Hi all,

I've read something about people using Brasso to clean cases and polish plexiglass, but a couple of questions came to my mind and I was wondering if you could help.

1. Can I use Brasso on both the case and the plexiglass without opening the case to remove the movement?
2. Has anyone used Brasso on gold-capped/filled watches?
3. Any major warnings?

Thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Paulo

 

Hi Paulo,

I use Brasso Wadding on crystals with great results, always careful to keep it away from any gold but that is just my concern that it will remove as well as polish. On the gold I use a gold polishing cloth which is extremely gentle.

 

Thanks for your thoughts! I've been using a Tiffany's polishing cloth for both gold-capped and SS, but some of my crystals are scratched and I ended up thinking of Brasso. How do you use it? I know it might sound like a dumb question but I've never used Brasso before. Just get some on a cloth and polish the crystal?

 

I've used car paint scratch remover paste on both the stainless steel case and the hesalite crystal with good results, cheaper and easier to get than polywatch

I had a very badly scratch hesalite crystal on a project watch, i first used 2500 emery paper and then the scratch remover paste, crystal came up like new

 

I wouldn't let that stuff near my watch, if it gets down the stem into the case it'll not react well with the oils in the movement, it'll also greatly shorten the life of plated or gold filled watches as it is rather abrasive. I bought a Waltham that was lovingly cleaned regularly with the stuff and we found residue throughout the movement when we opened it up..... and no lube left.

 

Brasso wadding ? Seriously doubt careful use would ever produce the problems you mention. Liquid used carelessly as with most cleaners I would agree could cause problems.

 

Yeah it had to be liquid. And it was everywhere!

 

I've had good results from using Brasso. The important thing is to ensure that only enough is used to dampen the cloth, that way none gets on the case or into it.

I find that Polywatch is more of a smoother, not a cutting compound, so it's OK for a final sheen, but proper use of Brasso usually doesn't require it.

See here for my process

http://omegaforums.net/threads/not-a-longines-but-decent-anyway.8706/page-3#post-107724

 

As for polishing cases, gold or plated cases only get a wipe with Cape Cod or similar.

Stainless cases can be polished with leather pads or blocks and various grades of rouge, brushed surfaces can be done with 600 wet and dry on a soft backing and the item held in a soft wooden jig. That way all marks are in one direction. I haven't tried starburst finish on stainless yet but have a design for a jig to do that, will post results (if it works )

With any case finishing, I remove the crystal and movement to do it, and ultrasonic clean after and prior to re-assembly.