The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hello. I am new to the forum. I was wondering if anyone could tell how possible it is to scratch the saphire crystal while buffing. I ask because I just picked up my super avenger from the jeweler where I had it buffed. While inspecting the watch afterwards, I noticed what appear to be slight scuff marks or discolorations on the crystal right where the steel case borders the crystal. I tried to rub over it with a polishing cloth, but it will not go away.

When I asked the jeweler if they accidently scratched the crystal while buffing, he noted that it was not possible to for a buff wheel to scratch the crystal. Is this true and if not has anyone ever run into this before? I did not want to push the issue with the jeweler, because I honestly could not say if they were to blame. If, in fact, the crystal did get scuffed, is there a way to polish it out? Thank you in advance for any insight on this.

Cheers - Alfred

Sapphire crystal is the second hardest material (after diamond) so buffing the case is not going to damage it, but......

The anti-reflective coating on top of the crystal could easily have been damaged, by the compound if not the wheel itself.

Welcome to BreitlingSource.

Roffensian -

Thank you for the info and the welcome, most appreciated. If for some reason it was the anti-reflective coating that was damaged, is there any way to repair this or make it less visible (without purchasing a new crystal)? It almost looks like little "smudge" marks that can only be seen in a certain light and will not go away. Any additional info would be appreciated.

Thanks again!

Alfred

Breitling won't recoat a crystal with AR, although I believe that some aftermarket companies might. You could remove the entire AR coating - something as simple as cape cod polishing cloths will do that, although of course then you will have only the single AR coating under the crystal.

Roffensian -

Thank you for the tip and additional info. I may just remove it all with cape cod cloths... depends on how much it continues to bother me..lol.

Thank you again -

Alfred

I know who I would be going back to...and tune him into the p!$$#d off station.
He just wrecked your watch!

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The jeweller should sort that out, no questions asked.

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Driver8

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Thanks folks.. most appreciated. I am going back to the jeweler today. That is my own fault for not taking it to a Breitling AD. I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks again -

Another +1 for authorized service. Hope they sort you out!

Hey guys - Just an update. I purchased a tube of "Flitz" steel polish/scratch remover. After about 5-10 minutes of light circular rubbing, the damaged AR coating was taken off completely. I did go back to the jeweler and they are going to buy me a new saphire crystal with AR, but in the meantime the watch looks fabulous!! If you have an older watch, or just one that has scratches on the AR making it look crappy, this was a good fix. After polishing out the crystal (and the rest of the watch again) it looked like it did the first time I ever took it out of the box! I did try the Cape Cod polishing cloths initially, but had more success with the Flitz, however I would agree with Justin... if you have issues with your watch, take it to an AD.. lesson learned. Thanks again everyone for the help!