Bracelet Cleaning

[jac67]

Hi all

I'm not trying to top Jocke on his tutorials, but I thought I'd share my day with you all.

Now, I know some of you think using an ultrasonic cleaner on your watches is unnecessary, but trust me it does a really GREAT job.

Note: DO NOT place your watch in the ultrasonic under any circumstances, THIS IS ONLY TO CLEAN YOUR BRACELET.

Firstly take bracelet off head very carefully. Cover lugs with tape so as to not scratch them. There are a few tutorials showing this.

Next, clean watch head in warm soapy water using a toothbrush to clean thoroughly.

Just to prove a point, I also cleaned the bracelet a few times with soap and water using the toothbrush, then into the ultrasonic.

Pic 1. - Ultrasonic cleaner and chemical used.




Pic 2. - Solution before cleaning commenced.




Pic 3. - Cleaning in progress - 20 minutes.




Pic 4. - Note how dirty solution is, and this was after bracelet was "thoroughly" cleaned by hand. BTW, picture does NO justice, the solution is REALLY dirty (trust me).




Pic 5 - I also like to use a tea leaf holder to put the spring bars in. Manufacturer strongly suggests that nothing touches the bottom of the cleaner, as this can damage it.




Rinse everything with clean water and dry. Sorry no pictures of bracelet as not necessary. The bracelet looks virtually the same as when cleaned by hand. It is the stuff between and inside the links that this is especially good for, although I think it does leave a certain "cleaner" lustre on the bracelet too.

An ultrasonic can be purchased for around $50, and I really do think it does a great job on ALL bracelets, SS, TT and especially Gold.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To get this one past your wife, tell her is does a FANTASTIC job on jewellry. It actually does!

All of our family and friends bring the stuff/crap too me for a clean.


John.

[Lol-x]

Thanks John that's good information. I would like to see the results.
So how often would you use this cleaning method on a watch that was worn every day?

[sheldonsmith]

I have had good luck with just the ultrasonic cleaner alone. Wipe on, let sit for a few minutes, wipe off.... Keep the cleaner away from the watch head... Magical stuff.

-Sheldon

[marshallr47]

Good stuff. Thanks for the tip.

[frostie]

Great stuff thanks for sharing

[tnt]

mix mr. clean liquid with water and put in ultrasonic for an hour or more. Risen with soap and warm water. Use steam machine to clean out the wetness and you are good to go.

the blowing of steam will make it shiner.

the ultrasonic is good for all jewelry cleaning. However, the softer stones as emerald, opal, both are needed extra careful.

For diamonds, never put 2 of them against each other, they will get damaged easily. The only thing could damage a diamond is diamond.

[Antonio]

Nice process, but I will use any other chemical like soap. That chemical, in long time, will ruin the bracelet or watch IMO. It is know in spain also, plus the chemical name as 'Sosa Caustica', and it is corrosive. Probably when you put it in hot water you will feel how it turns more 'hot'.

Antonio

[mike]

Outstanding post John. And you are right on the money.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Nice tutorial, John!

Thanks for sharing!

Could you post a pic of the bracelet after the ultrasonic cleaning, please?

[jac67]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Thanks John that's good information. I would like to see the results.
So how often would you use this cleaning method on a watch that was worn every day?

Depending on the type of work and/or activities you do, once every 6-12 months should be fine in addition to normal hand cleaning. Of course, some may require ultrasonic cleaning monthly. This ensures all matter in between and inside the links is removed, thus reducing wear to the bracelet.

In your case Steve, considering the type of work you do, once every 2-3 years should be adequate.

Originally Posted by tnt

the ultrasonic is good for all jewelry cleaning. However, the softer stones as emerald, opal, both are needed extra careful.

For diamonds, never put 2 of them against each other, they will get damaged easily. The only thing could damage a diamond is diamond.

True, I would NOT put those listed above into the ultrasonic as well as pearls.

Now for some after pics. As mentioned not too impressive from the outside (mainly due to all the scratches), however looking between and inside the links it's spotless.




Yes, I know I still have the hologram sticker on the DD. I just can't bring myself to peel it off!









John.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Awesome results!

Such a treatment once in a while will prolong the lifetime of your bracelets greatly, especialy that of the President bracelet that tends to wear down quickly, mainly due to dirt assembling between the links.