Now that the stainless steel Apple Watch is becoming widely available, owners are beginning to post photos showing their shiny steel Watches have already developed scratches on the casing. Since Apple’s videos touted its steel as specially cold-forged to achieve superior hardness, people have been surprised to discover that the finish is easily scratched – many comparing it to the back of an iPod. While this isn’t shocking for 316L stainless steel, it is concerning to customers who just spent $549 or more on the mid-range Apple Watch. But don’t panic! As I’ll explain below, you can easily fix the scratches yourself for around $5…
First off, let’s get one thing straight: the fact that the steel Apple Watch can scratch is not a surprise or “scratchgate” scandal. Stainless steel is scratchable, and long-time Apple customers have plenty of experience with this: remember the backs of every full-sized iPod, up to and including the iPod classic? They were scratch magnets. So are other steel watches. Nearly every polished stainless steel watch made from 316L (commonly known as “surgical grade stainless”) or the 904L used on Rolex casings can be scratched, scuffed, and show normal signs of wear and tear.
There’s a simple solution. If your stainless steel watch gets scratched or scuffed, most of these issues can be fixed by just buffing out the scratches yourself — or take it to a jeweler or watch repair shop if you’re not comfortable with the DIY solution. All you need to do is pick up a $5 metal polish (here’s what I use), buff it out with a hand towel, and wash your hands afterwards. Simple. In the video below, I polish several surface scratches out from my Apple Watch, showing how the metal polish removes them completely.
If you’d like to learn how to remove scratches from Apple Watch, check out the video below:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqb8LFt4MI0]
Is it disappointing that the Apple Watch is scratchable, given the grade of materials and manufacturing process Apple used? Sure. But Science: stainless steel is not a super-hard material. The 316L grade used in Apple Watch is actually softer than the 7000 series aluminum used in Apple Watch Sport. If you’re curious as to where 316L is positioned within grades of stainless steel, check out this helpful chart. Apple could have chosen to go with more durable 904L stainless steel, but it’s much more expensive to manufacture and would raise Apple Watch’s price. With a polished finish, even 904L can still be scratched fairly easily. You won’t run into this issue with brushed stainless steel watches because that texture hides any accidental scuffs within the texture/finish.
My Apple Watch before and after polishing.
I spoke with a handful of local watch repair shops and received different answers about polishing my Apple Watch. Some of them said it wouldn’t be a problem to buff the casing for between $20 and $40, while others didn’t want to risk touching the brand new Watch, because they were concerned about damaging other components. Even they were clear, though, that this type of stainless steel (316L) can easily be polished and buffed. You just have to be careful not to get the polishing cream into the Watch’s little holes, and shouldn’t polish so frequently or deeply that the steel gets worn down.
DetroitBorg on Instagram: “Scratched :(“
If this is your first steel Apple device, you might be surprised to find that your new Watch has been scratched, and that’s completely understandable. But it’s going to happen, and Apple Watch pricing does not reflect the durability of the materials being used — gold Editions certainly are going to be scratchable, too. In any case, minor surface and hairline scratches can easily be polished out of the casing using the compound mentioned in the video. DIY repairs might not be as great as a watch that never scratches, but that’s the reality of owning a polished stainless steel watch, no matter who makes it or what process is used.
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So you got your Watch this Friday and 2 days later it has that many scratches?
Yep.
Did you decide if you’ll keep one of the watches?
Are there scratches on the Apple Watch Sport too?
No scratches on Sport yet. And I plan to keep the steel version. Keeping the Sport around for a while in case I change my mind.
Dom, the reason why they don’t show up on Aluminum is because they have a bead blasted surface, not a high polish. If you took an ice pick and tried to gouge Aluminum vs Stainless Steel, it’s a LOT easier to gouge Aluminum vs Stainless Steel and create a deep scratch that isn’t so easy to buff out. That’s probably why they didn’t create a high polished aluminum. Polished Aluminum looks close to polished Stainless Steel, but still not quite a lustrous.
The article is kind of misleading in that he suggests that Stainless Steel is softer than Aluminum, which is BS.
Well actually as I mentioned the 7000 series aluminum Apple is using is harder than the 316L stainless being used. That’s a fact.
9to5 is getting stupider than Wired, but you readers are equally retarded.
Espo – you look like a chump wearing that snap-brim hat and frowny-face. Faux gangsta doesn’t suit your look…. maybe a beekeeper outfit?
lol So because I’m wearing a Nike hate I’m gangsta… Funniest thing I’ve heard all day.
Everyone has different fashion. Who cares?
if you don’t like the site just go back into your troll-cave :-)
Clearly you don’t see the irony in calling 9to5 readers retards when you yourself are a reader. Go back under your bridge, troll.
