Scratched watch face

Which model/series Apple Watch do you have? There is a difference between the Sapphire Crystal on some models and the Ion-X on the other models.

Sapphire Crystal can generally be buffed out on a jeweler's wheel. Ion-X presents more issues and it may just be better to try hiding the scratch by placing a screen protector on the Watch crystal.

Even with an Apple Watch with a sapphire-crystal face, I'd be very reluctant to try having it buffed. Such buffing will use a polishing compound, and if that were to get into the Watch, it could cause a lot more damage than the scratch. The heat of buffing also could be an issue. So I'd recommend just living with the scratch, perhaps with a screen protector as Jeff suggested, unless you have AppleCare+ on the Watch in which case the "accidental damage" coverage might cover the scratches.

Regards.

Typically Apple Care with >accidental damage< coverage will not cover cosmetic damage. If the scratch doesn’t affect the performance of the crystal touch screen, then it would not be replaced.

Jewelers with experience, routinely polish watches much more expensive than Apple Watch Ultra. I’ve had my Rolex GMT Master polished several times. They typically do not warranty or guarantee their work, so that’s a potential concern as well.

Understood about AppleCare+ and damage that is strictly cosmetic, but not being able to see the scratches we don't know. It wouldn't cost anything to ask.

As to polishing, yes, I understand that some jewelers can be very careful. But with a watch where the crystal cannot be removed for polishing as in many mechanical watches it can, it doesn't seem to be worth the risk to me.

Regards.

They don’t remove the crystal. It’s about a 15 process and jewelers have done it while I waited before. Granted, it’s a risk. But for many, a scratch free surface is worth the risk and expense. It really depends on if you consider your Apple Watch jewelry or a tool for exercising.