Scratch on titanium bracelet: help !

After no more than 7 days, I have scratched my at titanium bracelet (I used it while swimming last night to test it) exactly on the bottom of the bracelet, where the IWC letters are. Does anyone know if it is possible to remove the scratch or how can I fix the problem ? Thank you for any advise or suggestions you might give me.
Crying mike...

Depends on the scratch....

All scratch removal is by polishing, which in turn involves surface reduction. Titanium is notoriously difficult to polish, since the surface is almost always matte.

Most people say leave the scratch --it adds character and some small ones are inevitable. But it if bothers you, at your own risk try using an ink eraser. Make small, consistent rubs all in the same direction. That sometimes works, or at least works well enough.

If it's more serious, then I understand that IWC can "refinish" a tintanium case,presumably by sand-blasting. I assume that could be done on a bracelet, but it is neither inexpensive nor quick (it must go to the factory(l You may be able to get a part replaced through a dealer, and that might be less costly.

Good luck,
Michael

Depends on the scratch....

Thank you for your advise. Might be a good idea to go to a dealer and get a new part of the bracelet, I am scared to use the polish, might damage it again, and then I would cry...

sometimes TI scratches...

heal themselves.
they don't actually "heal" but the nature of the metal causes the scratch to become much less obvious.
i would leave it for a couple of months and see how it looks then
stephen

Depends also on the model watch & finish ...

I have found the titanium bracelets and cases to vary from one model watch to another. Some models have a more pronounced beaded finish while other models are comparatively smoother looking.

With the PD by IWC Ocean 2000 bracelets as well as the PD by IWC Titan chronographs (the first of titanium watches produced by IWC) we, at our NY service center, are able to remove light to medium scratches with a satin wheel while maintaining the original look.

For other models that have a visible beaded finish it becomes tricky to remove scratches and probably the best choice is to have the case and/or bracelet refinished by the factory.

So, in the end it depends not only on the scratch but also which model watch as well as where the scratch is located.

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Great advice. nt.

I had the same on my GST

My GST Perpetual had much worse. This will be overkill for you but I had to send it for a service anyway and IWC in New York also bead blasted the case and bracelet. It looked like new.

You are bound to get some scratches and they will "heal" somewhat if they are not deep.

Michael

I had the same on my GST

Thank you all guys. Thank you for your advices.
Jack, the model is at chrono.
Here is a picture of my bracelet.
Do you think it might be possible to contact directly IWC and ask for a new piece of the bracelet ? Is so, does anybody know how ?
Thank you again
michele

img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20090124222nb9.jpg

Swiss service

A few years ago I scratched the bracelet of my GST Chrono (the small quartz one) while gliding down a mountain path for a few meters. I hated the whole story, but the scratch the most, as I was OK. Being in Switzerland near St. Moritz I brought the watch to a famous AD there, without any hope. I should return in one hour and a half. Then those scratches were invisible, and it was also impossible to see any marks of the operation. I was overjoyed, wondered about the cost, and as a real Dutchman was pleased to hear it was on the house. Maybe you could try the same.

Kind regards,
Paul, wearing Saint Exupéry Chrono

but try it without the bruises from a

mountain side fall.....:) LOL - great ending to your story.

Andrew

Swiss service

Thank you Paul. I will follow your suggestion even though st Moritz is not really around the corner from where I live.
Thank you again.
Michele Rinelli