Great Video! Surprised that you already have scratches but it seems to be managable.
Polished Stainless Steel can get surface scratches, but they can be buffed out. The Aluminum is bead blasted which may be the reason why they don’t show up as well, but Aluminum is a softer metal than Stainless Steel. Also, the link to the chart doesn’t show scratchibility, they have to use the Mohs scale, not the others listed. If you look at Aluminum it’s much softer than Steel.
In order to really see how easy these metals are to damage, take an ice pick and try to put a deep gouge, Aluminum should be much easier to gouge and create a more difficult “scratch” than Stainless Steel.
Al is typically much softer than steel, however there many Al alloys with dramatically different properties. Apple are using 7000 series, which can be almost as hard as 316L. The aluminum is also anodized which creates a skin less than a thousandth of an inch thick. This skin is thin, but harder than steel. (There are several ways to measure hardness) The Sport will show little sign of wear, but, when it does get some damage that breaks that thin skin, it will show.
The “scratches” on the steel are normal, you are only seeing them because the surface is freshly polished. I would not polish them out. Over time as the surface gets more wear the scratches will become far less noticeable, you will eventually get a beautiful natural surface finish, kind of like you see on a wedding ring (or some other jewelry that is worn daily).
Not sure why Rich, but you seem hell bent on convincing people that the sport version is completely inferior to the stainless steel model. Which is completely untrue. The only logical explanation I can come up with is that you bought a steel model and are having a slight bit of buyers remorse.
I don’t think anyone is doubting that stainless steel, over all, is stronger than aluminum, but you seem to be ignoring the fact that Apple has decided to use 7000 series aluminum with the Apple Watch, it’s a completely different aluminum than that found on the MacBooks and iPhones. It’s MUCH harder and stronger.
From the scratch and damages tests I’ve seen done to the Sport Model, I think people who purchased it will be extremely happy. If Dom can scratch the SS model with a key in 1 sec for a polish demo, and the Sport can be rubbed around a cheese grater, I think there are some clear advantages with the Aluminum, beyond just the fact that’s it’s lighter and more resistant to surface scratches.
I’ve been polishing my watches, silverware, and copper fondue pot like this (with slightly different compounds) forever. Nothing new, but glad to see someone educating a previously watch-less generation.
Thanks!
Builds character.
No, I’m being serious actually. The first iPhone I got was the first iPhone. By the time I upgrade to a 3G, the chrome Apple logo on the back of the Edge had so many scuff marks, it looked like it was trying to be brushed steel. I actually felt a greater attachment to the phone because of them. Those were my scratches, put there by a year of use.
People need to find someone with a old steel watch and ask to inspect it. The wear is part of the charm for things like this, sometimes even things not like this like my phone. It shows that it’s lived with you. If there is seriously going to be an option to get a components swap, allowing you to keep the actual device for years and years, there are going to be some seriously scuffed and marred Watches out there in time. And there are going to be a lot of people that feel more attached to theirs because of it.
I think the first iPhones/iPods were chrome plated, which is fairly easy to scratch. It also depends what metal they were using, but surface scratches can typically be buffed out, it’s just getting the right equipment, polish and time to perform.
Wow great positive spin. Next time I scratch my iPhone, maybe I’ll smile…
wabi-sabi my friend… wabi-sabi…
http://designmind.frogdesign.com/2011/09/aged-perfection/
Yea, no thanks. One of many reasons why I said hell no to the stainless model. Anodized aluminum is much nicer and far more practical.
Will never shine.
no sapphire crystal screen so more scratches there…
Aluminum harder than Stainless Steel? Is someone smoking crack? Stainless Steel is harder than Aluminum. The reason why you can see the scratches with the Stainless Steel and not Aluminum has to do with the finish. Stainless Steel is highly polished, Aluminum is bead blasted. Aluminum will gouge easier, which is almost impossible to buff out, whereas surface scratches are a lot easier to buff out with some polish.
Maybe they should try taking an ice pick and try gouging a deep scratch into both metals and see which one is easier to gouge with an ice pick. Aluminum should be easier to create gouges that can’t be buffed out.
How many times are you going to try and convince people to take an ice pick to their watches before realizing that’s an ignorant recommendation that nobody is going to do?
He’s the ice man ayyyy ohhhh waddaya talkin bout it’s a harda metal ayy gettatahere wit d ice pick ohh
Like the dice man. Andrew dice clay?
I am still waiting for my black stainless steel Apple Watch to arrive. Now I am wondering if I made a huge mistake. Do you think this polishing method will work on black stainless steel?
The black coating on the black stainless steel apple watch is superhard, it shouldn’t scratch at all…
Now, with the black Stainless Steel or the black Aluminum, they don’t mention what type of plating or anodizing process they are using. i know with Aluminum, Apple has typically used anodizing which is fairly easy to scratch. I don’t know what they are doing to the Stainless Steel version as there are various ways to obtain that black look. Some are more or less durable than others.
