Watch polishing & refinishing · London

A considered finish.
A watch that still
feels like yours.

Careful polishing and refinishing for suitable watch cases and bracelets. We assess the material, finish and wear before agreeing the work with you.

Canary Wharf · London Bridge · UK postal service

Illustration of a stainless-steel bracelet watch laid flat on a cream polishing cloth.
Assessed firstMaterial, condition and finish checked
Agreed with youScope and price before work begins
Care in the detailsAttention to edges and surface finishes
Walk in or postTwo London branches · UK postal service

From our workshop

Real watches.
Before & after.

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 115200 came in with a faulty clasp and substantial surface wear. The agreed work included clasp repairs and a cosmetic polish of the case and bracelet.

Before
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 115200 before repair and polishing, showing scratches on the bracelet, clasp and case.
Surface scratching across the bracelet and case before the work.
After
The same Rolex 115200 case and bracelet after clasp repairs and cosmetic polishing at Ross Watch Repairs.
The same watch following clasp repairs and polishing.

Polished. Brushed. Balanced.

The finish
makes the difference.

A watch may combine several surface finishes. We look at each area individually and discuss what can be improved without unnecessary work.

01 / POLISHED SURFACES

Clarity and reflection.

Careful polishing can improve suitable light scratches and dullness on polished metal areas, with attention to the case shape and details.

02 / BRUSHED SURFACES

A controlled texture.

Where appropriate, brushed areas can be refinished to improve wear marks while keeping their character distinct from polished surfaces.

03 / CASE & BRACELET

The areas you choose.

We can assess the case, bracelet and clasp separately. The agreed work may cover one area or a broader refresh, depending on suitability.

Realistic results, agreed first. Deep scratches, dents, corrosion and worn plating are different from light surface wear. Some marks may remain, and polishing is not always the right treatment.

Preserving the character

The right amount
of attention.

  • Edges, shapes and detailsPolishing removes a small amount of material. We consider the case profile, edges, engraving and existing finish before recommending work.
  • Vintage and collectable watchesOriginal surfaces and patina may be part of what you value. Tell us what you want to preserve; a clean without polishing may be the better choice.
  • Plating, coatings and delicate piecesGold plating, PVD or DLC coatings, precious metals and stone-set pieces need individual assessment. Some finishes are unsuitable for conventional polishing.

Our approach

Look closely.
Finish carefully.

  1. 01 / ASSESS

    Understand the watch.

    We inspect the material, finish and condition, and listen to what you would like improved or preserved.

  2. 02 / AGREE

    Set out the work.

    We explain the suitable options, expected limitations, price and turnaround before you decide.

  3. 03 / REFINE

    Work on the finish.

    The agreed areas are prepared and refinished using an approach appropriate to the surface and construction.

  4. 04 / CHECK

    Review the details.

    We inspect the result, refit components where needed, check the fittings and explain ongoing care.

Clear before we begin

The work.
The price. The timing.

A free assessment helps us recommend an appropriate level of work. You approve the estimate before we proceed and pay on completion.

Quoted for your watch.

The price depends on the model, material, condition and areas being refinished. Photos help us give initial advice; a final assessment may require seeing the watch.

Timing confirmed.

We confirm the expected turnaround after inspection. Dismantling, additional repairs or more extensive work can take longer.

Scope made clear.

Our workmanship guarantee applies to the work carried out, with terms confirmed in your estimate. Servicing, resealing and pressure testing are separate unless agreed.

Loose links or a damaged clasp? Polishing changes the surface finish; it does not repair a worn mechanism or stretched bracelet. Explore bracelet repairs ↗

Useful to know

Your polishing
questions, answered.

Not sure whether your watch needs cleaning, polishing or repair? We can help you choose.

Ask our team ↗
What is the difference between cleaning and polishing?

Cleaning removes dirt and build-up. Polishing or refinishing works on the metal surface to improve suitable wear marks and the finish. Polishing removes a small amount of material, so we assess the watch before recommending it.

Can you remove every scratch?

Not always. Light surface marks can often be improved, while deep scratches, dents, corrosion or worn plating may remain or need a different approach. We discuss what is realistic before you approve the work.

Will you preserve the brushed and polished areas?

We assess the existing finish and agree which areas will be worked on. Our aim is to retain the distinction between brushed and polished surfaces, with care around edges, lettering and case details. Previous heavy polishing or damage may limit the result.

Should I polish a vintage or collectable watch?

It depends on the watch and what you want to preserve. Original surfaces, sharp edges and patina may be important to you. Tell us your preferences before any work; cleaning only or leaving the finish untouched may be the better choice.

Can you polish gold-plated or coated watches?

They need an individual assessment. Polishing can remove thin plating or damage coatings such as PVD or DLC. We do not treat these like bare stainless steel, and may recommend cleaning only.

Can I have just the bracelet polished?

Yes, where its material and condition are suitable. We can assess the bracelet, clasp or case separately and quote for the agreed areas. Polishing does not repair stretched links or a faulty clasp; those need separate attention.

How much does watch polishing cost?

The cost depends on the model, material, condition, finish and whether you want the case, bracelet or both worked on. Bring your watch in for a free assessment, or send photos for initial advice. We confirm the price before proceeding.

How long will it take?

We confirm the expected turnaround after inspecting the watch. It depends on the amount of refinishing, any dismantling or repairs required, and current workload. Postal work also needs delivery time.

Does polishing include a service or pressure test?

Movement servicing, battery replacement, resealing and pressure testing are separate unless included in your agreed estimate. Let us know if the watch also needs functional repairs or a water-resistance check.

Visit us or post it

Walk in.
Leave the details to us.

Walk in with your watch at Canary Wharf or London Bridge. No appointment is needed. If you are further away, our postal service is available across the UK.

Ross Watch Repairs shop at Cabot Place, Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf

Cabot Place

Unit 4B, Cabot Place Shopping Centre,
Canary Wharf, London E14 4QT
  • Monday–Thursday: 10am–8pm
  • Friday–Saturday: 10am–7pm
  • Sunday: 12pm–6pm
Get directions ↗
Ross Watch Repairs shop at The Shard, London Bridge.

London Bridge

The Shard

306 The Shard Retail Arcade,
London Bridge Street, London SE1 9BZ
  • Monday–Thursday: 7am–7pm
  • Friday: 9am–6pm
  • Saturday: 10:30am–4:30pm · Sunday: closed
Get directions ↗

Let us take a closer look.

Free assessment. No appointment needed. Work agreed before we begin.

Get your free estimate

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