Community Stories

Circa 1984 1450022... how best to clean?

Boony
Posts
435
Likes
978
Hi All

So I just received a watch i bought in auction last week. I'm pleased to say it works nicely and looks great. All I want to do is polish the crystal and give the steel a thorough clean as it has a lot of wrist cheese throughout.

So to my question; what are peoples best techniques for cleaning the bracelet and the head? I've removed the bracelet so assume its best to submerge this in something... the head, I will look to clean with a fine brush and a recommended fluid as I am not able to test it for water resistance.

Appreciate any pearls of wisdom!
 
nb1.jpg nb2.jpg nb3.jpg nb4.jpg
roryoc11
Posts
102
Likes
210
Really nice catch @Boony. When cleaning bracelets I let them soak for a bit in warm soapy water then use an old toothbrush to get into every little gap - usually towel it off and just leave it on some kitchen roll and turn it over to dry- this does the trick. Nothing special but dish washing liquid needed.
 
Boony
Posts
435
Likes
978
roryoc11 roryoc11
Really nice catch @Boony. When cleaning bracelets I let them soak for a bit in warm soapy water then use an old toothbrush to get into every little gap - usually towel it off and just leave it on some kitchen roll and turn it over to dry- this does the trick. Nothing special but dish washing liquid needed.

Thank you... I'll give it a crack this evening...
 
shaun hk
Posts
1,433
Likes
1,571
You can use poly watch on the crystal and if you have none to hand, a pinch of toothpaste on a cotton bud will take some of the scratches out. Just dont gargle it afterwards!
 
shaun hk
Posts
1,433
Likes
1,571
And yes, a nice watch you have picked up there, the dial has aged a treat.
 
Boony
Posts
435
Likes
978
shaun hk shaun hk
And yes, a nice watch you have picked up there, the dial has aged a treat.

Thanks! I think I'll keep it 😀
 
shaun hk
Posts
1,433
Likes
1,571
Looking a bit closer, you will need more than toothpaste or polywatch to deal with the crack in the crystal. Is it a crack or a deep scratch? I think a new crystal is in order when it goes in for service.
 
Boony
Posts
435
Likes
978
Its just a scratch - it looks worse than it is... looks like it was caused by something soft and blunt rather than hard and sharp if that makes sense... I'll give it a go and let you know the outcome.
 
kelev_ra
Posts
492
Likes
239
Get i cleaned from a jeweller... With soap and a toothbrush you won't get the dirt out of the bracelet links - and that causes damage/stretch.
Also check if it's waterproof... If so, you can polish the glas with displex for example...
 
gdupree
Posts
905
Likes
1,593
The best for the bracelet is with an ultrasonic machine. Dishwasher could perhaps be fine if you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner... again, only for the bracelet. 👍

I would leave the head to what can be cleaned with a cloth, and polish the crystal. Polywatch will do best for beginners to polish the crystal, and personally I would stay away from the home polishing remedies until you get a little experience. You might have a hard time with the deep scratch, but hopefully you can get it.

A couple beginner mistakes worth mentioning... A) Do not get the head wet while the movement is in the watch under any circumstances. B) Do not give into the temptation to use anything motorized to polish the crystal. The friction from polishing too quickly will melt the crystal. Polishing by hand is tough to screw up...

Once upon a time I too thought I was smarter than everyone else and could use a dremel to polish a crystal. One slightly melted spot and a sore elbow later, I realized I was wrong.
 
stefman
Posts
384
Likes
686
Very nice catch! To add to what the other have said here, I would use a very soft bristle brush and try to get some of that cheese off the case back
 
smorrisonmd
Posts
399
Likes
714
If you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner, but you do have an electric toothbrush, the next time you replace the head keep the old one and use it for cleaning the bracelet. (Don't forget to switch it back 😀 )
Also, having done it a few hundred times, I disagree re: use of a Dremel tool on a plastic crystal. Just set the power on low, apply minimal pressure, and keep the tip moving.
 
Stufflers Mom
Posts
1,530
Likes
3,587
roryoc11 roryoc11
Really nice catch @Boony. When cleaning bracelets I let them soak for a bit in warm soapy water then use the wife's toothbrush to get into every little gap - usually towel it off and just leave it on some kitchen roll and turn it over to dry- this does the trick. Nothing special but dish washing liquid needed.

Fixed that for you.😉
 
BenBagbag
Posts
2,822
Likes
9,160
I just drop my speedmaster in the washing machine. When drying, make sure to use tumble dry low - it best replicates the experience the watch went through during NASA testing. 👍

 
Boony
Posts
435
Likes
978
Cleaned in soap and water and used polywatch on the crystal. Now looks proper! Hope you like it 😀
 
6B1A0AE9-C828-4076-86B6-A110C304F763.jpeg 155AD871-BFD5-4F08-BE72-CAFC7C43D974.jpeg 98647870-8B23-400D-B2DB-D5DC58DD8067.jpeg 61238314-3C46-413B-8E64-B1D9EEDB5A59.jpeg
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

K

How best to value and sell a vintage watch?

kiddela Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Mark020
Mark020
Posts
18
Views
3K
Engee

Best way to clean a filthy case

Engee Open Discussion
janice&fred
janice&fred
Posts
9
Views
1K
J

How best to get into the watch hobby

Jhawlz9989 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Anj
Anj
Posts
38
Views
3K
WhatYourWatchSay

How to clean a watch case that can't be washed?

WhatYourWatchSay Open Discussion
WhatYourWatchSay
WhatYourWatchSay
Posts
10
Views
4K
Gaz6263

Defy, leave as is or attempt to clean

Gaz6263 Zenith Watches
plexyforever
plexyforever
Posts
4
Views
1K
jcmartinez98

how best to assess value of friend's SMP 300?

jcmartinez98 Modern Omega Watches
WatchVaultNYC
WatchVaultNYC
Posts
33
Views
3K