Polishing and refinishing a watch is a specialist skill, separate from those of watchmaking and from those of a jeweller. While dedicated brand workshops and some independent watchmakers learn these skills, in our experience it is very rare to find a jeweller who has been trained in the correct process for refinishing a watch case.
In order to maintain the correct lines and edges on a watch case, it’s essential to have access to the correct equipment and to be trained in how to refinish a watch. Perhaps the best known watchmaking education provider – WOSTEP – has a number of dedicated courses teaching this skill, independent from their watchmaking-specific programmes.
“Polishing a watch isn’t just about restoring its shine—it’s about preserving its integrity, craftsmanship, and value for the future.”
Alongside this avenue for training, major watch brands have their own refinishing workshops, staffed by dedicated watch polishing technicians. Accredited independent workshops may attend special courses to learn refinishing techniques specific to each brand.
Watch cases are often made of different materials to those a jeweller is used to working with. Even when cases are gold or silver, these may still prove problematic to an average jeweller who is used to polishing rings, bangles and necklaces. To polish a watch correctly we use various different methods, utilising dedicated wheels and polishing compounds on a variable speed machine. Without the necessary training, knowledge and skills, it is highly likely an attempted polish will compromise the shape of your watch case.
We haven’t even mentioned some of the very specialist equipment available in some workshops, including a laser welding machine to fill in major dents and a lapping machine – used to reinstate very precise sharp edges and finishes.
If you’re unsure how to refinish a watch or lack the necessary equipment, it should be left as is. It’s far better to leave a watch in unpolished condition rather than do a sub-standard job. Especially on high-value watches, sub-standard polishing simply acts to devalue a watch. We recommend you always get your watch polished at a dedicated watch workshop, in particular those who can talk in detail about refinishing and who have images of their work available online.
Summary:
Polishing a watch is a highly specialised skill distinct from both jewellery work and traditional watchmaking. Proper watch refinishing requires expert training, the correct equipment, and knowledge of the specific materials and techniques for preserving the watch’s original lines and edges. Attempting to polish a watch without these essentials can result in irreversible damage and devaluation. Entrusting your watch to a dedicated watch workshop ensures a professional finish that maintains its value and craftsmanship.
Looking to have your Watch Serviced and repaired?
Try our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service, all watches are fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout their postal journey from the moment the package leaves your hand to when it is received by you. Book yours in now!