Watch Cleaning

[Fallingup]

What's the best way to clean an old watch. Well not that old. Twenty years old maybe? I got it from an eBay seller and when I removed the bracelet there was lots of gunk on the case. It's rated to 100m but I've no idea what condition the seals are in so don't want to risk scrubbing it with a toothbrush under the tap. Any thoughts?

[Barchettaman]

I’d use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the surface dirt, wooden toothpicks on the little crannies and finish with a Cape Cod cloth.

[Fallingup]

Barchettaman said:

I’d use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the surface dirt, wooden toothpicks on the little crannies and finish with a Cape Cod cloth.

Thanks. Is Cape Cod not abrasive?

[Wildfire]

Fallingup said:

Thanks. Is Cape Cod not abrasive?

Cape Cod is abrasive and should not be used on brushed finishes. I use a soft toothbrush and a bit of soapy water to gently remove the dirt (assuming the watch has some degree of water resistance).

[cypriot]

Wildfire said:

Cape Cod is abrasive and should not be used on brushed finishes. I use a soft toothbrush and a bit of soapy water to gently remove the dirt (assuming the watch has some degree of water resistance).

this. warm soapy water with a soft tooth brush.

[Fallingup]

Okay, erm, sorry to be a pest but what sort of soap is safest. Should I use a bar of soap, carex type hand soap or detergent. Just wary of the seals. Detergent I'm sure contains a lot of salt. Or am I just being paranoid?

[Greendubber]

I use carex type stuff. Just little drop on a soft tooth brush, scrub it about a bit, dip the tooth brush in warm clean water and carry on. Rinse it under a tap and dry with a micro fibre or just leave to air dry.

It's worked well on all my watches and I've never had any issues.

Edited by Greendubber on Monday 18th March 18:00

[alabbasi]

Ultra sonic cleaner will work but just use water. I put a few watches in one with a mild detergent and the more expensive ones did well but the detergent stripped the paint of the bezel on the invicta.

[Wildfire]

alabbasi said:

Ultra sonic cleaner will work but just use water. I put a few watches in one with a mild detergent and the more expensive ones did well but the detergent stripped the paint of the bezel on the invicta.

I wouldn’t be putting the watch in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Only the bracelet.

I just use fairy liquid and a good rinse. I don’t think the seals will suffer unless you plan to be soaking your watch in the stuff for months.

I’d just use minimal water and don’t leave it submerged for any length of time.

[Fallingup]

I don't want to have to rinse the watch under a tap. As I said before, I don't know how good the seals are. I'm sure the ultra sonic cleaner is fine for bracelets but I'm not sure it would be a good idea with the watch itself. Less so with an automatic. Briefly considered lens wipes but they contain alcohol which might damage the seals and possibly the finish on the case. It's black DLC coated. I think I'll try some soapy water using a mild bar of soap and wipe the water off quickly.

[Fallingup]

Wildfire said:

alabbasi said:

Ultra sonic cleaner will work but just use water. I put a few watches in one with a mild detergent and the more expensive ones did well but the detergent stripped the paint of the bezel on the invicta.

I wouldn’t be putting the watch in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Only the bracelet.

I just use fairy liquid and a good rinse. I don’t think the seals will suffer unless you plan to be soaking your watch in the stuff for months.

I’d just use minimal water and don’t leave it submerged for any length of time.

Yes you're probably right. If the seals are that bad then I guess it's time for a service anyway.

[bristolbaron]

Bracelet off and in a weak solution of flash floor cleaner in a cheap ultrasonic tank from eBay/amazon.
Case by hand with baby wipes and a toothbrush if needed. Job jobbed!

[Fallingup]

bristolbaron said:

Bracelet off and in a weak solution of flash floor cleaner in a cheap ultrasonic tank from eBay/amazon.
Case by hand with baby wipes and a toothbrush if needed. Job jobbed!

Baby wipes! Hadn't thought of that. Good idea. Thanks.

[Fallingup]

bristolbaron said:

Bracelet off and in a weak solution of flash floor cleaner in a cheap ultrasonic tank from eBay/amazon.
Case by hand with baby wipes and a toothbrush if needed. Job jobbed!

Baby wipes! Hadn't thought of that. Good idea. Thanks.

[Tony1963]

Fallingup said:

I don't want to have to rinse the watch under a tap. As I said before, I don't know how good the seals are. I'm sure the ultra sonic cleaner is fine for bracelets but I'm not sure it would be a good idea with the watch itself. Less so with an automatic. Briefly considered lens wipes but they contain alcohol which might damage the seals and possibly the finish on the case. It's black DLC coated. I think I'll try some soapy water using a mild bar of soap and wipe the water off quickly.

Can’t you just have the seal replaced, then clean it? It’s like you want to wash your car with the windows open!

[Fallingup]

Tony1963 said:

Can’t you just have the seal replaced, then clean it? It’s like you want to wash your car with the windows open!

Ha. Done that before! Yes that would be logical but the watch is running well so don't want to open it unless I really have to. Going to get some baby wipes today. That takes me back.