Watch Clasp Scratch Removal

This is how I restore a badly scratched watch clasp to a brushed finish.
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[@emraherdogan5286]

Never forget these hands. Those are the signs of honesty, hard working, bravery and a man with really really big heart.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Yeah, that's a lot, but how do you get all that?

[@kirkwcowgill]

Blood pressure medication is key to preventing an enlarged heart.

[@LionelT-y4b]

..just marry him already! Lol 😊

[@heikg]

Weird kink bro, nobody wants to know what you jerk off to.

[@Tinez87]

Dunt be daft 😂

[@yoshomiamoto]

The end result is INSANE. This certainly blew away my expectations on how much yoh can bring back a vintage watch. There are a few I am eyeballing RIGHT now and this video has given me the go ahead.

[@johnwang9914]

It's only because one of the five characteristics that the 5 in Seiko 5 represents, is a durable bracelet or strap hence the bracelet is a high quality steel bracelet. You may not be able to do this with all watches as the bracelet may have a base metal under a decorative layer, so it may be best to leave the scratches alone if it's not a true Seiko 5.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Have my videos have helped you? why not support the channel in some way You can make a one off/ monthy donation here in only one click: www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroWatches If you would like to purchase any tools & equipment then please see my Amazon affiliate & eBay (I do earn a small commission from any sales.) Thank you. Link: Link: myretrowatches.co.uk/tool-sale-links/ If you would like to buy any of my T-Shirts then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches

[@monikapoddar6243]

My Retro Watches the scrachtes are there

[@ufonaughts8814]

Like the idea of using the clamp & dremil has a polishing mop!!!! I went to school in neuchatel!!!but since watching channel! I've bought a cheap (non runner/parts sale)king Seiko off eBay!!! looks in excellent con!!! so hope I can get parts!?! I enjoy your channel 👍

[@slade1446]

Will your method work on a gold pendant?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@octaviussludberry9016 I have removed George from the comments. Thank you for taking my side in the argument. Not sure why he wants to be so abusive but thats his problem . You can decide to polish a watch or leave it alone. I know a few Rolex approved watchmakers who offer a case and bracelet refinish as part of the service, as you are removing only 0.001" at a time its hardly ruining the watch in my opinion anyway. each to their own.

[@octaviussludberry9016]

@@MyRetroWatches He really had an issue with polishing scratches.

[@devolve42]

I usually don't mind these types of scratches at all because I think they help give a well-worn watch its unique character. But I have been curious to know whether something like this is doable. Nice video.

[@BillKinsman]

FYI, this technique will work perfectly (maybe even easier) for brushed titanium watches as well as brushed stainless steel. I was very happy to see the results on a Seiko I have. It looks like new!

[@ademkollari8992]

Hey Bill, are you sure this would work equally well on brushed titanium? I was shocked to discover they are actually more prone to scratches.

[@xedeno]

YES!!! works well on brushed Titanium.

[@swabby429]

I've polished mine with green Scotchbrite then finished it with a couple of treatments of "Brasso" liquid metal polish. It looks brand new.

[@class3nfadealer666]

I also use the green Scotchbrite pad, and it works perfectly!

[@joemaroney57]

Not a bad job! I really like how you used the rotary tool but went back to touching it up by hand. Great video thanks bud.

[@andrewwilliams3524]

Change your name,invicta are rubbish mate

[@7eis]

Great tip with the scotch brite. Did the job fast. Fixed a piece to my workbench and moved the watch the full length of the pad.

[@malcolmlindley4465]

That was my thinking as well. More control over pressure and direction

[@GA-1st]

Very nice! For me, my first line of approach is to use a simple pencil eraser. It works wonders for very superficial scratches. Excellent video!

[@doodsocaya9943]

I have the same watch which I got from my dad. ❤️ Thank you for shedding light on the age of the watch

[@rohittheinvincible]

That's an amazing finish you have got my friend. I appreciate the way u demonstrated using the scotch Brite home diy option.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Rohit Arvind thank you sir

[@rohittheinvincible]

@@MyRetroWatches Going to be trying the scotch Brite method very soon on one of the old swatch I bought recently ! Thank you . Respect for your skill !

[@dushyantnakul]

@@MyRetroWatches where are you from , can you do this for me?

[@garydejulio484]

Thanks!

