Wednesday, March 4, 2009

How Do You Clean A Wristwatch?

By Debra Brian Hunt

While cleaning wristwatches is best done by a professional, you can do it at home if you like tinkering with mechanical things .You might not want to try this at first on an expensive or favourite wristwatch that means a lot to you, as you will most likely ruin the first watch you try this on. Get an inexpensive watch to practice on till you get perfect.

To begin with, make certain you have a place to practise. A big table that is clear will be good, or it would be even more wonderful if you have an apposite workstation in your garage where you can do this peacefully. Include a white sheet on top of the table prior to beginning, since this will not only make it convenient to see the little bits and pieces, but will also thwart parts from bouncing off the table when they fall.

On top of this, you will require excellent lighting in the room. You must also add a light, (fluorescent would be perfect) to the table so you can get some unswerving light. After that you require a first-rate screwdriver set. Confirm you get a fine quality set because this will not harm the screws on the watch.

Besides this, you will also need a tray to put all the parts you take out of the watch on. It would be best if this has sections built into it, and as you strip the watch start putting the pieces from right to left so you don't get confused later. Another thing you need is a good pair of tweezers. This will be needed to handle the small parts, and make sure you fit them back into the watch accurately.

You will also need cleaning supplies. If you are serious about this hobby, you can buy proper ultrasonic parts cleaners from online, but in the start you can just use Naptha. This is the ingredient that makes up lighter fluids, and evaporates fast without leaving a residue. Pour a very small amount in a cup and then soak all the parts in this for a few minutes.

After you do this, you need to take a small brush, paintbrush, or makeup brush, and brush the pieces and then remove them from the liquid and put them on a towel or filter paper to dry them out.

You will also need to get oil, like Moebius to oil the watch pieces. To apply this, you need an oiler which is a thin wire with a flat end. To be able to see what you are doing, you will also need to get a magnifying glass. Buy a blower to help you remove dust from parts, and get a hands remover to properly remove and fit back the posts when you are cleaning the watch.

To commence, remove the back of the watch and open it up. After this, you need to let down the mainspring which is what allows the watch to work. The next thing to exterminate is the movement, followed by the hands and the dial in the end. Keep removing the parts till you are left with the frame of the watch in your hand. Now set all of them in the cleaner fluid and wait for some time.

After cleaning, start putting the parts back the way you removed them making sure you get the order right. Wind the watch and screw the lid back on and see if it works. - 15438

About the Author: