Polishing and Refinishing Services

Considering what a watch can go through in its lifetime, the need to  restore its appearance can arise from time to time. Thankfully, when it does, we’re prepared to handle the task.

Depending on the type of watch one buys you may or may not have the option of having it polished and/or refinished, which is typically determined by the materials used to produce it.

While a gold-plated, ceramic or PVD coated item may have the luster of a high-polished watch, these materials are unable to be polished as the friction from the machinery used would only succeed in removing the coating further. However, genuine gold and stainless steel pieces are different.

Part of the reason people purchase stainless steel watches is due to their longevity over other materials. Where a leather strap may become tarnished, a steel bracelet flourishes with excellent durability as they’re less likely to become torn or water-damaged. Still, they face their own challenges, primarily scratches overtime, depending on how active one is when wearing it. Fortunately, this is where their superiority stands out. Instead of having to replace a band, with gold and steel cases and bracelets, the item can be polished numerous times throughout its lifetime, closely returning it to prime condition. *It is important to note that this isn’t something that should be done too frequently, but periodically throughout your ownership of the item.

Whether a watch is high-polished, resulting in a shiny, reflective luster or satin-finished, which is more matte and tends to reveal smooth brushstrokes along the steel or gold, both allow your watch to look like new and are available services within Chronostore’s In-house Watch and Jewelry Repair and Service Center on 5th Ave.

While the approach varies with each piece of a watch, the video above is a firm example of the overall process.

Once disassembled, the watch’s scratches are removed using a Polish-moto machine; essentially a large turbine with spinels on each end that hold fabric wheels called a “buff”. In conjunction with a compound rubbed against it, the buff carefully removes the scratches from an item, in this case a double-folding clasp and steel watch bracelet, leaving it with a “shiny” reflective surface.

To achieve a satin-finish, a non-scratch watch-tape is then applied as needed as a second machine is used (along with a different type of buff and compound) that gently applies the brush-stroked satin-finish where its needed. 

Afterwards, the watch is seen by the rest of our service department ensuring its reassembled and tested before being returned. 

For any further clarity, feel free to send us an e-mail with what you need to know.