[@JG-fg1ye]

This is the great think about polishing with abrasive finish, it doesn't have to be perfect and remove all scratches/dents as the bracelet will only get scratched again as soon as the watch is worn, brilliant video

[@stephenwooten4234]

Terrific and very informative video. Thanks for taking the time to show us these helpful techniques.

[@truxton1000]

I used 180 grade normal sandpaper on a 1960’s Seiko clasp, followed by the purple abrasive pad just like seen in this video. End result is a clasp that looks almost brand new. Had some deep scratches in certain areas but the 180 grade sandpaper removed that and the abrasive pad made it into an excellent brushed finished just like factory look.

[@Handlebar-MustDash]

ScotchBrite pads are amazing for refinishing brushed finishes to bracelets. Been using them for over a decade, worth every penny for the actual Scotch brand rather than cheaper scouring pad alternatives which do not last very long.

[@robertbrandywine]

Great result! That raised logo made things more difficult. I don't know anything about watch repair, but I have experience with getting scratches out of metal. I would have used 150 grit sandpaper to start. If that was going too slowly I would have dropped to 100 grit. After all the scratches were gone I would have worked through the grits perhaps 220 next, followed by 400, and then gone over it with the scotchbrite to get the desired finish.

[@alfredobenavides8175]

That was an awesome job 👏🏼

[@randommusings48]

Wow. That's amazing result! Good to know this is achievable without having to bring it to a watch repair shop. Thanks for the video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks for watching!

[@MyRetroWatches]

I will soon be doing a new video of this using just two products and taking less time . Stay tuned.

[@imqsqs]

My Retro Watches I love You, let me kiss your lovely hands

[@iam6750]

@@imqsqs lol

[@mr.hammack7174]

Wow. I am astonished at the after as compared to the before. I will definitely be purchasing the products you have used. I hope to run a watch repair shop when I grow older. And a particular request, can you upload more watch restoration videos please. I would be most appreciative. Good day sir.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Mr. Hammack thank you . More videos always in the making

[@stephenphillips4605]

Personally I use wet and dry paper with increasing grit to remove large scratches first. Then I place the scotchbrite pad on a table and move the bracelet or clasp lengthways along it, using the edge as a guide to maintain a straight grain.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Stephen Phillips hi that is how I started out but stainless is tough stuff and I work in the abrasives industry where there are some good products for doing it quicker. I made this video a while back and can’t quite believe the hit rate on this one against all my others. I have since changed how i do clasps and just use one large 1” unitised wheel and then a type of Scotchbrite to finish. Takes minutes to perform and I have recently removed someone’s name engraved on a clasp. I do plan to do another video showing this method as this one was in my early days and in my opinion not my best work.

[@NeithLeonhart]

My Retro Watches I recently found myself in the same situation and I plan on buying an electric solution. Do you already have plans on making said tutorial?

[@AdamSmith-fe9jf]

Doesn’t the bracelet scratch or get marred when you keep sliding it front and back on the table?

[@stephenphillips4605]

@@AdamSmith-fe9jf I pinch the bracelet together behind the clasp first so only the clasp has contact with the scotchbrite

[@shaneworden1325]

Well I have collect watches for a while and some really cheap crap. Now I have dwindled to only my good stuff. And stuff I can afford. I have been stricken with the watch repair and refinish bug. I have a cheap set of beginners watch tools and just got my first vintage watch. A Gruen precision 510 . A movie buff too and James Bond. So anyway. I subscribed!!!! Great video and I will definitely be using your technique. Thanks again.

[@mp180170]

Brilliant video thank you very much for posting this I’ve just bought a stainless steel coffee machine and I just wanna remove a couple of scratches this video was perfect thank you

[@jasonknott2309]

I thought it looked great with the scratches, but completely understand it’s not everyone’s cup of tea…. And have to admit it does look like a brand new clasp on the right side. Pretty incredible video.

[@BillKinsman]

Thanks for this one. I was bumming because I scratched my new Citizen bracelet buckle and I tried a Scotch Brite 4X extreme scrub (purple) on it and it looks like new in about 5 minutes of very little effort. I also restored another one of my watch bracelets with the same pad and I am so happy! Thanks again for the tips!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you thats great you restored yours.

