How to Polish a Watch - Polishing & Brushed Finish. Seiko 7025

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5 жыл бұрын

In this video I am showing you how I restore a stainless steel watch case. How I achieve a polished finish and how I apply brushed finishing to the top face of the case.
The video is long but it takes a while to talk you all through the stages I do. I get very good results even using the rotary tool (I now have a polishing machine) I figured it was better to demonstrate that tool as you are most likely to have this available.
Case restoration is a very subjective topic but if its something you want to try this guide will help you.
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Пікірлер: 132

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Have my videos have helped you? why not support the channel in some way You can make a one off/ monthy donation here in only one click: www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroWatches If you would like to purchase any tools & equipment then please see my Amazon affiliate & eBay (I do earn a small commission from any sales.) Thank you. Link: Link: myretrowatches.co.uk/tool-sale-links/ If you would like to buy any of my T-Shirts then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches

@theloneranger2101 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, just see this post for the first time and gave it a thumbs up. I'm very interested to know why you use Thermal Tape for masking and not just any common masking tape? Is there a benefit using Thermal Tape for the polishing process?

@lazmonroy8165 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. I'm weirded by the fact it had not come up before when I searched for case restorations before. You demonstrated a very successful way to make a watch look good again in a way pretty much anyone can get it done at home. This video is gold. Thank you.

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

lazaro monroy thank you so much for saying so. Glad you found the channel and the videos are of use to you.

@a.aguilar 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mike. I don't think there are many tutorials on restoring the watch case, and yours covers everything from brushed to polished very deeply. We're learnig a lot from you!

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Agustin Aguilar wow thanks. I appreciate that. Case restoration is for the brave however once you start you have to get a good result or you’ve ruined it.

@HexterTheJexter 5 ай бұрын

Best VIDEO on KZfaq! This guy is BRILLIANT! Thanks! Now I know how to do it properly!

@danieldeleon8474 4 жыл бұрын

My dad has a buffing machine that I can use but I didn't know why he has sandpapers till I stumble upon this video. This is such a bless

@kevinokeeffe9219 2 жыл бұрын

Watching you polishing that case and talking about the minutes/hours it takes, a Buddhist monk I once saw, dunno, some 20 years ago at the Museum of Ethnology in Heidelberg, came to my mind. He demonstrated and explained how he would go about polishing imperial ritual swords. If I remember correctly, his apprenticeship lasted 20 years, 12 of which consisted solely in training monotonous brushing movements on lesser valuable blades, and nothing else. That's dedication for you.

@markkubis5640 4 жыл бұрын

At last, a video showing how to achieve a truly high quality result, thanks

@qnikqsy3085 4 жыл бұрын

Funny how people years ago kept there methods in secret, now they share it on youtube, and so few listen. Thank you

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Very true but as I am not doing this for a living I am just showing publically how I do these things as a hobbyist.

@VenerableYorge Жыл бұрын

F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! 💯👍😀

@rafaelalves3642 5 жыл бұрын

A step by step guide to polishing, great video.

@vincentfong2535 4 жыл бұрын

thank you for the video. I've learned a lot from this. Some of us lesser mortals will jump straight into it with the dremel but this shows how preparations can make a difference.

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sir. happy you found it useful. In my latest 6309 series (see my playlists) I do another case restoration video.

@starwarsjohn9807 5 жыл бұрын

Yet another fantastic tutorial video mike, which now gives me great confidence in tackling a full case restoration on my recent non running seiko Hi beat purchase.

@aaron2709 Ай бұрын

Looks great!

@scotth6848 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial! Your process is well thought out, thank you for the instruction, well done!

@andreastevenson2173 5 жыл бұрын

Your favourite bit of the process. Great video as always

@LordGryllwotth 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video. I am going to try to remove dings and scratches on a Bertucci A-2T, titanium. You have tipped me about using sticks with a carved curve in it. Brushed / satin finish.

@kellypaws 3 жыл бұрын

I'd be stopping on the 320, it looks really great. A strong industrial finish. Lovely.

