Have you ever looked down at your wrist and noticed that your beloved timepiece is looking a little worse for wear?
Perhaps it’s lost its shine, or maybe it’s even stopped ticking altogether. If you’re a watch enthusiast, you know that a watch is more than just a tool for telling time – it’s a statement piece, a reflection of your personal style, and a valuable investment. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your watch in tip-top shape with regular horological cleaning. But with so many different types of watches and cleaning methods out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of watch cleaning, exploring the different types of watches and cleaning methods, the pros and cons of professional versus DIY cleaning, common mistakes to avoid, and cost-effective DIY solutions. So grab your favorite timepiece and let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining your watch’s quality and performance.
- Using specialized cleaning solutions and equipment like ultrasonic cleaners and Zenith Z-88 Non-Ammoniated Concentrate can make the cleaning process more effective.
- Different types of watches require different cleaning methods, so develop a personal watch care regimen that includes periodic cleaning and calibration.
- Professional cleaning can help maintain your watch’s appearance, ensure optimal functionality, preserve its value, increase the lifespan of the movement, and prevent damage.
- Avoid common mistakes when cleaning your watch, such as using too much water or chemicals, not knowing the watch movement, over-winding a hand-wound mechanical watch, trusting water resistance, exposing the watch to direct sunlight, or using a dirty cloth or brush.
- DIY jewelry cleaning solutions can be a cost-effective alternative to professional cleaning.
Horological Cleaning
Horological cleaning is the process of cleaning watch parts and other jewelry items. It is a specialized cleaning process that requires specific cleaning solutions and equipment. Ultrasonic cleaners are commonly used for cleaning watch parts and other jewelry items.
Zenith Z-88 Non-Ammoniated Concentrate is a popular cleaning solution developed by Zenith’s chemists for the horological and jewelry industries.
It is a very effective, all-purpose concentrated non-ammoniated cleaner that removes residue and lapping compounds from metal parts with ease.
It is ideal for cleaning metal watch bracelets and is a must-have for the professional polisher.
Ultrasonic cleaning solutions, rinses, and lubes are also available for the horological and jewelry industries.
These solutions are designed to effectively dissolve dried-on contaminants and are safe to use.
They are used to clean clock movements, small parts, and jewelry items.
Why Cleaning Your Watch is Important
Cleaning your watch is important for several reasons. Here are some reasons:
- Everyday pollutants, soaps, and perfumes become embedded in the watch bracelet, causing excessive wear and requiring premature replacement of the bracelet. Regular cleaning of the watch case and bracelet can keep the quality of your watch up to manufacturer standards.
- Cleaning a watch is an easy task that can be done when you change straps or after a day out. Depending on how often you wear your watch and the activities you do, it may need a more detailed servicing and cleaning done by professionals. Most modern watches can typically wait to be fully serviced every 5 years, but it is still important to keep them clean.
- Dirt and debris can enter the watch’s mechanism, affecting its performance. Professional cleaning ensures that your timepiece operates at its best, ensuring optimal functionality.
- A well-maintained watch can retain or even increase in value over time. Proper cleaning and polishing help maintain your watch’s condition, making it more appealing to potential buyers or collectors.
- Cleaning your watch at home is an easy task that can be done periodically. It is important to clean your timepiece at home to ensure that it is as clean as the day it left the factory. A professional watchmaker can also get all of the spots you could not, especially if the watch is not water-resistant.
Types of Watches and Cleaning Methods
There are several types of watches, including mechanical watches, quartz watches, meca-quartz watches, solar watches, smartwatches, digitals, and ana-digis. Mechanical watches are powered by a spring that needs to be wound periodically.
Quartz watches use a battery to power the watch movement.
Meca-quartz watches combine the features of mechanical and quartz watches.
Solar watches use solar cells to convert light into energy, while smartwatches are digital watches that can connect to your phone and perform various functions.
Digitals and ana-digis are electronic watches that display the time digitally.
Cleaning Methods
It is essential to clean your watch regularly to remove dirt, dust, and moisture that can damage the watch and its movement. The cleaning procedure for watches involves using mild liquid detergent, distilled water, 99% isopropyl alcohol, and any good commercial specially formulated watch cleaning fluid.
However, harsh chemicals like lye, ammonia, and paint thinner should be avoided as they can damage the watch’s metal parts.
Cleaning Watch Straps
The cleaning method for watch straps depends on the material, as each material requires a different cleaning method. For example, metal straps can be cleaned with soap and water, while rubber straps can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Automatic Watches
Automatic watches require periodic cleaning and calibration by a skilled watchmaker to re-oil and clean the parts. It is recommended to develop a personal watch care regimen that includes wiping the watch every night to remove any accumulated dirt and moisture.
Cleaning Methods for Watches
1. Take it to a jeweler: It is recommended to take the watch to a jeweler who specializes in watch repair and cleaning, or send it back to the manufacturer.