[@jamesowendesign]

Nice work! Very simple

[@pinkmarshmallow352]

Well, it looks perfect to me! Very well demonstrated and explained video! TFS

[@MyRetroWatches]

+Pink Marshmallow thank you !

[@toddyrocks]

good tool for your guitar frets too !!

[@michaeldevito5575]

Hey Mike. I find the assortment of the wooden assortment of Ladies nail files kit from the Dollar store works well on stainless steel to. The kit has various grits and the files are nice and flexible.

[@theindiapress]

that was truly brilliant ❤❤❤

[@ShoopkoTubePranks]

good job! I'd just take off the watch first so that vibrations don't mess up the movement.

[@FireBlade57]

good tip

[@mgwaite10]

You can get those 3M pads on a mandrill, they work really well. I refinished my 22 year old Seamaster strap back to original condition.

[@SkuttleBug1974]

MGwaite, how did you get the 3M pad on a mandrill? I have 2 seamasters I need to refinish

[@petespurgeon7217]

Very informative & helpful , have used fine steel wool for polishing on an old Seiko & a few other old well worn watches, works great.Thanx P.S. Tx.

[@sandbuzz2944]

Amazing, now I have the courage to take my favourite watch to my local watchmaker for polishing.

[@MrWynton5364]

Nice job. Now it has new brushed look.

[@CraigandJoan]

Thank you for this great video, well done! What a fantastic result!

[@daproximus7833]

if that is an automatic watch i would remove the bracelet. the vibrations would set off the timing on the automatic.

[@xxTOXiCxVENOMxx]

Does that apply to all the WWII watches that dealt with constant gunfire and still kept time?

[@woody442]

@@xxTOXiCxVENOMxx Interesting question. It explains why I'm always late since the last earthquake happened...

[@xxTOXiCxVENOMxx]

@@woody442 yeah I pushed a shopping cart through the parking lot once and now my watch is 5 minutes off due to the cart shaking so violently

[@woody442]

@@xxTOXiCxVENOMxx This is helpful stuff. Education really is key to success in life! Do you plan on writing books?

[@xxTOXiCxVENOMxx]

@@woody442 I hope to be finishing my book on hydrophysics in the space time continuum soon! I’ll let you know when it’s available at your local Dollar General for pickup.

[@chrissywittmann6040]

beautiful design

[@SpaceSpice]

This is very nice, thanks for sharing, was interesting to look on the process and detailed feedbacks about things

[@basshnter1997]

Makes me wish I would have kept my very first Seiko I bought in the mid 80's.

[@ajh5124]

Nice detailed video! While I appreciate your technique for removing surface scratches on the bracelet clasp, a method I have used with excellent results is using a foam nail file.

[@marcilioantunes5610]

por favor, qual número da lixa que você usou?

[@morosso1968]

nice job! i need this. thank you!

[@japinoybettajapan]

Nice work ❤

[@chookchack]

My watch has scratches on its crystal, will def try this method.

[@swabby429]

Be careful with the glass. Make sure you don't polish for long periods of time with a motorized tool. It can heat up quickly and shatter the crystal. Be conservative with time. If you're doing it manually with Scotchbrite, you can be a bit more aggressive.

[@robertjordan7323]

Thanks Mike. I have a rotary tool just like that one. I'll give it a try. The 2 abrasive wheels, do you recall their abrasive level?

[@NoctisMotus]

3M also make some nice and flexible polishing papers that are very useful.

[@harvardford8752]

Awesome video mate! I have a slight criticism, just a slight id remove the bracelet before polishing it just to be safe polishing does cause quite a bit of vibration which can slightly change the accuracy of the watch and enough to make it noticable otherwise, a great video!

[@lenworth11]

Very useful !

[@martinlote7863]

Great video,nice watch.

[@MrChrissy1r]

In engineering , especially lathe work, we use "Minky" abrasive wash up pads,, cheap as chips and last ages, will polish all steels in the lathe and or by hand!! But that said, I would never abrade a Rolex, or any part of it, the "wear marks or "patina" only add to the value!

[@marksenior7265]

thank you, just removed clasp scratch in 5 mins ..a happy bunny..

[@airmojo]

I just tried the Scotch Brite Pads, Maroon (Very Fine, rated at 320 grits), and the Light Grey (Ultra Fine, rated at 800 grits) on one of my pocket knife blades that had a lot of scratches on it... worked really well... after that I used a 4-sided Nail buffing sponge block that has 4 different fine levels of grit to really polish up the knife blade... the blue Scotch Brite pad is rated at 1000 grit, usually used for dish washing.

