Best way to clean a watch?

[AndyThoma]

So my watch case and band are dirty. It lacks the luster it once had and I want to restore it. It is a stainless steel case with a stainless band. It is waterproof and has a mineral glass face. What's the best way to clean it?

Mind you this is a Wenger so like a $300 watch, so it's nothing fancy or special. I'd love to go buy an omega but don't have that kind of extra cash. But this watch was a gift and dispite me beating the crap out of it from working on a rover to skiing and mountain biking with it, the damn thing still works The glass face is scratch free and it's still waterproof and actuate enough to try and shine it up again. So any ideas? I don't think it tarnished much, but that could be why it is discoloring. Oh it is 4 years old.

TIA

 

[Eric N.]

I just clean my watches with a tooth brush, warm water, and dish soap..

 

[AndyThoma]

no metal cleaner for stainless?

 

[DiscoS2]

I clean my top-o'-the line Wenger mechanical day-date automatic chronograph with the wife's WalMart jewelry cleaner.

Mark

 

[Joey]

I clean my Accutron with a toothbrush and some mild hand soap and water. Dry with lint free cloth... No issues and still looks new after 5 years.

 

[alex3324]

A jewelry shop can clean the band with their ultrasonic cleaner - it will dislodge all the crap out from between the links. I would advise against immersing the case in the cleaner, as the ultrasonic waves have been known to knock precious stones loose from their mountings - who knows what it would do to the inner workings of your timepiece.

 

[96DiscoSE7]

I clean my submariner with Dawn dish detergent and for the re buffing of the stainless band I use a scotchbrite pad/sponge combo, usually when I have finished the dishes, comes out just like it does when it comes back from factory service -A

 

[FrankyRizzo]

Shitcan it and buy a new one.

 

[syoung]

I have a submariner also and I use gel toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. For some reason, gel toothpaste works best on shiny bling bling- a jeweler gave me that advice.

 

[WCURoverD90]

I clean my Tag Heuer with warm soapy water and a toothbrush or rag.

 

[Alyssa]

I have a jewelry steam cleaning machine, and it shoots a powerful, thin stream of steam at your jewelry... you have to hold on to it tightly with non marring tongs. I dip the band in cleaning solution, then use the steamer. It works very well. I wipe it with a soft white washcloth afterwards, and use a soft brush to loosen any remaining residue. I am amazed at the amount of crap that comes out of the band!!

 

[FrankyRizzo]

I bought an Omega and the store I bought it from cleans it for free.

 

[GregH]

Try a wire wheel followed by sulphuric acid...

 

[Leo_Hallak]

Same.

I clean my Sub the same way as Steve. Gel toothpaste and warmwater come out nice. Usually when I want to get the scratches out I take it and have someone else polish it out. usually pretty affordable.

Leo

 

[utahdog2003]

Media Blasting...

 

[syoung]

Media Blasting is fun... I hate the media.

 

[edthediscoman]

There are industrial stainless cleaners available in spray cans. A local pipe supply store should have it. Industrial pipe and supply place. I have a can in case of emergencies...rust in the sink etc.. That a little elbow grease and all is well. Should work great on watch bands.

 

[kennith]

I clean my Timex in the shower.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[utahdog2003]

Media Blasting is fun... I hate the media.

LOL

 

[Golden Oliver]

Spit shine.