2. Use warm water and gentle soap: The best way to wash a watch at home is with warm water and gentle soap. Dish soap works well for stainless steel.
3. Use a soft brush: Use a soft brush, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush, to scrub the watch.
4. Do not use harsh chemicals: Never put the watchcase in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, use an ammonia-based cleaner, or use harsh chemicals on the watch bracelets.
5. Remove the bracelet from the watch case: Use a tool kit, such as one that includes a spring bar tool, to remove the bracelet from the case. Wash the bracelet separately.
6. Wipe the watch: Use a soft cloth to wipe every facet, nook, engraving, and edge of the watch. A once-over should not take more than a minute or two.
7. Use Scotch-Brite Advanced Extreme Scrub Scour Pads: For some watches, it is recommended to use Scotch-Brite Advanced Extreme Scrub Scour Pads.
8. Have it professionally cleaned: Your jeweler should be able to professionally clean your watch.
Professional versus DIY Cleaning
DIY Cleaning Tips
If you decide to clean your watch at home, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Determine if your watch is water-resistant: If your watch is water-resistant, you can clean it at home using warm water and gentle soap. However, if it is not water-resistant, you should avoid submerging it in water.
- Gather the necessary tools: You will need a tool kit, such as one that includes a spring bar tool, to remove the bracelet from the case, two bowls to hold warm water large enough to fit your watch case and bracelet, and gentle soap.
- Use a dry soft toothbrush: If your watch is not water-resistant, you can use a dry soft toothbrush to physically brush up any debris, and then clean it up with a cloth or microfiber cloth.
- Use denatured alcohol: As a watchmaker, denatured alcohol is recommended, which contains no water. It’s available at good hardware stores, it’s inexpensive and a pint or less will last a long time.
- Wipe the watch: Take a wipe and carefully wipe every facet, nook, engraving, and edge. A once-over should not take more than a minute or two, and with the watch mostly clean, you will be able to better see the more stubborn collections of dirt.
Professional Cleaning Benefits
While DIY cleaning can be effective, professional cleaning has several benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. Here are some reasons why you should consider professional cleaning for your watch:
Maintaining Your Watch’s Appearance
Professional cleaning and polishing can restore your watch’s original beauty by removing scratches, dirt, and grime that can accumulate over time, diminishing the watch’s luster. A professional cleaning can make your watch look like new again, which is especially important if you have a high-end luxury timepiece.
Ensuring Optimal Functionality
Regular maintenance is essential for a watch’s accuracy and longevity. Dirt and debris can enter the watch’s mechanism, affecting its performance. Professional cleaning ensures that your timepiece operates at its best.
A professional watchmaker can inspect your watch and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.
Preserving the Watch’s Value
A well-maintained watch can retain or even increase in value over time. Proper cleaning and polishing help maintain your watch’s condition, making it more appealing to potential buyers or collectors.
If you plan on selling your watch in the future, having it professionally cleaned can help increase its value.
Increasing the Lifespan of the Movement
The movement, which is essentially an engine that drives all watches, is dismantled and cleaned in an ultrasonic bath during a professional watch service. This process helps rid all debris, oil residue, and other contaminants, which helps ensure continually reliable timekeeping.
Additionally, it actually increases the lifespan of the movement itself.
This is especially important for high-end watches that have complex movements.
Preventing Damage
Cleaning a watch at home can cause damage if done incorrectly, and it is important to be ahead of the curve by having your watch professionally cleaned to prevent damage. A professional watchmaker has the expertise and tools necessary to clean your watch without causing any damage.
Frequency and Mistakes
The frequency of cleaning your watch depends on how often you wear it. If you wear your watch at least once a week, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned yearly. However, if you wear it daily, cleaning it at least once a week is advised.
For watches worn less often, a detailed clean can be done every few months.
It is important to note that some watches are water-resistant and others are not, so it is important to know the type of watch you have before cleaning it.
How to Clean Your Watch
If your watch is water-resistant, it can be cleaned with warm water and soap using a soft toothbrush. If the watch has precious metals such as gold or silver, use something extra soft like a microfiber cloth.
It is recommended to take your watch to a trusted professional for a detailed cleaning and servicing every few years.
There are also professional jewelry cleaners available that use high-frequency vibrations to remove stains from jewelry and watches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Watch
Cleaning a watch is an important part of its maintenance, but it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can damage the watch. Here are some common mistakes people make when cleaning their watches:
- Using too much water: Avoid cleaning watches with too much water as it can damage the watch’s components.
- Using chemicals: Avoid using chemicals to clean watches as they can damage the watch’s material.
- Not knowing the watch movement: It is important to know the watch movement before cleaning it as different movements require different cleaning methods.
- Over-winding a hand-wound mechanical watch: Over-winding a hand-wound mechanical watch can damage the watch’s movement.
- Trusting water resistance: Water resistance does not mean that the watch is waterproof, and it is important to avoid exposing the watch to excessive moisture.
