Scratches on your watch: keep them or ask for service?
You do not automatically need to remove a superficial wear mark that does not bother you and comes with no change in function. Ask for an assessment if the crystal is damaged, the clasp no longer closes securely, an edge feels sharp or something changes after a knock. Identify the component first; that determines the question to ask.
A line on sapphire crystal calls for a different assessment from a scuff on the case or clasp. This guide helps you decide whether to keep a mark or have it assessed. It provides no polishing method or promise of a repair outcome from a photograph.
Identify the component and check its function
Place the watch on a clean, soft surface and look at it under steady light. Note whether the mark is on the crystal, case, bracelet link or clasp. Take an overall photograph and a closer picture from another angle. Reflections can make a line more or less visible; two pictures still cannot establish the depth of damage.
Describe what you notice during ordinary use. Does the clasp close as it did before? Can you read the time clearly? Has the watch started behaving differently after an impact? There is no need to open anything or force a component to report these observations.
The current Lunar Silver specification lists sapphire crystal and a 316L steel case and metal bracelet. The crystal's scratch resistance does not promise a scratch-free case or clasp. Our guide to 316L stainless steel in watches explains that separate material question.
A decision guide: keep it or seek an assessment
A visible mark with no functional change
If the mark does not interfere with wearing the watch, you can choose to leave it. This is a preference rather than a diagnosis that every scratch is harmless. Keep a photograph if you want a reference for later changes. A watch worn regularly does not need cosmetic restoration after every contact mark.
If the appearance does bother you, ask about options for that specific component. A cosmetic concern is a reasonable service enquiry. It does not establish that the mark can be removed or that the finish will remain visually identical afterwards.
A crack, sharp edge or change in the clasp
Set the watch aside if an edge could rub against you or the clasp does not hold securely. Contact Avanté and describe the change. A loose bracelet link needs a different assessment from a fine line on a flat section of the case.
With a visible crack in the crystal or a problem following a fall, ask about function as well as appearance. Do not judge from the surface alone. Moisture beneath the crystal is a separate service concern; read what to do about condensation inside a watch.
You cannot tell whether it is dirt or damage
Do not experiment with toothpaste, abrasives or a polishing cloth to find out. Describe what you have already tried and ask before doing more. For routine external care, use our watch-cleaning guide. That routine stops when a persistent mark needs assessment.
Why polishing is not the automatic answer
Restoring a surface differs from removing dirt. The component, finish, location and desired outcome all matter. A steel grade or silver-coloured appearance alone does not identify a suitable treatment. A dark finish cannot be assessed solely from its colour either.
Grand Seiko's own polishing-service explanation describes component limitations and possible differences in the resulting finish. This illustrates why consultation matters. It does not establish that Avanté offers the same service or can achieve the same result on a Lunar.
Start by asking whether assessment or restoration is available for your version. Ask what the likely outcome would be, which marks might remain and whether component replacement is an option. Making a scratch less noticeable and returning a surface to an exactly new appearance are different expectations.
Prepare a service enquiry with a clear scope
A useful message gives more information than “can you remove this scratch?”. Include the finish and affected component, when you first saw the mark and whether an impact preceded it. Describe any change in closure, readability or running. Add the two photographs and your order details.
For example: “My Lunar Silver has had a mark on the clasp since yesterday. It still closes as before. I have not polished it. Can it be assessed, and what options and costs would apply if I wanted the appearance restored?” This is a sample message, rather than a customer's account.
Ask for shipping instructions before sending the watch. For chargeable work, request an estimate, expected turnaround and approval before extra work. Specify whether you want assessment only or agree to a particular treatment. A general article cannot replace that agreement with the service provider.
The answer may also help you decide to keep the mark. Compare the proposed result with how much the appearance matters to you, rather than assuming any intervention must be worthwhile. There is no fixed repair price or turnaround promised in this guide.
Wear marks and warranty are separate questions
Avanté lists a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects, additional to your statutory rights. Its policy treats ordinary wear and damage from use separately. A photograph or the fact that the watch is under two years old therefore does not settle coverage for an individual issue.
Report damage noticed on arrival promptly, with photographs, before attempting restoration. Explain what you received and let Avanté assess the complaint. Read the current shipping, returns and warranty policy for the terms; this article does not decide an individual warranty claim.
Frequently asked questions
Must every watch scratch be removed?
No. Keeping a purely cosmetic mark is an option. Have a crack, sharp edge, insecure clasp or change in function assessed instead of judging by appearance alone.
Can one polishing cloth be used on the crystal, case and bracelet?
Do not assume so. Components and finishes differ. Ask for model-specific advice before using a product that can change a surface.
Does sapphire crystal make the complete watch scratch-proof?
No. Sapphire identifies the crystal material. It does not automatically describe the case, bracelet or clasp, and sapphire itself is no guarantee against every form of damage.
Can service always make a deep scratch invisible?
That cannot be promised in advance. Ask what is achievable on the affected component, what may remain and whether replacement is available. Avanté must confirm the options.
What should my first message include?
The finish, order details, mark location, when it appeared and any functional change. Include overall and close-up photographs from different angles, plus anything already attempted.
Should I post the watch straight away?
Ask for instructions first at info@avantewatches.com. Agree the issue, scope of work and any costs before sending it.
Sources and current product information
Checked on 24 October 2026: the Avanté Lunar Silver costs €180 and is in stock. Its case measures 40 mm across and 8.8 mm thick, with 316L steel, sapphire crystal, 5 ATM and a Japanese MIYOTA 6P00 quartz movement showing day, date, month and moonphase. Movement functions were also checked against MIYOTA's official 6P00 page.
The primary Grand Seiko service source illustrates limits of surface restoration only. Avanté supplies the product and service facts for its own watches. This article contains no wear trial, polishing test or repair quotation. The wrist photograph is not a damage or before-and-after photograph.
Avanté allows 30 days after delivery to notify a return; the customer pays ordinary return postage. Watch shipping is free except to the United States, where it costs €24.95 per order with import duties included. Other destinations outside the EU may incur local import costs. Check the current terms for your destination.
Avanté Lunar Silver · €180
Silver-coloured steel, a black dial and a moon window at six o'clock. View the current model to check the materials and finish you are choosing.
Compare the five finishes with Find your finish.
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