[@emeraldhill8294]

Hope you added some spit as well.

[@airmojo]

@@emeraldhill8294 I used a little Ballistol lubricant/cleaner.

[@ikveersodhi8552]

Just did the scrochbrite thing on my watch and i worked

[@leeattwood5443]

I’m not professional In anything but I’ll have a go, good job chap

[@brianwilliamson388]

Great video and one of many now ive watched . Thanks for making them. I have a Titanium watch needs a little TLC. So thanks for the info. BB

[@mumihp]

Ps: If anyone wants to buy the same G clamps for thier rotary/Dremel, eBay sells them, just brought it now from eBay UK for £7.25, 3-4 days shipping so will get it by Friday.

[@kevinmontoya7318]

I just used 3k grit sandpaper on my clasp left it chrome

[@mr.lemonface]

That was very helpful mate 💪🏻 Thanks 🙏🏻

[@flatlandking806texas]

who knew you could save stainless steel watches ?? wow, iam going to start looking for a project watch rn lol amazing end result there

[@bigteno4597]

Thank you for sharing your experience here. Much appreciated.

[@andal7404]

Have you tried using a rotary tool? There are very cheap Dremel like tools on the market now. You can also soak the cotton bits into a corner of impregnated Cape Cod cloth.

[@xuandiep4496]

Nice watch! I have the exact same one I inherited from my grandpa.

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

Nice work again, i have recently discovered that when using a coarse bosch sponge im getting a result like factory made, uniform deep and shallow lines, i then smoothes them out a bit with a fine steel sponge it gives the nice finish with deep and shallow lines like a new watch Best regards Allan🌞 From Denmark

[@nerychristian]

Can you make a video showing how to do it?

[@granto6738]

I need to do my omega seamaster where Did u get this sponge from?

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

@@granto6738 from a hardware store Its like the green ones used in the kitchen aso. Just coarse And the steel sponge are made from long steel chips and curled together but you need to try on some scrap steel and see the result before going to town on your seamaster just sayin ...it took me several attempt with alot of products before getting it right

[@michaelwertz6689]

40 year old Seiko 5! That's cool.

[@ariwicaksono9202]

Amazing,what we call the Rubber blue and brown mate si easly we could learn to use it.thanks and looking fwd for your answer

[@renay83]

Wow. That was badass. Very impressive.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent Mike, an impressive demo! 👍😊👏

[@sabojawaki7126]

beautiful kind of tools

[@armandleroux74]

Just started my hobby of restoring old watches. This is brilliant and easy. Do you have more detail on the drimmel bits you used? Awesome Video

[@ersintemiz1270]

+1

[@ukdirector85]

Fantastic demo, I'm surprised by how god the results were DIY.

[@robertramsey8287]

1000 grit sand paper smooth straight lines by hand results in fine grain brushing for the price of a sheet of sand paper, gently wet sand

[@MyRetroWatches]

This will not remove deep scratches though which a clasp can have. If using paper I would come down from P320 to P1000, the hand pads I use to finish are p320

[@robertramsey8287]

I agree , your results are impressive, I was trying to remove very shallow scratches in a Seiko titanium samurai and bracelet , I was very cautious with my method as I have 0 experience, just wanted to clean up a recent purchase because I felt guilty for the sale price..thank you very much for sharing you your knowledge and expertise

[@rhino202]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing

[@sukruyildirim2072]

Cok guzel bir calisma

[@robhepple9206]

Hi, excellent tutorial. Could you please put up a link to the rotary tool pads you used in this video, I've struggled to find any. Thank you, Rob.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Rob Hepple Hi and thanks for your comment. I am intending to do a revised video soon as I now only use two products. The wheel I use is not available on the open market but I am intending to buy some and make an eBay listing to accompany the video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

All the tools are now linked on my website Rob.

[@robhepple9206]

Hi Michael I can't find the flexible pads, around 5.24 mins on this video, on your website ?

[@bigal9022]

@@MyRetroWatches what's the website?

[@Pluhdao]

Looks clean!

