Scratches on SS Link Watchband

[Fatyank]

I have a Series 5 Titanium watch with the stainless steel link watchband. Ive acquired some small surface scratches on the watchband near the latch mechanism and along the edges of some of the links. Minor but they annoy me. What is the best way to remove these scratches without ruining the surface of the watchband?

 

[YatBob]

Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloth, will remove small scratched and polish, been using it on my SS and it brings it back to looking new

 

[Fatyank]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

 

[the future]

Cape Cod works well on mirror-polished stainless steel surfaces (like the Apple Watch body), but I don‘t think it should be used on brushed surfaces like the link bracelet.

 

[FenC]

Cape Cod works well on mirror-polished stainless steel surfaces (like the Apple Watch body), but I don‘t think it should be used on brushed surfaces like the link bracelet.

That's exactly what I was going to say - you might make it shiny.

The jeweller we bought rings from for our wedding offers free cleaning of the rings for life. My wedding ring is mainly titanium and it is designed to be matte. First time they cleaned it it came back shiny and I was a bit bummed with that, but the next time it came back matte like it was new new. Next time I took it in I was wearing my slightly scratched link bracelet and I asked if they could get the scratches out and keep the satin finish, which they did.

I have no idea how much it would cost as they did all of it for free (the engagement ring I bought there was quite expensive, so I guess that helps), but the point of the post is that a jeweller might be able to buff it and clean it for you.

 

[F308gt4]

This is a common problem with metal watch bands. For brushed bands, the fix is using a scotchbrite pad. Note that different pads have a different grit. I’ve seen the brown ones as being recommended for watch bands, and that’s what I’ve used on my Rolex glidelock bracelet.

You need to use a steady hand, and brush in the direction of the existing grit in a straight line. You can probably find videos on YouTube that demonstrate.

 

[Donnation]

As someone mentioned above, unless you want to remove the brushed finish on your watch band, DO NOT use the Cape Cod polishing cloths. They are great for shiny stainless steel and will remove microscratches easily, but using them on the band polishes it to a high gloss shine, which I didn't particularly like. I did this to my previous band and it all but ruined the brush metal finish.

 

[Fatyank]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I did find several videos mon YouTube and there is one showing the brown scotchbrite pad to use. They also say to use in a straight direction, not circular. It does a great job. I’ve ordered the Cape Cod pad but will try it on something other than my watch band to see how shiny it actually makes it.
I’m going to hijack my own post with a question about the Titanium S5 watch being worn while swimming. Is there any potential damage to the titanium finish? I will of course wear the Sport band that comes within the watch and not the SS bracelet.