Question about Ultrasonic Bath

[sjr-997]

I'm considering buying an ultrasonic bath like this, http://www.ultrasonic-clean.co.uk, my question is simple, (and a google search doesn't seem to answer my question)....can you immerse the whole watch 'complete' in the bath of solution, or do you have to remove the strap first and just immerse the strap ? will the frequency possibly penetrate the watch even though it is water proof ? anyone had any problems with ultrasonic baths, or are they a great gadget to have around ? many thanks Simon

[toohuge]

I have never used one, but my advice would be to remove the strap from the watch just in case.

[jshell]

I've used ultrasonic baths in an industrial application. I'd seriously hesitate before using one on anything except a watch bracelet that has been removed - until I had spoken to the watch manufacturere about it....

[x200sxy]

I agree with jshell. Ultrasonic baths can produce extremely high pressures for very short periods. My Breitling AD told me it was at my own risk, didn't try it. Wearing it in the shower keeps it clean enough for me and then a proper clean when the bracelet is removed.

It may be worth trying it on something like a G-shock if you've got something you don't mind losing if it all goes tits-up.

[CommanderJameson]

x200sxy said:

I agree with jshell. Ultrasonic baths can produce extremely high pressures for very short periods. My Breitling AD told me it was at my own risk, didn't try it. Wearing it in the shower keeps it clean enough for me and then a proper clean when the bracelet is removed.

It may be worth trying it on something like a G-shock if you've got something you don't mind losing if it all goes tits-up.

Flaw in that idea: the G-Shock will survive, you'll go "yeah, good idea", bung your P&J in and it'll feck it.

Something as cheap as but somewhat less durable than a G would be a more suitable test mule, I think.

[jshell]

Thinking about it, if a mechanical watch was a few years old and had a little crud in the internals, but not doing any harm, an ultrasonic bath might dislodge it where it could move and gum up the works requiring a costly service....

[Furyous]

Mrs F is a jeweller and uses these every day.

She says strap only and not the body.

HTH

[glazbagun]

No. Not unless you plan on disassembling the entire watch and cleaning the constituent parts in, which is what watchmakers will do as part of a service. But they'll also reassemble and correctly lubricate the watch, too.

Edited by glazbagun on Thursday 23 April 21:16

[mel]

I've got one that I use for cleaning brake calipers, carbs', diving gear and anything else that will fit and needs a good clean. I have also been known to simply lob in my Ti Seamaster (complete watch), my mil' issue dive watch, and a citizen diver with no ill effects. I have drawn the line at my IWC and my vintage Seamaster but that's only because they're on leather starps, have never got really grubby, and I'm to lazy to take the straps off. Probably not the best recommendation in the world and others do probably know better than me but I've never had a problem and they come out nice and sparkly.