@tredici72 5 жыл бұрын

Beauty, looks brand spanking new..👍

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

V1 Aviation thanks not sure it looks new but it’s improved somewhat

@NICHOLSON7777 5 жыл бұрын

Learned a lot. Thanks

@seikoboy65 5 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial Mike looks absolutely spot on well done

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Seiko Boy thanks

@ecch113 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the detailed instruction on how to work on the case. An invaluable reference video!

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric

@adamgoitiaable 5 жыл бұрын

Looks fantastic Mike. Excellent job!

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@BillMrWild 5 жыл бұрын

Nice one Mike, very rewarding when finished , like new, done some polishing using a similar method. Thanks for sharing.

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Bill A thank you for your support Bill .

@j.adanga9787 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. I just want to compliment you on your eye and skill. Thanks

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly.

@yaproy 2 жыл бұрын

love the video, you covered all the section from brushed matt to highly polished watch, brilliant 🤩

@MyRetroWatches 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!!

@albert290371 Жыл бұрын

This is an exemplary and fantastic video on case polishing, Thank you Michael for posting

@MyRetroWatches Жыл бұрын

And thank you for watching

@mrlejones 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video Mike!

@davidhammond9336 5 жыл бұрын

Wow great work, looks fantastic. Again great commentary through the video.

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

David Hammond thank you for such praise. I often think I’m talking to myself on these videos!

@ianmargetts4940 5 жыл бұрын

Another ace vid, MB! Watch looks A1 now!

@lesthelegendofficial 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks to you and vince im keeping my eye out for an auto seiko to service! With me luck 🤪

@Inkreptile 5 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video great work !!

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

AV Cuber thank you.

@user-zj3ij6ov6x 11 ай бұрын

Hi Mike, I still wanted your videos today on KZfaq and it said that you can get a bit of steal from you before doing the cases. I've been watching you doing cases and I wondered if you could get a lump of steel for me like you got on your site and how much it would cost me. Thanks very much mate. You're such an inspiration. I watch it all the time

@MyRetroWatches 11 ай бұрын

Only if you are in the UK as I won’t ship steel elsewhere as it’s too heavy. If you are UK based then email me michael@myretrowatches.com

@TWS001 5 жыл бұрын

looking nice!

@rsotis 5 жыл бұрын

Well done real MB!

@ariwicaksono9202 Жыл бұрын

Thats a great one.

@TheNorton72 2 жыл бұрын

Awsome mike🤙

@tonyfrewin4822 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Mike. Thanks for your help. Do you have a video on replacing and selecting these rectangular crystals? Amazing results from the home workshop.

@jonnyrognsy4488 Жыл бұрын

Good and nice work 👍

@MyRetroWatches Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

@dropj3 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot mate. As a aspiring watchmaker this really comes in handy :)

@MyRetroWatches 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. I am no pro though just a hobbyist

@dropj3 2 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches haha I'm still neither of both. Hopefully a hobbyist soon and a pro after that 😀

@Fcyhcfyc 3 жыл бұрын

Than you for the invaluable info! Do you have example in your videos how to recreate a circular brushed finish on the top of the case on the lugs?

@lurkingcorsa10 4 жыл бұрын

15:37 niceee.. it looks so bright bro

@Supercruze 5 жыл бұрын

Great video piece Michael. Very helpful for us do it yourselfers.

@krisarsov76 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, great video !!! I wonder (because you didn't show) how do you remove the glass from the basel , and how do you put it back in , without compromising the water resistance ?

@omarmattar4148 Жыл бұрын

Very useful channel and website

@MyRetroWatches Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@linklindsey5658 4 жыл бұрын

I use old used up Connoisseurs jewelry polishing cloth to wipe away the polishing compound to see how I'm doing. And it's a dedicated cloth for that purpose only. I have three neatly folded in a stack, and they also make for a soft surface if you need one quick. And you can undedicate them real quick if you spill your beer!! LOL Great vids glad I subscribed!!