They are using a DLC ( Diamond like carbon coating) on the Space Black Stainless Steel version. The anodization they are using has a Rockwell C rating of ~70 whereas the DLC coating has a RC rating of 88. This 18 point difference equates to almost a 1000x increase in hardness.
May I ask from where you have these specifics? Am getting the Space Black too and am curious about how durable it is.
“Since Apple’s videos touted its steel as specially cold-forged to achieve superior hardness…
Nearly every polished stainless steel watch made from 316L (commonly known as “surgical grade stainless”) or the 904L used on Rolex casings can be scratched, scuffed, and show normal signs of wear and tear…
Apple could have chosen to go with more durable 904L stainless steel, but it’s much more expensive to manufacture and would raise Apple Watch’s price. With a polished finish, even 904L can still be scratched fairly easily. You won’t run into this issue with brushed stainless steel watches because that texture hides any accidental scuffs within the texture/finish.”
Here we have an example of Apple’s marketing vs. reality. If Apple want their jewellery to be taken seriously then their materials need to be objectively superior to established competitors at every price point. That doesn’t just mean that their gold should be finished better than Rolex’s gold at the Edition tier, it means that they should be using a higher quality of brushed stainless steel at the 904L grade than Rolex to begin with, *and then* grow the advantage even further by using their special cold-forging.
Dom, your thoughts? Strong article and video as per usual, BTW.
http://9to5mac.com/2015/04/26/apple-watch-fix-scratches/
you’re honestly claiming a $550 Watch should compare to a Rolex?
I have a Omega Speedmaster made out of steel.
5 years worn daily – no scratches….
Mine has 1 week and already has scratches…
I’ve got a Wenger which cost me nearly $1500 about 8 years ago, worn every day, including when I head out for a surf. The only blemishes this piece of Swiss manufacturing excellence has to show for itself is a scratch on the watch face, and a couple of scratches on the casing, which were the result of me wiping out and making contact with the reef beneath the Snapper Rocks surf break. And some minor scratches and bleeding on my arm. Normal everyday usage not surfing-related hasn’t caused any scratches to my watch, so I’m somewhat surprised to learn the Stainless Steel Apple Watch scratches that easily. Makes me somewhat glad I ordered the aluminium sports version.
there’s nothing subpar about apples steel. it’s a polished surface.
I can’t believe no one saw this coming, doesn’t anyone remember the old iPods with the SS backs?? This isn’t anything new haha
It’s a casual thing with stainless steal with finish like this. Happened to my casual Casio watch as well. Nothing to see here…
Stainless steel scratches-period. If you look on watch forums such as a Rolex watch forum, you’ll see that the used Rolexes that have not been polished are actually worth more than those that have been polished. Because some people enjoy and appreciate the “patina” that is a result of daily use. Not only that, but improper polishing or buffing will wear down the case.
I have Panerai and Rolex and use Cape Cod cloth to polish out the desk dive scratches. Works great!
316L, as in the chart you linked, is actually slightly harder than 904L that instead is more corrosion proof. The latter though contains far more nickel that can give problems to those allergic.
Yep. Nothing to see here. Unless you want a brick heavy tungsten watch, it’s gonna scratch. It’s just physics, folks.
I buffed out hundreds of iPods with the steel backing. Simplest solution is using brasso with a dremel fitted with a buffer.
Hey so I have a question… I’ve pre ordered the 48 mm Space gray aluminum watch sport do you think the scratching will be more visible & difficult to get out?
Like many have noted I think we’re simply seeing a generation who have not been watch wearers discover what most watch geeks know too well. Polished stainless is one of the worst for showing scratches. It very likely helped lead to the decision to make the stainless link bracelet in a brushed finish.
I’m guessing a brushed stainless case looked too much like the aluminum case for Apple. Polished is dressier and can look more expensive as well. Light scratches are easily buffed out either way.
I’m waiting for “sapphire-gate” to hit–when people discover that the trade-off for that amazing scratch resistance is a watch crystal material that is more prone to shattering.
Dom, do you know if the space black stainless steel is any different? It has an additional “diamond like carbon layer.”
Has this article writer or any of you every owned anything stainless steel “silverwear” which is not silver?
If you every had stainless steel jewelry or counter top or refrigerator…. You know it…. SCRATCHES! Apple has not defied gravity with this watch! It’s a watch! Not a molecular miracle! I own Tag and Cartier $5K plus watches. They scratch! Wake up!
And this is different from other steel watches why?
It isn’t, but the media will pick up on it and run with it as being a major scandal because negative news about Apple stuff is easy money and click bait heaven.
