ADs often ask if I would like my watch steam cleaned. Wondering if anyone has one of these steam cleaners and what the process actually is.

 

I believe this is what Rolex uses

 

Are you sure they aren't saying 'ultrasonic cleaning'?

 

Steam cleaning is often used to clean cases and bracelets during the process of a complete service. But I’ll go out on a limb and state that nobody would use steam under pressure to clean a watch! (But then, who really knows whether somewhere, somebody does that!)

 

Not sure about that, none of the dealers I went to had squatty potties.

 

Primarily used by jewellers for cleaning setings, but can also be used by watchmakers (but not on my watch).

This made by Elma so a quality product.

 

2grand, Holy cow!
I'm more likely to buy a unicorn.

 

I don't use one, but have thought of getting one...my friend is a goldsmith, and he uses his all the time. It really does a great job removing polishing compound from things, so for example if you polish a watch bracelet, it can really expedite the process of removing the compound that gets between the links.

 

I wonder to what extent the steam function of a decent espresso machine would work...

 

I get the concept that the steam could loosen up the gunk, but do you still physically have to scrub to get the crap off? Like with a tooth brush? Is this better than dropping it in an ultrasonic?

 

Steam has advantages with greasy dirt, so that's why it works well with the rather waxy polishing compounds. In an ultrasonic tank, it takes forever to get rid of compound, even with the heater on in the tank. The heat from the steam helps melt away those compounds.

Steam will also force the dirt out with the pressure behind it, so less cleaning afterwards is required. Not sure I would say they are always better than an ultrasonic cleaner, but used together they can be very good. A long soak in an ultrasonic tank can loosen up dirt inside links, and then steam can be sued to help blow that debris out.

 

we have that and love it

 

... and this method is also used for sending watches per air mail

 

This is one of those... don't try it at home situations. I wouldn't feel comfortable blasting some hot purifying steam on one of my vintage watches to clean the case unless the movement had been removed in advance. It would be great for bracelets after removed from watch head.

 

It works a treat have been using one for years on bracelets and Mrs STANDYs jewellery. Brings her diamond ring and earrings up a treat.( have mentioned this several times over the years )

 

Vintage or modern - this isn't something you would use on a fully assembled watch head...

Cheers, Al

 

I bought a jewelry cleaner combo ultrasonic thingy with steam cleaner built in. Gotta take a picture of it and post it. I use the steamer on watch bracelets exactly as Al described. It works good to get the gunk out of the links. Obviously one wouldn't use it on a watch head with the movement still inside it.

 

They just strap your watch on and go take a hot shower

 

I got it for $60 new in NYC from a jewelry supply place. Our watch pals there told me this is the one to get. Does a good job.