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

I will look into those thanks. Thanks for subscribing too. Its usually scotch on my bench

@johnbravo7542 4 жыл бұрын

For your DRemel chuck instead of using the Capton tape use heat shrink tubing you can get it at your electronics store heat shrink one time and if you like add a second piece after that and shrink that down.

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

John Bravo that sir is a fantastic idea! I’ve changed tools now as this one burnt out. Plus I have a bench polishing machine however the rotary tool still gets used allot.

@a_better_understanding 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video, could you let me know where I could purchase the pads you used in this video ?

@mattc8213 2 жыл бұрын

still have some deep scratches at the finish, a few more passes with the mid grade sandpaper would have had that at a mirror finish! overall great video thank you for sharing!

@davidsonviray1403 3 жыл бұрын

hi, may i ask because the caseback of my seiko 5 have a single deep scratch though it's not noticeable since it is on the caseback, do you think it can be repaired? and how much do you think it will cost? just wondering if you have any idea :)

@hagopbedigian5018 11 ай бұрын

i worked polisher for 8 year I have questions please what is the difference working polisher to rolex clock!!! Of normal work polisher with necklaces-bracelet-ring?? I really like watching your video

@GenWivern2 5 жыл бұрын

Nice job Mike, thanks for the video. This is the one part of the watch restoration process I feel amply qualified to take on and 100% confident about; nonetheless it's heartening to see someone whose business is abrasives approaching the job in exactly the same way. So ... having got a nice shiny finish I'm wondering about - you guessed it - electroplating. I have a few base metal cases to restore and any wit and wisdom would be very much appreciated.

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

GenWivern2 thanks for your comment. I think polishing has a standard procedure that’s well documented . Prep and right products in the right order. After that it’s pretty simple . As for plating , I’ve never got into it. Allot of prep needed. Most towns will have a plating shop and I have contemplated calling my local one to see what’s involved and the costs. Thickness of the plating is also something you need to consider too. I believe someone in my Facebook group does it but I can’t remember who it is unfortunately

@GenWivern2 5 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches Thanks, Mike. There's a reputable plating shop nearby so there's always a line of retreat, but I have a rather ordinary Ingersoll to play with and an anode due to arrive shortly so I guess I'll report back.

@Arockalypsse 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, I wanna matte my shiny black PVD watch and bracelet. Would it work doing something like this or it would ruin the coat ? thanks.

@dambubolang895 3 жыл бұрын

Hello sir, what was exact named of tools you used for it? Thanks and more power. 😊

@ucphanviet9053 4 жыл бұрын

How you can tape the case (especially the curved line?)

@panchoskywalker 4 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! When is it required to wet the sandpaper, I see you don't wet it what difference does it make?

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Hello and thank you for your comment. I am glad you have found the tutorial useful. Wet & dry , you can use it both ways I just prefer dry. wet would just remove the filings quicker and prevent the paper clogging up.

@jeromejeronimo9807 5 жыл бұрын

Hi ! I love you video !.... the best I have ever seen on watch restoration !... I was wondering, what do you think about ‘cape cod’ product?... once polishing is done, do you use it?

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Jerome Jeronimo hello and thank you for your comment., I do have Cape Cod but use it only on chrome or gold plated . It’s not really an abrasive and more a chemical cleaner. If you want a light polish use something like Autosol which is a chrome cleaner paste in a tube. Does wonders once you buff it all off!

@kellypaws 3 жыл бұрын

On a vintage Omega it's only going to improve things too. It's just that on a Seiko people are willing to admit it.

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

agreed the higher the price tag the more daring you have to be.

@martinmessier4498 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Great video! I would like to know which type of abrasive and which grit I have to use it to simply refresh the brush section of my watch case? Best regards

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

Martin Messier if it’s just the brushing and you don’t want to try to get under deep scratches then just there scotchbrite. If you are wanting to remove scratches then you will need paper of 600,800,1000,1200 grit first The scotchbrite as your see in the video gives you the brushing effect

@outlawrallyrob 3 жыл бұрын

What a video I loved it very well done thanks

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@mohammedsaad9484 4 жыл бұрын

What are those tools and where can I get them😅?

