A scratched Seamaster taught me the value of hand-polishing

I used to think hand-polishing was a relic from past watchmaking. Always reached for my ultrasonic cleaner and buffing wheels. Then a customer brought in his father's old Omega Seamaster, covered in fine scratches. He asked for a gentle touch to keep its story intact. I decided to try traditional polishing compounds by hand. The process was slow, each stroke deliberate. When done, the case had a warm, even sheen that machines can't replicate. His smile was all the confirmation I needed. This small win reminded me that sometimes the old ways are best for preservation.

3 comments

3 Comments

wren58019h ago

Hand-polishing a Seamaster? Seriously overblown.

tessat9918h ago

My friend had his Seamaster hand-polished, and I gotta say, it was overblown. He said it scratched even easier after, idk, maybe it's just me but that seems counterproductive.

ryantorres14h ago

Have you ever had something professionally done only for it to turn out worse? I mean, @tessat99's story about the Seamaster scratching easier after polishing hits close to home. It reminds me of when I paid to have my vintage desk refinished, and the finish ended up feeling tacky and collecting every bit of lint. Idk, maybe some materials just don't take well to certain processes, or the craftsman was having an off day. It's kinda frustrating when you're expecting an upgrade and get the opposite.