Is this a scratch on my SS DLC Series 3 Watch?

[dkupras]

Hi All - I noticed the following in the two pictures I have uploaded. While one picture shows no scratches under lighting the other shows what I think is a scratch in the Saphire crystal. When I rub my fingernail across it I cannot feel anything so am not sure if this is a coating scratch, an actual scratch, or potentially some debris stuck.

Any input?

Thanks!

Dave K

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Hi All - I noticed the following in the two pictures I have uploaded. While one picture shows no scratches under lighting the other shows what I think is a scratch in the Saphire crystal. When I rub my fingernail across it I cannot feel anything so am not sure if this is a coating scratch, an actual scratch, or potentially some debris stuck.

Any input?

Thanks!

Dave K

Is that a space black Milanese loop? If so, yes, that can scratch both the watch body and sapphire screen.

 

[dkupras]

Thank you - Is there anyway I can buff this out?

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Thank you - Is there anyway I can buff this out?

Unfortunately not, the sapphire screen has a oleophobic coating on it, so that'll get removed too.

 

[dkupras]

I see. Is this common for the Saphire screens? Im waiting for the Series 4 Edition and would purchase the Space Grey Link Bracelet from Apple. Would this also have the potential to scratch the Saphire?

 

[KarimLeVallois]

I see. Is this common for the Saphire screens? Im waiting for the Series 4 Edition and would purchase the Space Grey Link Bracelet from Apple. Would this also have the potential to scratch the Saphire?

It's only really a problem with the space black (DLC) Milanese loop touching it while it flaps about, it's too hard for it's own good, and harder in rating than the sapphire. In most other scenarios the sapphire screen with withstand pretty much anything up to diamond. The space black (DLC) link bracelet is pretty rigid, so doesn't come into contact with the back of the watch body, or flick over the top onto the sapphire screen. The Milanese loop has rather sharp links and that's what causes the scratches.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

How did you open the watch band to take that photo? I see "band" affixed to the left and right side of the watch, with a gap in the middle, as if it was fastened on the underside of the watch, like a traditional buckle strap. The Milanese Loop that I have (first generation) and the illustrations of the current model show a "closed loop" - a single length of woven steel mesh that doubles back through the keeper on one side of the watch. The magnetic closure is too thick to pull through that keeper.

I'm hard-pressed to figure out a way that the Apple Milanese Loop band could flex in order to touch the display in the location indicated - it doesn't have a lot of lateral flex, so even if it's not on your wrist and pulled so the maximum length is available to flop around, it still doesn't contact that edge of the display.

The only "scratch" I've picked up on my sapphire crystal was actually paint that rubbed off a wall and deposited itself on the crystal. That gradually disappeared with further use.

 

[44267547]

Unfortunately not, the sapphire screen has a oleophobic coating on it, so that'll get removed too.

Sometimes minor scratches that are light on the oleophobic coating can dissipate when the coating wears off. Another Member, (Cynics) had a similar incident with their watch and the scratch faded completely where it was not visible at all. It all depends on the severity.

 

[cwanja]

I honestly cannot see a difference.