@lutfiarief9810 11 ай бұрын

What number grit sandpaper? And the scotch brite ?

@rubinsteinway 8 ай бұрын

I polished my watch similar to how you did it. I had removed a black enamel (?) coating because it was blotchy and uneven. Now it's pearly-silvery. Do you know how I could re-coat the case with a black enamel or enamel-like substance? Thanks.

@MyRetroWatches 8 ай бұрын

Sorry I don’t. It might have been PVD coating. I don’t think there is a way for you to do this other than find a company who could do it for you

@worldwide1376 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. How did you cut the kapton tape around the curved parts of the case. Did you use a razor blade, did it not leave a scratched line on the metal?

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

World wide137 careful razor blade and good magnification . If you come up so the side of the blade is on the flat surface you can just slice it off as the blade end is in the air rather than pushing down on the case. Really sharp blades cut through it well as the tape is quite rigid .

@worldwide1376 3 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches Ahh, that is a good technique. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!

@9426sunny 2 жыл бұрын

Still I can see lots of scratches on the polished side. Is that normal?

@themillers2142 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike Do you know if you can buy a polishing kit that has everything in it I would need . Plus is it possible to polish the crystals . Regards Tony

@LordGryllwotth 4 жыл бұрын

Hey. There is some that is named Polywatch. There is two types, one for acrylic / plastic and one for glass. But for sapphire I do not know if the glass version works on. But it says something about "diamond technology".

@greggusan 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, maybe a crazy question, but could you use sand paper or a rasp of some sort to customize the shape of the case? I have a Vostok with very chunky mid case and lugs, and am interested in trying to remove some material to slim those areas down. I live in an apartment in Korea, without much room to own many tools. So don't have a sanding machine, or dremel or anything of that sort, and don't want to buy them with no place to keep them. Would sand paper and rasp take way too much effort for this, or be too imprecise? Just a fun little thing I'd like to try to an expensive watch case, which I think could look pretty good with a little love.

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

I would say to remove material by hand in any real quantity a difficult task. Firstly the case has to be solid stainless. If its chrome plated then you will just remove the chrome to see the base metal. You could rub with 320 grit paper for half an hour and you would have only removed 0.01mm +

@greggusan 3 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches Thanks for the reply. I thought as much. I figure I could remove more material with a rasp, but keeping everything symmetrical and clean would be pretty hard. Might try anyways, cause it's going to be a long hard winter indoors

@jiriholecek9697 2 жыл бұрын

Hallo,please,what is it in 13:50?This is paper,or what?End i buy where? Thanks very much🙂Can you please write me the names of the polishing paste in order? And where can I buy them? I am from Europe. Thank you.

@d3xmeister 4 жыл бұрын

How did you applied the tape on a curved form ? I never managed to do that because the tape edge is straight

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

I stick the thermal tape on and then use a razor blade (under magnification) to cut out the contours.

@d3xmeister 4 жыл бұрын

My Retro Watches I tried that with a box cutter it did not worked, I should use a sharp razor blade it makes sense. Thanks

@2000yashka Жыл бұрын

Great video, but would love to know how to get a satin grain - rather than brushed - finish...cant seem to find that info anywhere :(

@MyRetroWatches Жыл бұрын

I cant answer that. possibly another really fine abrasive product.

@TimeArtPiece 5 жыл бұрын

Maybe I missed something, why are you polishing longitudinal and transverse?

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

Time Art Piece I do this especially on the more cutting / coarse compounds . I’m not a big fan of felt and on my polishing machine I do not use it at all but for anyone wanting to try with a dremel it’s a good place to start. I find that the coarser compound with a felt wheel can sometimes leave marks so doing it both ways lessens this . Also there are the edges to think about , polishing diagonally can help retain those., I think I may do a video on the machine at some point. Results are allot faster

@persinarugabriel00 4 жыл бұрын

hi watch model name for watch at 16:34 pls?

