minimal friction and little to no wear and tear.
Polishing
The watchmaker can soon start polishing using highly specific tools and techniques to remove scratches, restore finishings, and bring out the watch’s original shine. A final cleanup will be needed to remove any residue left behind during the polishing process.
Reassembly
Once the polishing is complete, the watchmaker will carefully reassemble the watch. Each component is carefully returned to its original position while faulty pieces are replaced entirely. Some calibrations may be needed to ensure the watch is accurate and precise in telling the time.
Final adjustments
The watchmaker will go through a final round of checks and adjustments, including an in-depth quality check to match quality standards to the highest possible degree. Once everything is in order, your watch will look much finer than it was before the polishing process.
What Are The Pros And Cons of DIY Luxury Watch Polishing?
While a professional watch polishing service is always a good choice, some people may want to do it themselves. Of course, there are pros and cons to doing it on your own. The major benefit of DIY polishing is that you can save money. It can be quite costly to hire a professional to polish your watch. Plus, some people get a sense of achievement from taking matters into their own hands while learning new skills.
However, polishing your timepiece at home does pose some risks. If the watch is valuable or a vintage piece, it is best not to do it yourself and seek the help of a professional instead. Improper polishing can reduce the value of such a watch by up to 50%; verifiably unpolished watches can also lose their highly sought-after “unpolished” status. Your attempts at polishing the watch might end up backfiring, further reducing the perceived quality of the watch.
Additionally, over-polishing a watch cannot be easily undone as this can lead to difficulties in repairing – if it can be repaired at all, that is. It is better to entrust this task to the professionals, as they have the specialised training to dismantle the watch and give it a thorough polishing with little difficulty.
Why Choose Watch Capital's Polishing Service?
Luxury watch expertise
We know how valuable your luxury watch is to you. Our watchmakers have extensive experience working with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury watch brands. They can lend their expertise to give your watch a high-quality polish that will preserve its quality and original beauty.
Preservation and restoration
Your watch may have a story to tell, especially if it is a family heirloom or has been a part of you for many years. When you pass us your watch, we do not just polish it and call it a day. We make an effort to restore your watch’s brilliance, so much so it would feel like a trip down memory lane when you fit it on your wrist once more.
Peace of mind
Putting your treasured timepiece in the hands of a third party can be worrying. At Watch Capital, we prioritise your trust. Our expert watchmakers know exactly what needs to be done to get your watch back into its striking appearance. Our dedication to careful, meticulous polishing and professional care is our guarantee that your timepiece is in good hands.
Professional Watch Polishing Services for Your Luxury Watch
Polishing a luxury watch is no small feat; doing it at home without the right tools or equipment can spell disaster. At Watch Capital, we are here to help: we deliver professional watch polishing services to the highest standards that your watch deserves. Whether you need our comprehensive repair and polishing services or are looking for general care advice for your prized timepiece, we are here to assist.
Feel free to send us an enquiry or book an appointment today for a detailed in-person consultation.
