Polish (exterior polishing)

Repair process flow

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  1.Disassembly

  First, we'll disassemble the exterior parts one by one.
  This is because if you do it without disassembling the part, you risk not being able to polish all the small parts properly, or accidentally scratching it during the polishing process.
  After disassembly, we plan the next steps while examining the condition of each part, including any scratches and the original finish and decorations.

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  2. Masking

  Areas not intended for polishing are masked with special tape. This prevents accidental polishing of unintended areas and prevents dirt and dust from getting into those areas. For these reasons, masking must be done carefully and thoroughly.

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  3. Buffing the case

  Now it's time for exterior polishing! For polishing, we use a special tool called a buffing wheel. This wheel-shaped buffing wheel rotates at high speed, and after applying polishing compound to the area to be polished, it is polished to a high shine. The result varies greatly depending on the subtle angle and pressure applied. We also take great care not to damage the original finish. Exterior polishing, which requires these kinds of techniques, is where the skill of the repair technician is clearly revealed. Here, we are using a rotary tool with a buffing wheel attached to polish the finer details.

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  4. Polishing with a buffing motor

  For polishing larger areas, a buffing motor is used.
  However, the exterior of a watch isn't simply a series of flat surfaces. It's curved to conform to the wrist, and has sharp edges to create a three-dimensional effect. Polishing these intricate details requires careful and skillful handwork.

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  5. Creating grooves on the case surface

  There are broadly two types of finishes for luxury watches: "polished" (mirror finish) and "hairline" (brushed finish). The former produces a mirror-like, shiny finish. The latter creates a deliberately subdued look by applying thin, long hair-like brushstrokes, resulting in a more understated and refined appearance.
  Both techniques require advanced skills to achieve a beautiful finish, but the stippling process, in particular, has a unique line specific to each brand. To ensure that the "beauty" that the brand values is never compromised, the stippling is meticulously done by hand using specialized tools.

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  6. Crimping with a flap wheel

  Fine details are graded by hand, but larger parts are graded using a flap wheel.
  A flap wheel is a device that rotates at high speed, similar to a buffing motor, but its distinguishing feature is that it has multiple abrasive cloths wrapped radially around it. It is a device used for creasing various products, and its high-speed rotation makes it very suitable for uniform creasing.
  Even though they are large parts, careful work is still required to avoid damaging the original finish. We will work carefully with precise hands.

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  7. Buffing the bracelet

  Once the case has been polished, the bracelet and buckle are also polished. The process is the same as for the case. Whether polished or brushed, the scratches are made less noticeable with the skill of experienced craftsmen, without compromising the finish.
  Incidentally, the buckle often has the brand logo or name printed on it. Applying a buff to this area would be disastrous. Polishing right up to the very edge is the kind of technique and skill required of a repair technician.

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  8. Polishing and creasing the case back (circular pattern)

  The underside of a watch is prone to scratches from various sources, such as the bracelet bumping against it when you put it down or from being bumped during storage. However, since logos and lettering are often engraved on the underside, polishing is definitely something you want to leave to a repair technician.
  The polishing process is the same as for other parts, but in fact, the finish on the case back also varies. The more luxurious the watch, the more attention to detail is paid to the back as well.
  First, circular (concentric) grooves are created by hand or using a flap wheel. At this time, extreme care is taken to ensure that areas that cannot be finished and the logo are never polished.

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  9. Creating grooves (vertical lines) on the case back

  Once you've finished creating the circular grooves, you'll then create the vertical grooves in the same way. Vertical grooves are often applied to fine details such as the back of the lugs, so this requires a more advanced technique.

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  10. Polishing complete

  In this way, once each part has been carefully and precisely polished and finished, the process is complete! The disassembled parts are then reassembled exactly as they were. Since the delicate finish can be scratched by even slight friction, we naturally take the utmost care during assembly.
  As you can see, even areas with noticeable scratches and discoloration have regained their shine thanks to professional exterior polishing! Our exterior polishing service often earns us comments like, "It looks like new!" You can rest assured that our skilled repair technicians will restore your vehicle's beautiful exterior!