Stainless Steel Watches

[esteban68]

The reason I originally asked the question (and which I should have mentioned) was that after a certain period of use, the cheaper watches just start looking....cheap (scratched, dull appearance), while the more expensive brands like Rolex seem to hold up better. When I asked about polishing I was thinking that after a while I might just bring my watch in to a jeweler for polishing.

Yes I have noticed this too, not so much cheap V expensive but I own a 1970's Ingersol and so shiney is the case that at first I thought it was chrome( it is stainless as it does polish very well after a lot of effort!) it was also difficult to polish maybe this was/is due to the finishing off hardening process of the cases before assembly?

All my other stainless watches polish fairly easily including my 1968 Omega Seamaster.
All watches will if used look scratched eventually how much depends on the usuage, I use Autosol every so often and just a good jewellers polishing cloth after every wear thgis even keeps the crystals in good order, but will not remove deep scratches!

 

[esteban68]

Forgot to add a great little tip that leaves your watch literally minty and fresh/new looking..........IF your watch is definately still waterproof then get a soft bristled toothbrush put on a pea of toothpaste and a squirt of soft soap dribble with warm water(from the tap) and brush your watch front, back and stainless bracelet if it has one, especially good on these as it removes all the dead skin and gunk...also good on the other halfs rings etc and thus saves your soniccleaning machine for proper stuff like watch parts!!!

 

[mattp]

Esteban68, I tend to use dish washing liquid rather than toothpaste, as some toothpastes are abrasive and could leave tiny scratches in the finish. I also use an infant toothbrush, which are super soft. Cheers.

 

[dnjan]

For me it's marketing. Sure, the properties of various steels differ a tiny bit, but not much on your wrist in normal life adventures. I have owned high end watches, Rolex, Omega, Longines and less stellar makes, Cyma, Junghans, Seiko and Citizen. Many Asian watches are as shiny and hard wearing as any Euro jobbies I have owned over 35 years. In fact, my current 2 year-old Seiko (can't find the model name) is Japanese made, in a retro, 1960's design, real saphire glass and wears as well as any watch you can buy. There's often so much snobbery and cant in watch discussions, it makes politics look tame.

Unfortunately, the niche that many Chinese products are filling in the U.S. market are at the low end. And, in general, the products that are provided are meeting the price-point specified: low-end.
I am glad to hear that you are able to get their better quality products where you are.
Right now in the U.S., expectations and reality are so well-matched that it will be a bit more difficult for high-end Chinese products to stand a chance.

 

[esteban68]

Esteban68, I tend to use dish washing liquid rather than toothpaste, as some toothpastes are abrasive and could leave tiny scratches in the finish. I also use an infant toothbrush, which are super soft. Cheers.

toothpaste should be fine after all it leaves your teeth lovely and shiney and smooth sooooo smooth they squeak!

 

[mattp]

That logic would be great if your watch was made of teeth. If it works for you that's great, but I don't want some poor guy to cover his nice shiny watch with micro abrasions, hence my words of caution.
I worked at a car detailing business once upon a time, and had a nice new(ish) car bought in by a woman who had tried to surprise her husband by washing the car for him. Wanted to get it nice and clean, so used the kitchen scourer (hey, it gets the dishes soooo clean!). Unfortunately I couldn't repair all the damage she'd caused...

 

[Talbot]

Discussion on the different grades of stainless, 316, 904 being the more common grades, but no comments on metal hardening treatments. I always assumed this was standard practice on higher end watches.

Can anyone comment on metal hardening processes used by 'premium' watch companies.

 

[Talbot]

All my other stainless watches polish fairly easily including my 1968 Omega Seamaster.
All watches will if used look scratched eventually how much depends on the usuage, I use Autosol every so often and just a good jewellers polishing cloth after every wear thgis even keeps the crystals in good order, but will not remove deep scratches!

Start with a very fiine grade of wet and dry sandpaper, say 1200 and carefully go over the crystal, not pushing in too hard (dont ask!). Work up to finer grades, then cutting compound, then Brasso.

Best remove the movement before hand.

 

[esteban68]

That logic would be great if your watch was made of teeth. If it works for you that's great, but I don't want some poor guy to cover his nice shiny watch with micro abrasions, hence my words of caution.
I worked at a car detailing business once upon a time, and had a nice new(ish) car bought in by a woman who had tried to surprise her husband by washing the car for him. Wanted to get it nice and clean, so used the kitchen scourer (hey, it gets the dishes soooo clean!). Unfortunately I couldn't repair all the damage she'd caused...

I should add use toothpaste at your own discretion and indeed some are more abraisive than others, however I have used it for many years on many watches( got over 50 including Tissots & Omegas -though no Rolex)/ jewellery with no noticable scratching even under a 10X loupe, would I use it on a brand new expensive watch ...no would I use it on a expensive watch as year or two down the line rather than take it in to a shop to get rouge slapped on it then most definately yes...with care!

 

[esteban68]

Forgot to add that yes Watchuseek is excellent if a little slow at times, also the watch forum uk is very good and primarily uk led.