Watch Polishing and Refinishing: How to Restore Your Watch Safely

September 19, 2025

Many people consider luxury watches prized possessions. As such, owners do their best to care for them. But despite best efforts, dents, scratches, and other cosmetic issues occur, leading to a need for watch polishing and watch refinish.

While you may try these processes at home, professional service ensures your watch’s aesthetics and functionality remain intact. This article reviews the processes involved.

What Is a Watch Refinish?

A refinish restores a watch to its original aesthetics by removing scratches and dents and reapplying original finishes to revive the luster. The hands and dials are often updated to ‘like-new’ condition.

The process requires several steps, including the following:

Disassembly: The technician will disassemble the watch so they can access all its components.
Cleaning: Each component is cleaned to remove dirt, grime, and oil.
Case Refinishing: A polishing machine with abrasive and fabric wheels removes scratches from the metal case and bracelet and restores them to their original finish.
Dial and Hand Restoration: The dial is thoroughly cleaned, and its markings and markers, including luminous materials, are repaired, repainted, or reapplied.
Reassembly and Testing: The watchmaker reassembles the watch and tests it to ensure it maintains its accuracy and functionality after cleaning.

How to Polish a Watch

Watch polishing is typically included in the refinish process but can also be less invasive, addressing the surface only without disassembly. It is also more focused on restoring and retaining the watch’s finish. Here’s what’s involved.

Assessment: The technician will assess the watch’s surface to determine if it is polished or brushed, to ensure they apply the correct technique. Typically, a polished surface requires a polishing cloth with light pressure and fast, straight strokes to remove scratches and restore shine. With a brushed surface, a non-abrasive pad or nail buffer is used to apply short, straight strokes to create a consistent finish.
Gradual Abrasiveness: The process usually starts with coarse polishing compounds and wheels that remove deep scratches. Then, finer compounds are used to bring out the shine.
Cleaning: After polishing is complete, the compounds are removed with a specialized cleaning process.

What are the Benefits of Watch Polishing and Refinishing?

Watch polishing and refinishing offer several benefits, such as:

Restores Appearance: Part of the luxury watch experience is the attractive look. However, over time, watches can begin to appear dull and worn. Polishing and refinishing restore their appearance, making them shine with all their glory.
Enhances Legibility: Some watches may become so scratched and dirty that they are difficult to read. Refinishing and polishing restore their legibility so you can easily tell the time.
Maintains Value: A scratched or inherently dirty watch won’t be worth much. A good refinishing and polishing instantly increases value, which is ideal if you want to sell or trade your watch.

Are There Downsides to Polishing Your Watch?

Although many benefits are associated with refinishing and polishing, they can also have their downsides. Specifically, polishing can remove the material, diminishing the watch’s integrity, and alter original features such as sharp edges, bevels, and design lines. Additionally, polishing is rarely recommended for a vintage watch as it can impact the patina and marks that contribute to its historical significance.

Fortunately, you can avoid most of the downsides of watch polishing by working with a professional. An expert will avoid over-polishing by applying the right amount of pressure and understanding the techniques necessary to prevent value loss. They will also protect the watch’s structural integrity, uphold the resale value, and ensure a superior finish.

How to Find the Right Provider for Watch Polishing and Refinishing

With so much on the line during the watch polishing and refinishing process, working with a watch repair expert is essential. Here are some things to look for when vetting providers:

Consider Brand Authorization: Working with a provider authorized by your watch brand ensures the best outcomes. The provider will be familiar with the unique brand assets and avoid techniques that may devalue the watch. They will also be equipped with tools specialized to your watch design.
Check for Certifications: Certifications from reputable horology organizations, such as the American Watchmakers Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) or the Swiss Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP), signify optimal quality.
Reputation: Work with a dealer with positive online reviews and a long history of serving their community.
Learn About Their Process: Ask specific questions about their refinishing and polishing processes to ensure they take a careful approach.
Warranty: Companies that provide warranties are more likely to deliver quality work and will protect you from possible losses.

Precision Watches is a Top Name in Polishing and Refinishing

Precision Watches offers the expertise you require in polishing and refinishing luxury watches. Our certified in-house Swiss-trained watchmakers possess the knowledge and experience to handle delicate luxury timepieces. With half a decade of experience, we understand the intricacies of various watch brands and models and ensure optimal care and attention in our services.

In addition to polishing and refinishing, we offer all types of watch repair and sell and trade new and used watches. Contact us online or visit our Lower Gwynedd location to experience our excellent service firsthand.