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Worth investing in an ultrasonic cleaning machine for Omega bracelets?

  1. OmegaRolex Aug 10, 2016

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    I recently read that the key to keeping a president-like linked bracelet is to keep it clean. Has anyone else had success with ultrasonic machines (for bracelets only)?
     
  2. styggpyggeno1 ΩF Enforcer ....and thread killer Aug 10, 2016

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    Buy one. Only way to go if you want them really clean.
     
  3. OmegaRolex Aug 10, 2016

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    Any particular models you recommend? :)
     
  4. styggpyggeno1 ΩF Enforcer ....and thread killer Aug 10, 2016

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    No, but a rather simple one is enough. Mine was bought for 130 usd maybe 6-8 years ago. Works perfect.
     
  5. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Aug 10, 2016

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    I've always removed my SS bracelets from the head and either put them in my dishwasher or used Dawn liquid dish detergent and an old toothbrush. Give it a try before you spend money on an ultrasonic cleaner that you could put aside for another watch :)
     
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  6. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 10, 2016

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    Neither of those methods will remove dirt like an ultrasonic cleaner will...
     
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  7. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Aug 10, 2016

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    No doubt, however it all depends on if you're ready to make that size investment.
     
    Edited Aug 10, 2016
  8. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Aug 10, 2016

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    Best way to keep the bracelet clean is to have a lot of watches so it doesn't get worn much. Buy more watches, problem solved :)
     
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  9. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 10, 2016

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    Can be had for far less than one of Omegas overpriced NATO straps, so this is hardly "investment" type of money we are talking about.

    Sure you can spend thousands on an ultrasonic cleaning tank that would be used continuously in a shop environment, but that is not what we are talking about here. For occasional home use as would be the case here, $150 can get you plenty of machine for the job.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5PT-Next-...040657?hash=item281cedd5d1:g:XxgAAOSwTZ1XlpLBPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

    Cheers, Al
     
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  10. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Aug 10, 2016

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    This, And I will add... Use it regularly, more or less often depending on the conditions an frequency of using the watch.
     
  11. MikiJ Likes songs about Purple spices Aug 10, 2016

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    Fair enough...I didn't realize that they were so reasonable.
     
  12. gemini4 Hoarder Of Speed et alia Aug 10, 2016

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    For steel bracelets and perhaps steel cases only (no small components) is there much of a difference between these cleaners and the cheaper $40 plastic units?
     
  13. Davidt Aug 10, 2016

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    I think mine cost around £50 a couple of years ago.

    I use it for a variety of items and when used with jewellery cleaning fluid it gives a thorough clean.
     
  14. padders Oooo subtitles! Aug 10, 2016

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    They pop up in Aldi and Lidl now and then at around £15-£20 and are perfectly fine for occasional use like this. I ultrasonic the bracelets on anything I buy as they can be disgusting on older watches. It can take 10-15 mins to get things truly clean though. Well worth it.
     
  15. sky21 Aug 10, 2016

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    I'll vouch for the effectiveness of the cheap plastic cleaners. Works great on the SS bracelets. Took me about 15 min of cleaning, as stated above, to get all the 45 year old grime out completely. Very good purchase in my opinion.
     
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  16. styggpyggeno1 ΩF Enforcer ....and thread killer Aug 10, 2016

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    There are more things, than watchparts, in everyday, life that benefits from a thorough cleaning from time to time. I use mine for glasses, keys, the wifes jewlery, jets for carburators, rifleparts, bearings and small parts on bikes, mopeds, etc. It is an enviromentally sound way to clean things. My use of solvents in the bicycle hobby is down with at least 50%.

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  17. WatchVaultNYC Aug 10, 2016

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    Mine was under $100, divide that by the value of your time and find out the break-even period. For example:

    Value of your time = $50/hr
    Time to clean a bracelet = 0.25hr
    Cost of cleaner = $100

    $100 = $50*0.25 * 8 (ultrasonic cleaner pays for itself in 8 cleanings)
     
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  18. wristpirate Aug 10, 2016

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    Thanks for this thread. Just ordered one.

    Now just need to buy another 7 watches to make it pay for itself.
     
  19. JH11932 Aug 10, 2016

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    Do we have a thread here for "reasons to buy a lot of watches?" This would seem indispensable to members...
     
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  20. Pvt-Public Aug 10, 2016

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    I have a cheapo from Harbor Freight, it works OK so long as you don't mind doing several consecutive cycles.