Watch polishing in Geneva

restore your watch’s shine while respecting its original lines, volumes and finishes.

Excellence in Watch Polishing

Watch polishing requires precision, controlled craftsmanship and respect for the original geometry. Each case, bezel or bracelet has its own lines, edges, angles and finishes: mirror polishing, satin finishing, brushing or lapped surfaces.

In its Geneva workshop, The Watch Lab Genève carries out watch polishing with an approach tailored to each timepiece. Before any intervention, the condition of the watch is assessed in order to determine the level of surface restoration required: light polishing, full polishing, satin finishing, lapping or laser welding when the marks are too deep.

Laser welding allows material to be added locally to a deep scratch, an impact mark or a damaged edge. It helps avoid removing too much material during polishing and better preserves the watch’s volumes, angles and proportions.

The workshop uses, among other equipment, a lapping machine and Crévoisier machines, renowned for watchmaking finishing work. These machines make it possible to work surfaces with regularity and precision, while respecting the contrasts between polished, satin-finished and brushed areas.

The art of watch polishing: overview

Each watch is examined before any intervention in order to determine the solution best suited to its condition, material and original finishes.

Light refinishing or light polishing

Light refinishing helps restore the shine of a watch with micro-scratches, friction marks or a slightly dull appearance. This gentle intervention improves the overall appearance while preserving the original shapes and finishes.

Full polishing

Full polishing is intended for watches with more visible marks on the case, bezel, case back or bracelet. It requires great precision in order to preserve the angles, edges, bevels and geometry of the piece.

Laser welding

When scratches or impact marks are too deep, laser welding can be carried out before polishing. It allows material to be added locally in order to avoid excessive removal and better preserve the original volumes, angles and proportions.

Lapping and Crévoisier finishes

The lapping machine and Crévoisier machines used in the workshop make it possible to work surfaces with regularity and precision. This equipment is particularly suited to polished, satin-finished, brushed or lapped finishes.

Important information: ceramic watches and plated-metal watches cannot be polished in the same way as a watch made of steel, gold or another suitable metal. A preliminary examination is required to determine the appropriate solution.

Laser welding on a Rolex clasp: local correction of deep marks

When certain scratches or impact marks are too deep, polishing alone can lead to excessive material removal. On this Rolex clasp, laser welding made it possible to add material locally before refinishing the surfaces, in order to better preserve the original geometry, edges and volumes.

This targeted intervention helps correct significant marks while maintaining a respectful approach to the piece.

Before

Deep scratches visible before intervention.

Laser welding

Localised addition of material to the marked areas.

Result

Surface restored after laser welding and refinishing.

Example of polishing carried out in the workshop

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790 was selected as an example because of its highly structured design: octagonal bezel, angular case, integrated bracelet and alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces. This type of watch requires particularly controlled refinishing.

On this type of piece, work on the lapping machine allows better control of the planes, the transitions between surfaces and the regularity of the finish.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790 before polishing — Before polishing
Marques d’usage visibles sur la lunette et les surfaces du boîtier.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790 after polishing — **After polishing**
Surfaces restored with a cleaner, more regular finish.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 14790 after polishing of the case and satin-finished surfaces — **Case detail**
Refinishing of the case’s flat surfaces, angles and satin finishes.

Complete Watchmaking Services in Geneva

Specialist in comprehensive care for exceptional watches such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and other prestigious names. Each watch is treated with expertise that aims for excellence, ensuring a service commensurate with its prestige.