- Exposing the watch to direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can damage the watch’s material and cause discoloration.
- Using a dirty cloth or brush: Using a dirty cloth or brush can scratch the watch’s surface, and it is important to use a clean microfiber cloth or a watch-specific brush.
Get Your Timepieces Sparkling with a Watch Cleaning Kit
If you’re a fan of jewelry, you know that keeping your pieces clean and shiny is essential to maintaining their beauty and value. But what about your watches? These intricate timepieces require special care and attention to keep them running smoothly and looking their best.
That’s where a watch cleaning kit comes in.
A watch cleaning kit typically includes a variety of tools and solutions designed specifically for cleaning and maintaining watches.
These may include a soft-bristled brush for removing dirt and debris, a microfiber cloth for polishing and shining, and specialized cleaning solutions that won’t damage delicate watch components.
Using a watch cleaning kit can help you keep your timepieces in top condition, ensuring that they continue to function properly and look great for years to come.
So if you’re serious about your watches, investing in a quality cleaning kit is a must.
For more information:
Essential Guide to Watch Cleaning Kit
Cost and DIY Solutions
The Cost of Professional Jewelry Cleaning
The cost of getting your jewelry professionally cleaned can vary depending on several factors, including the type of jewelry, geographical location, and specialist performing the work. On average, a jewelry cleaning should cost anywhere from $45 to as much as $250 for a higher-end brand such as a Rolex. However, a full-service clean, lubricate, and adjustment for any type of jewelry can range from $325 to $400.
According to Yelp, the cost of jewelry cleaning is around $103 based on 36 real quotes from businesses in the United States. A mechanical jewelry overhaul, which involves disassembling the jewelry and replacing old parts with new ones, can set you back by $250 to $1000 depending on the jewelry’s brand, age, and movement.
It is important to note that the cost of jewelry cleaning may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed.
DIY Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to clean your jewelry, there are several DIY solutions that you can try at home. Here are some ideas:
- Acetone: Acetone can be used to clean jewelry parts. It can be found at a beauty shop, as women use it to clean their nails.
- Mineral spirit: Mineral spirit can be found at Walmart and can be used to clean jewelry parts.
- Warm soapy water: Warm soapy water is an effective way to clean jewelry parts as it dissolves salt residues and carries away dust and debris.
- Vinegar: Vinegar can be used to clean rusted jewelry parts. It can be put in a small jar and set in an ultrasonic cleaner that has normal water to transmit the sound waves into.
- Oil soap and acetone solution: A solution of oil soap and acetone can be used to clean jewelry parts. Pour 4 oz of oil soap and add 8 oz of acetone to a quart container.
- Jeweler’s pickle: Jeweler’s pickle can be used to clean jewelry parts. It can be used with great results on older jewelry parts.
It is important to note that some jewelry parts should not be cleaned using certain methods. For example, the pallet fork and the balance assembly should not be cleaned using warm soapy water. It is also important to only attempt to clean jewelry that has been fully disassembled.
Note: Please keep in mind that the estimate in this article is based on information available when it was written. It’s just for informational purposes and shouldn’t be taken as a promise of how much things will cost.
Prices and fees can change because of things like market changes, changes in regional costs, inflation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
In conclusion: insights and reflections.
In conclusion, horological cleaning is a crucial aspect of maintaining the longevity and functionality of your timepiece. From the different types of watches and cleaning methods to the frequency and cost, there are many factors to consider when it comes to keeping your watch in top condition.
But beyond the technicalities, there’s something almost meditative about the act of cleaning your watch.
It’s a chance to slow down and appreciate the intricate details of your timepiece, to connect with the craftsmanship and history behind it.
And while there’s certainly value in seeking out professional cleaning services, there’s also something satisfying about taking matters into your own hands and DIY-ing the process.
It’s a chance to learn more about your watch and develop a deeper connection with it.
So whether you opt for a professional cleaning or decide to tackle it yourself, remember that horological cleaning is about more than just maintaining the physical appearance of your watch.
It’s about taking the time to appreciate and care for something that holds both practical and sentimental value.
Looking for a new Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner?
Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.
Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.
So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:
The Best Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners (For You!)
Best Practices For Using Ultrasonic Cleaners For Jewelry
Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose ‘automatic translation’ in the settings button if you are not familiar with the english language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.
Links and references
- 1. Handbook of Watch and Clock Repairs
- 2. A Practical Course in Horology by Harold C. Kelly
- 3. Clock Cleaning and Repairing With a Chapter on Adding Quarter-Chimes to a Grandfather Clock
- 4. Watch Repairing, Cleaning and Adjusting by B. Sherwood
- 5. The clock jobber’s handybook, a practical manual on cleaning, repairing and adjusting (1889)
- free.fr
- wikipedia.org
- grayandsons.com
- valetmag.com
- howmuchisit.org
- watchuseek.com
My article on the topic:
Essential Watch Cleaning Guide
Personal reminder: (Article status: rough)
