How to Remove Scratches from a Plastic or Acrylic Watch Crystal (Without Replacing It)
If you own a watch with a plastic or acrylic glass — like many Swatch, Timex, Casio or vintage timepieces, you know how easy it is to pick up scratches. The good news? You don't need to replace the crystal. With the right polish, you can restore it in minutes.
Why Do Plastic Watch Crystals Scratch So Easily?
Plastic (or acrylic) watch crystals are lightweight and shatter-resistant, which makes them great for everyday wear. But they’re also softer than mineral or sapphire glass, which means they scratch more easily from contact with keys, zips, desk surfaces, you name it.
The Best Way to Remove Scratches from Plastic Watch Glass
One of the most effective and affordable ways to remove scratches is with Polywatch Scratch Remover. This clever polish contains a fine abrasive that smooths the surface of the acrylic, gently buffing out scratches and restoring clarity.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tube of Polywatch (5g)
- A clean, soft cloth or cotton pad
- A few minutes of your time
How to Use Polywatch (Step-by-Step)

- Clean the watch face with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply a small amount of Polywatch directly onto the scratched area.
- Rub firmly in a circular motion with your cloth for 2–3 minutes.
- Buff away any excess and check your progress. Repeat if needed.
One 5g tube is enough for up to 10 uses, making it great value for money. It’s especially handy for vintage collectors and everyday watch wearers alike.
When NOT to Use Polywatch
Polywatch is designed specifically for plastic and acrylic crystals. If your watch has a mineral or sapphire glass crystal, you'll need a different solution. For light scratches on mineral glass, try our Diamond Polishing Paste.
Before and After: Real Results
We've tested Polywatch on a scratched Swatch and a 1980s Timex. In both cases, the scratches disappeared after a few minutes of polishing, revealing a clear, like-new finish.
“It worked like magic on my scratched Fossil watch. I thought I’d need a new crystal — but this did the job in five minutes.”
Where to Buy Polywatch in the UK
You can order Polywatch directly from us here at Eternal Tools with fast UK delivery: Buy Polywatch Scratch Remover
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