How to Repair the Crystal in a Swiss Army Watch

Some crystals on Victorinox Swiss Army watches can be repaired. Mineral glass crystals, for example, are scratch resistant but are still susceptible to scratches in extreme circumstances. These scratches generally can be buffed out with the appropriate equipment. Swiss Army watches featuring sapphire crystals, which are made of synthetic sapphire, are tough, durable pieces that are difficult to scratch. Sapphire crystals are also tricky to repair and the job should be left to a trained watchmaker. Sapphire crystals are usually replaced instead of repaired. Mineral glass crystals are easier to repair as long as the glass is not cracked or severely damaged.

Things You'll Need

• Hard felt buff
• Polishing motor
• Yellow rouge
• Polyamide tape or masking tape
• Soft cleaning cloth

Instructions

1. Squeeze a small portion of yellow rouge polishing compounding to the felt buff on the polishing motor spinner while it’s spinning. Apply the compound for about two seconds with medium or light pressure from the tube.

2. Apply polyamide tape or masking tape to the watch case and band or bracelet to ensure the spinner does not touch the watch case and bracelet. The polishing spinner could accidentally remove the case plating.

3. Pull the Victorinox Swiss Army watch bracelet or band back under the case with your thumb and forefinger so the bracelet or band is not near the buffing spinner.

4. Press the crystal against the spinner using medium pressure by hold together the bracelet or band underneath the case. Keep the watch crystal moving in a back and forth motion while the spinner is moving. If the scratches are deep, you can apply more pressure to the spinner.

5. Continue moving the crystal back and forth. Check the crystal frequently to determine the progress of removing the scratches. Tilt the crystal at angles to ensure full coverage, including the edges.

6. Continue to apply medium pressure. Try to maintain equal pressure over the entire area to ensure consistent buffing.

7. Wipe clean the buff spinner periodically to remove tiny debris. Add more polishing compound when necessary.

8. Remove the polyamide or masking tape. Use a polishing cloth to remove excess polishing compound from the crystal. Buff the crystal to a shine.

Tips & Warnings

• Victorinox Swiss Army watches have been produced since 1989, so all models feature mineral or sapphire glass crystals (no plastic crystals are seen on vintage watches) fitted with special gaskets to ensure water resistance. Do not attempt to replace a severely damaged crystal yourself.

• Use a polishing buffer on a mineral glass crystal with caution. Polishing removes a small layer of glass. Removing too many layers could compromise the integrity of the watch.

References

• Esslinger.com: Removing Scratches from Glass Crystals