[@mumihp]

Awesome video. I was looking for something like this as I need to restore a watch that is all scratched up. I am going to try the scotch brite...and then use my Dremel tool if it doesn't work. Can you tell me the names of the wheels you used. I am looking to buy them from eBay. Thanks

[@petem7118]

Especially when using scotchbrite it helps to rub the metal perpendicular to the run of the grain first… that will help pick up scratches across the metal… then you rub following the grain…

[@chachenaki_kichenancha]

Nice job done

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

This video was a big help !!! Thanks 🙏

[@technicalanalysis5485]

Please make a video on Ulysse Nardin 322-00 wrist watch repair

[@johnwang9914]

Nice, but the scratches are also a mark of a well used watch, a watch that has been used for what it was intended to be used for. The scratches are part of the character of the watch and the love bestowed upon it. A Seiko 5 is meant to be used every day. Note a durable bracelet or strap is one of the defined 5 characteristics that a Seiko 5 must have.

[@pas0003]

Wow! Amazing finish!

[@داریوشتهرانی-و9ب]

Hi teacher, don't get tired, what is the rotation speed of that dynamo

[@MrGrandis852]

I don't have the power tools, I use a dishwashing sponge instead lol, it works fine

[@MyRetroWatches]

yes that will work and its the same stuff only slightly lesser quality to what I used at the start of the video. The machine is to get under deep scratches that hand pads will struggle on or at least take a long time to cut under a scratch.

[@pekholtz]

There are some decoration holes that some watches have, some sort of simulated screws or hexagonal shapes imbedded, I never liked those, is there a way to fill them up, polishing them and make them go away?

[@MancingMania28]

Nicely done sir

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you

[@johnwayne2103]

Very nicely done!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@phugoid]

I suggest that the scratches not be removed at all. They give the watch character, plus retain the steel of the bracelet, quite a bit of which would be lost with all that buffing. YMMV, of course

[@kkanakis1957]

Nice diy .... if you're working with more than handful, look into a Foredom rotary tool, far superior, in quality, capabilities, and flexibility.

[@bobol4917]

Well done!

[@1977JohnBoy]

i turned a clasp like this into new in a minute with a simple womens 4 way nail buffer been doing it for years get them on ebay for a pound/dollar

[@goo_ja]

You are absolutely brilliant What a wonderful find thank you!!!

[@1977JohnBoy]

@@goo_ja yw they good for sharpening knives too!

[@goo_ja]

@@1977JohnBoy well I have my professional tools for that but its really nice to know - if I'm somewhere and need to sharpen something the person probably has that over the professional stuff PS: I tried it before and it definitely did what I needed it to do. My scratches are a bit too deep so I still need to put something on top but it took at least a decade off of it

[@1977JohnBoy]

@@goo_ja yea cant do too much about deep ones but its good for doing a new satin or brushed finish

[@goo_ja]

@@1977JohnBoy yeah that's what I figured out I thought of also using it on the bottom of my pans where it just doesn't get as clean as i want them to be but i don't think it's necessary But for the bath and all it's perfect! Also for doorhandles I thought they need to be changed out

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

I personally would have taped up the strap in case wheel travel mistakingly goes too far. Just a precautionary measure. Would not want to repeat procedure on strap if not necessary.

[@MyRetroWatches]

agreed in hindsight. This video was a few years ago now and I now do this alot more safely.

[@BillKinsman]

Really nice job!

[@GarySlegg]

You did a great job there

[@coreorbit2975]

I have a some solid copper with engravings on it. How do I get scratches off of that.

[@vincentmaillot4733]

hello, with your rotary device when you use it on the edge you are on the rubber and not on the abrasive blue paper??

[@alessandrobacilieri7113]

Ottimo lavoro.. Bravo ed esaustivo

[@wgbell11]

Good vid MB

[@anthlramirez]

I am watching every video i can. I've got a Breitling Super Ocean that has scratches from bracelet removal. Underside of the lugs is polished, and that's the only place I need to work on. Any suggestions?

[@nitrokyosho]

Very nice video my friend

[@frankg3072]

Did you use any sort of abrasive compound on the rotary wheels and perhaps you could post a link as to the Dremel part number of the wheels. Thanks

[@MyRetroWatches]

No compound as they are abrasive wheels. I have a different technique now using only one to two products to which I will soon make a new video and a link to purchase the products.

[@davemack96]

@@MyRetroWatches any information on the two wheels you used please as have looked and cannot find any