WatchTool.co.uk Supplying Watch Tools

Cleaning of watches is part and parcel of a watchmaker’s duties. Watches gather dust, grime and moisture over a period of time. These may sometimes even jeopardize the functioning of the watch. In such cases, a thorough cleaning is required. There are brushes, machines and solutions available that can be used in effectively cleaning watches.

The Bergeon case back brush helps in cleaning case backs and case rims. Very soft to very hard bristles are available with this brush and it can be used for any type of cleaning. It has a wooden handle that is comfortable to hold while cleaning.

With Emery buff sticks having assorted sizes, refurbishing metals, plastics and general purpose cleaning are possible. These sticks can be used to re-grain clasps, touch up scratches, clean a plastic case, polish crystals and clean out rusted parts. Different cleaning liquids can be added to achieve a variety of finishes with these sticks.

Elma Fully Automatic cleaning machine uses the counter current principle to clean watches. There is a movement holder which holds watch movements. The holder has rapid reciprocal movements while it is immersed in a cleaning liquid; the counter current produced gives maximum cleaning. This machine can also clean out dismantled movements by using a wire mesh basket. The wire basket changes direction every 5 seconds and thus the watch parts are cleaned in a simple way by using the rotation process.

Different cleaning solutions and compounds are used in the watch cleaning process. A&F rubbing compound is used on balance wheel pivots and train wheels. It is also used in removing marks from plates, dials and removing broken pivots. It also finds use as a holding and securing compound. The Bergeon one dip solution is very effective in cleaning hairsprings and for any de-greasing operation. It is a must-have in a watchmaker’s kit.