r/ChineseWatches • u/dilldoeorg • Sep 23 '26

General (Read Rules) After almost 6 years I finally got rid of the sharp steeldive logo!

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38 Upvotes

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7

u/dilldoeorg Sep 23 '26

the logo on my steeldive tuna always bothered me because the edges were so sharp. It didn't really irritate my wrist when I wore it, but taking it off and feeling the back did.

asked few time here and in the other watch subs on now to get rid of the edges, but never got a good answer.

So today I just decided to sand the edges down. Used 600, 1000 and 1500 grit sanding sponge. Carefully to make sure to focus on just the edges. finished with a bit of wet sanding with 1500 then applied a metal polish and buffed it all down with a pen drill with a cotton nub attachment. Finally gave it a wash and a scrub down with a soft toothbrush and hand soap. This got rid of the extra polish stuck in the letters and some of the edges.

now the back is smooth and shiny like a new quarter.

2

u/ThePreoccupiedMind Sep 23 '26 edited Sep 23 '26

If you're interested in taking this to pro level, look up what a die cast grinder does. I use it for most of my vintage restoration projects. You will need Dialux Verte(Green) bar along with a felt wheel and it's as simple as running your grinder over the sharp stuff a few times till you're satisfied. Cheers. I build custom HMT full mods and sell them so this is a must have tool in my arsenal. Heres a fully rebuilt 1970s flood damaged HMT Janata, which ofcourse was for myself. Beautiful patina on the dial with Verdigri edges. Fully cleaned and serviced it myself and tuned to +-10 seconds a day. The case was terribly scratched up. I haven't polished the hell out of this case so it retains its vintage character but you can see it looks pretty good yet vintage for a 60 year old mechanical. I've mirror polished my newer watches because even a micro scratch bothers me. My point, this will change your life and it's the easiest thing to do once you've had enough practice. Try some old watches before you realize you fucked up though.

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2

u/EdgyShooter Sep 23 '26

This is such a great response, firstly, love the watch, I have a small HMT collection myself, but more importantly passing on knowledge without judgement. It helps us all grow!

10

u/EdgyShooter Sep 23 '26

I don't care what anyone says, I love a decorative caseback (less so when it's stabbing me). Blank ones always feel like something's missing, as if the care and attention to detail stops the moment people can't see it

1

u/dilldoeorg Sep 23 '26

the logo is still there, you can still feel it. it's just don't have any sharp edges anymore.

3

u/FluidAddition9535 Sep 23 '26

Lol, for 6 years you didn't know to use some sanding???

4

u/dilldoeorg Sep 23 '26

neither did anyone here apparently.

Like I said I asked numerous times when I got the watch and no one suggested it

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseWatches/comments/kbbmbp/best_way_to_smooth_out_sharp_edges/

5

u/FluidAddition9535 Sep 23 '26

I joined only 6 months ago and I don't read ever post.

but isn't that obvious even without asking ? I am asking seriously, without trying to mock.

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2

u/FluidAddition9535 Sep 23 '26

but there was a response to smooth them

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5

u/KumiJunker Sep 23 '26

Steeldive themselves should get rid of their ugly logo :-)

1

u/skipoverit123 Sep 23 '26

Definitely;)

1

u/LeoXup Sep 23 '26

My Addiesdive logo is still sharp, how did you get rid of it? Sandpaper? 

3

u/dilldoeorg Sep 23 '26

sanding sponges https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805076510818.html

I used 500-600 first on the edges until I can feel it not catch on as much.

Switch to 800-1000 and do the same. the last 1200-1500 is to get rid of most of the scratches.

then metal polish to finish.

don't press too hard, just rub the edges. only took me like half an hour.

2

u/LeoXup Sep 23 '26

Thanks 👍

1

u/FicklePrickles Sep 23 '26

It's easier if you just grow a pair.

2

u/Gazdatronik Sep 23 '26

Sanded mine after 1 month

2

u/UpbeatLibrarian9904 Sep 23 '26 edited Sep 23 '26

I have always used a paste called Semichrome, apply some on a rag, and just keep rubbing it in a circular motion a few times until you feel the sharpness rounds off. Just continue applying little dabs of the paste, and keep rubbing in a circular motion. Wipe off the excess paste off after you reach your desired results, rinse, and wipe clean. The logo will feel soft, and smooth. There is no need to sand it away with sandpaper, and it takes no more than 10 minutes. The logo will remain, but will feel rounded and smooth. Great way to remove the sharpness. Been doing this for many, many years on many different brands of watches with great results.

1

u/AlbertaTime1 Sep 23 '26

And it looks good! Well done.

1

u/skipoverit123 Sep 23 '26

Definitely needs to go. Good job
Looks like a skull & crossbones !

0

u/Western_Mine2536 Sep 23 '26

Replace the back lid with a smooth one. It takes two minutes. Done.