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Alex Persinaru 7019-5000

@Karsonbarnes11 4 жыл бұрын

With the correct equipment, this case would take about 10 or 15 minutes to polish. Not bad results

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, I actually have a polishing machine, this video was done using a rotary tool to demonstrate what can be achieved. all to common I see over polishing on watches and all the sharp edges have gone. You have less control on a bench grinder/ polisher as the contact material , cotton wheel can be too big, even using the thermal tape does not always protect the edges. Once thing for certain is to use quality abrasives, & compounds. Abrasives is the industry I work in professionally and quality always wins in the end.

@Karsonbarnes11 4 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches you can buy a felt wheel for a polishing machine to keep case angles. Ray foster make a very nice variable speed motor with a lapping disc and 3 jaw chuck attachment. We use this setup at my store and it's quite affordable (especially relative to how much it could be)

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Karson Barnes I will Google them and take a look. I have felt wheels but I only start with them . Normal polishing would require stages of felt, cotton and soft cotton , stitched loose etc. Each wheel a finer compound . Thanks , I am always open to different products

@jakelewis3d 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, I'm looking over the polishing shop website and they have stainless steel kits comprising mops and compounds. They don't use felt - even the grey compound uses a Sisal mop. They recommend a max rpm of 4000, whereas your dremel starts at 10,000, ( I assume this is to prevent overheating). Which of their kits would you recommend? www.thepolishingshop.co.uk/polishing-kits/steel-stainless-steel-polishing-kits/steel-stainless-steel-kits-for-drills

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Jake Lewis they are not kits for a rotary tool hand machine like I demonstrate , what you are linking to there is for a polishing machine like a bench grinder with a taper spindle. 4” diameter wheels . You have to be very careful with a machine like that as you would lose edges in seconds. I have a bench machine that I do use but I only put on 2” wheels

@jakelewis3d 4 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches That makes sense - larger diameters at lower speeds vs small diameters at higher speeds. The link I posted above is rated for hand drills, they also do 6" and 8" kits for bench grinders. I'm going to order just the compounds (in small sizes totaling 11 UKP shipped), and buy the mops and wheels from your affiliate links.

@MyRetroWatches 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jake, In my professional opinion Menzerna is the best out there. My day job we sell this into some large companies but in full bar form

@rambeza 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, what's the name of this tape, scotch tape?18:56

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

Kapton tape , or heat proof tape. rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fitm%2FKapton-Tape-5mm-10mm-20mm-50mm-100mm-200mm-300mm-rolls%2F322522852211%3Fhash%3Ditem4b17dc2b73%3Ag%3ALKwAAOSwMsxeupIZ&campid=5338562247&toolid=20008

@rambeza 3 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches thank you very much! Are you using diamond polishing paste? Yes, your channel is also watched in Russia! There is something to learn from you!

@MyRetroWatches 3 жыл бұрын

@@rambeza I am impressed I reach Russia! You have good English . The compound (paste) is not diamond just different grades of polishing compound. Abrasive is aluminium oxide in the compound.

@rambeza 3 жыл бұрын

@@MyRetroWatches I'm lazy, so I didn't learn your language )Google translate helps me.So, question!How to remove the RAID from the arrows?Previously I have seen what a pencil is, after all, clean!Magic of some kind !

@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands 11 ай бұрын

@photographyenthusiast1080 5 жыл бұрын

I see many scratches on final stage. Sandpaper not the best tool for polishing.

@MyRetroWatches 5 жыл бұрын

This was just the demonstration for the video for a tutorial point of view. I did repolish again afterwards as this was a giveaway watch for the channel. You could not restore a watch case properly in 30 minutes but no one would want to sit through a 2 hour video.. you can see the finished watch on this video here. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/acyHetJztt3Xm2Q.html