Very helpful info. Thanks!
Thanks for the information! Will definitely pick some up if I do see a lot of scratches in the future. I’v been wearing my watch since Friday, working in a kitchen, and haven’t got one scratch yet. SS Milanese.
I saw many cases for the Apple Watches already, I might consider buying one if Apple Watch is prone to scratches. Is this on the Sport? My Sport is arriving soon, and I might not take it out yet if it scratches easily.
What are you guys doing that you are scratching it so quickly? I’ve worn steel watches for years and know what to expect, but it’s only been just over 2 days since the watches started arriving.
It’s also worth pointing out that some people are allergic to 904L steel.
Finally, your protestations to the contrary, Inquisitor in the UK declared “scratchgate” on the basis of this article.
As someone who owns dozens of watches, I can plainly say that you all are a bunch of babies. Watches get scratched, especially stainless ones. Just accept it! There’s a reason some watch connoisseurs prefer brushed stainless to polished and its because it shows scratches less easily. There is no “scratchgate” here! My stainless apple watch will arrive in a couple weeks and I’m sure it will get scratched, such is life.
Wait a minute. I think we should take a moment to stop and consider if we want to have to polish a watch with polishing cream every few days or even every few weeks? I mean, I definitely do not. I have owned other stainless steel watches and I never saw scratches, let alone after a couple of days. And the “gold” in the Edition is really gold-ish. It is a gold-alloy mix. It’s a lot like plating, frankly, which is commonly used on watch cases because it makes the case harder when you mix the gold with other alloys thereby protecting the mechanical parts of the watch with a stronger case.
All shiny metals scratch but it isn’t that common for the scratches to show up after a day or two. I ordered the Apple Watch on April 10th and am very excited about getting my watch but then I read stories like this, or I think about that weird leather-ish band it comes with and I start to feel like the emperor has no clothes. I am just not sure I did the right thing buying it. Ultimately, I think what we are remembering is that it isn’t really a “fashion” item; it’s a tech item. So maybe it doesn’t matter if it is all scratched up. But since Apple is selling it as a “fashion” item maybe they should have plated the stainless steel in rhodium to give it more protection from scratching.
I’m sorry but I’m calling shenanigans on this. I’ve been wearing my stainless since it was unboxed on Friday non-stop except to charge at night. Gym, washing dishes, cleaning around the house, drinks and dinner with friends and charging it on its side sitting on a wood dresser. I see zero scratches.
But congrats on the linkbait video though.
My Android Moto 360 is 7 months old and doesnt have A SINGLE scratch. Apple Watch is a square, ugly, bulging, overpriced piece of shit.
k
Relax. I received my watch on Friday and have been wearing it daily with zero scratches. I promise you the watch will not disappoint. From the moment I opened the box and even that was amazing to the moment I synced it with my iphone it was a great event worth waiting for. Some people are naturally hard on their belongings. Treat the watch with the respect it deserves and you will have no problems. It’s a technological marvel that has no competition. Wear it with pride and enjoy yourself. Ignore all the nit picking that can bring you down before you have even received it. I wish I could see your faces when you finally open it for the first time. Such a thrill.
Will this aluminum abrasive scratch the sapphire crystal display if it gets to close by mistake?
Does this technique also work on the back side of the magnetic part on the Milanese Loop? I’ve noticed a few scratches on that piece, probably from typing on a keyboard.
I bumped my 2 day old stainless steel 42mm Apple Watch lightly against the kitchen counter causing tiny scratches right near the crystal upper right and a slight scratch right corner. I am/was so aggravated. Now I see there’s a way to fix this so I’m relieved but I’m nervous polishing it so close to the crystal.
http://www.capecodpolish.com/collections/all/products/foil-pouch-cape-cod-metal-polishing-cloths
This worked PERFECTLY for my 3 day old Apple WATCH Stainless Steel as recommended by CNET
Scratched my Aluminum today while getting in the car… Any solutions on how to buff out a scratch in the Space Gray Aluminum watch? I banged it against the inside of the door frame of my car as I got it.. :(
Scratches can be removed for FREE. Know more, http://www.theverdict.in/apple/solve-apple-watch-sports-scratches-problem/
I use Cape Cod Polishing Cloths for Fine Metal. I discovered this while watching a CNET video on how to remove scratches from the stainless steel Apple Watch. The vanilla scented cloths (I cut a very small piece which is re-useable) work perfectly, there is no paste to get into crevices and remove scratches and restore the watch to a new appearance in a minute or two.I do this once every few weeks and have done it since May. Recommended! Cape Cod has their own website but I got mine locally in a store.
Good evening, I would like to know if I can pass this product on the model apple watch 42 mm sport silver (white) … thank you!