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!

 

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...

 

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!

 

And yes, a nice watch you have picked up there, the dial has aged a treat.

 

Thanks! I think I'll keep it

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

And, PS:
nice watch!

 

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.

 

I second that.
And don't wash the head with soap...

 

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

 

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.

 

Fixed that for you.

 

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.

 

Cleaned in soap and water and used polywatch on the crystal. Now looks proper! Hope you like it