I scratched the supposedly "scratch-proof" AR'd sapphire glass on Timewalker Chrono

[Mttran2]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to post here to see if anyone has encountered any similar issues and could provide some suggestions.

I purchased the 1:1 Noob Best Edition Timewalker Chrono, and upgraded the band with a genuine MontBlanc leather band. I was so happy with the purchase.

That was just last month (May).

After only wearing it a few times (in the office, no less), it seems I have SCRATCHED the supposedly "scratch-proof" double AR'd sapphire glass.

I think it happened when I just bumped into a wall(!).

So I did some research and some people have had success with buffing the scratch (as well as the outer AR layer). Others have not been so successful.

I purchased the watch from Puretime. Has anyone else had any similar experiences? I sent an email to them but have not yet received a response. I don't know if there's anything they'd do though....

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr.F]

I have Hublot double ar'ed saphire , and ofcourse ,,scratchproof,, and it not depends if its gen or rep but its always scratchable

 

[Odyseus]

You could ask to buy a new crystal and fit it yourself??

 

[Mttran2]

I have Hublot double ar'ed saphire , and ofcourse ,,scratchproof,, and it not depends if its gen or rep but its always scratchable

Yep, I agree anything can be scratched (gen or rep) but was really surprised at how easily this was scratched. I've owned gens and reps before. For example, I have a GMT Master IIc rep that has been to hell and back, and no scratches on that.

I am wondering if this is unacceptable quality on a supposed 1:1 best edition of the MontBlanc???

 

[Mttran2]

You could ask to buy a new crystal and fit it yourself??

Oh geez, I am not handy at that type of stuff. I guess I could order one and bring it to someone to replace the crystal, but considering how easily I scratched this (only in a matter of weeks), I am wondering if I am throwing good money after bad.

 

[Luthier]

Sapphire is scratchproof, not AR coating. If AR coating is on the outer side of the crystal - isn't it obvious, that 1-2 microns layer could be scrated VERY easily???
Removing AR is easy task.
Oh, and... 1:1 my ass...

 

[PecMan]

removing ar , easy task? i dont think so , i have been trying to remove the ar from my 104 with almost everything!!!!! i used everything but not the right thing i guess ,
i asked million of times how to remove the ar and did everything they told me but using sand papper

 

[Mttran2]

UPDATE: So I went to my watch guy and he tried to buff the scratches out. Yep, he said we can't due to the AR. So we're going to replace the crystal. Unfortunately, the replacement will not have the cool greenish AR but, going forward, I don't have to worry about it. Will cost me $40 for a replacement crystal and labor for install.

 

[Mttran2]

Sapphire is scratchproof, not AR coating. If AR coating is on the outer side of the crystal - isn't it obvious, that 1-2 microns layer could be scrated VERY easily???
Removing AR is easy task.
Oh, and... 1:1 my ass...

LOL, yes you are right about 1:1. However, it is a commonly-accepted marketing term here and is, indeed, used to describe the particular version I purchased. But I agree there never truly such a thing as 1:1. He was very impressed with this rep, though!

 

[lear2003]

removing ar , easy task? i dont think so , i have been trying to remove the ar from my 104 with almost everything!!!!! i used everything but not the right thing i guess ,
i asked million of times how to remove the ar and did everything they told me but using sand papper

recall a member who worked in an opticians saying they use Sulphuric Acid to remove AR. Be careful though thats nasty shit.

 

[mch2112]

Sandpaper works fine, just make sure there's no diamond grit in it.

 

[PecMan]

i will try the sandpaper , i will pass on the acid :lol1:

 

[Raddave]

Id try steel wool (grades 000 or 0000) before id try sandpaper.