Saturday, February 21, 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 need very good lighting in the room. You should also add a lamp, (fluorescent would be ideal) to the table so you can get some direct light. The next thing you need is a good screwdriver set. Make sure you get a good quality set as this will not damage the screws on the watch.

In addition, you will also require a dish to keep all the parts you take out of the watch on. It would be best if this has sections fabricated inside it, and as you strip the watch begin putting the pieces from right to left so you don't get puzzled afterwards. An additional thing you require is a good pair of tweezers. This will be essential to manage the small parts, and ensure you fit them back into the watch perfectly.

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.

Then, you have to take a small brush, paintbrush, or makeup brush, and brush the parts and then eliminate them from the fluid and place them on a towel or filter paper to dry them out.

You will also need to obtain oil, such as Moebius to oil the watch sections. To do this, you need to have an oiler which is thin wire including a flat side. In order to see what you are doing, you need to have a magnifying glass. Procure a blower to help you get rid of dust from the sections, and get a hands remover to appropriately do away with and place back the posts while you clean the watch.

To begin with, unbolt the back of the watch and open it up. After you have done this, you require letting down the mainspring which is what keeps the watch working. The next thing to eliminate is the movement, followed by the hands and ultimately the dial. Continue removing pieces till you are left with the skeleton of the watch with you. Now put all the parts in the cleaner solution and wait a while.

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. - 15252

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