6 Quick Tips On Maintaining Your Watch Collection

[@PhilipWing]

Loving your expertise Federico! We're al lucky to have you uploading your insightful videos! Thanks and greetings from Zurich!!

[@zhhrah]

I bought an ultra-sonic cleaner myself. They are not expensive and its a useful investment not only for watches. I clean my glasses with them as well and they work also for all kinds of jewellery. Cleaning my watches with that little machine became part of my horology hobby. I love this additional interaction with my watches.

[@alexstemkovsky2522]

Thanks. Finally someone who says it's fine to leave the watch idle for a month or two. No reason for it to run on your dresser. thanks. Keep up the good work. Love the channel.

[@netnoob77]

Agree with all your tips, except for the ultrasonic cleaning. Cleaning the bracelet is fine, but somewhat risky to put the watch head in IMHO.

[@marktuyet]

exactly !

[@gearrunner]

Thank you for the tips. I've always wanted a Rolex Sub or Sea Dweller but sadly can't afford one. Sooooo just yesterday I ordered my first automatic watch. A Seiko Sumo. It looked pretty nice and around the style of the Sea Dweller. I've read that I may need to put a new bracelet on it maybe like an Endmill. Thanks again on tips to keep my new watch functioning and looking great.

[@eco8gator]

Yes you can you just need self control and to save...if you want it you can buy it. Seiko divers are always a great stop gap till you get the big boy.

[@thebeerdedone7568]

Federico, I thank you my good sir for this video and information. I've been shopping around and the barrier to entry isn't as hard as I thought to DIY all of these tests and baths. May not be the most reliable tools, but I can get started while I save up for better tools and watches worth better tools.

[@petergahan9076]

Great advice. I took my Longines Hydroconquest to be ultrasonially cleaned, and I swear it came out looking like a new watch.It even drew comments from friends.

[@shakiljiwa8309]

Thank you so much, with your videos you have heightened my appreciation for watches as a student tenfold... I recently ordered my first piece (an skx007). Looking forward to the state of the collection video, Cheers!

[@steventennies]

Extremely useful. I'd like to hear your thoughts about (1) Cape Cod Polishing cloths and (2) PolyWatch for the crystal. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@EpicSnuggleBunny]

Fantastic info, I have bought watches for the better part of 10 years and hadn't thought to do a few of these.

[@hippoo25]

Wow, I thought that it only needs to be serviced once a couple years. This is really helpful! Thanks Mr Federico!

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Great tips Frederico. Had never heard over the ultrasonic bath but will look into it it. Thanks.

[@player-01]

Great tips. Thanks Federico. Regards Josh

[@Honezjr]

Helpful tips and I've never thought of some of these. Thanks Federico!

[@mannysingh6618]

Leather straps can be cared for. I use the same stuff I put on my leather car seats and it really brings worn leather to life.

[@AlbertInterian]

Great suggestions. Another tip I would add: proper storage. I have seen far too many beautiful pieces damaged by sun or scratched due to improper storage. A nice watch box is a collectors best friend and many nice ones can be had for under $100.

[@jamesdillman6811]

Thank you so much, Federico. That was very enlightening. Love the channel and continued good luck.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you James!

[@keekeefries6298]

cool tips, had not heard of ultrasonic baths. Good content Federico, keep it coming!

[@anamisidro8453]

very useful tips. Federico, you know it all! cheers. Ana

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thank you Ana!

"We're so close to 5000 subs I can taste it...", I watch now and you have 42.000+ subs :D Great job man, great video, great channel! This goes to my "watch geek"-playlist for future reference

[@tomace664]

Great advice. As usual a very helpful video for us watch geeks!

[@bearclooneywatches4186]

Great video with valuable suggestions. Thank you Federico.

[@mrpipspoppersv9093]

Good tips to know thanks I always wondered how often you should wind your watch I wind mine once a week on a winder they will then run for a few days than stop for a few then I repeat the process.Maybe I did it to often.

[@tonyp5767]

Great informative Video ! Federico ! Keep them coming cheers Tony !

[@numidian5191]

Hi Frederico, my name is Mike, and I am here in the Northeast U.S., and I have a budget of $3k for another watch. I would like to get a good used luxury watch (automatic or wind only), and preferably a day date, or just date (i realize i am really stretching here). What would you suggest that I look at, and where should I search for the best deal, ebay? Many thanks, and thank you for taking time to make this channel. I am a working dad with a mortgage, and your good work makes life a little better.

[@robertleal9546]

Thanks Federico awesome video . I didn't know about pulse clean and that AD do rate test . Thanks for knowledge

[@henk144]

Hi Federico, thanks for all the watch content. I'm a big fan of the channel. Two questions: 1. Can this utrasonic cleaning not damage the watch? 2. Do you have other tips to clean your watch at home? Thnx!

[@SolomonLi]

Man... This is so useful. Thanks!!!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Cheers solomon!

[@helloferdi]

Whilst I love most of these tips and you're right to point out the -mostly overlooked- services offered by an AD, putting a mechanical watch into an ultrasonic bath is not recommended. Do a simple search on "ultrasonic cleaner safe for mechanical watch" and you'll get dozens of forum threads detailing the potential harm. This story obviously changes if you're a watch maker enthusiast and you have the tools available to disassemble the watch. In which case, yes - individual parts in an ultrasonic cleaner are a great way to clean. But for assembled watches, hot soapy water and a soft toothbrush are your friend.

[@Audittr2108]

I recently had my submariner stop as I forgot to wind and there wasn't room on the winder. It used to run +4secs per day whether on the wrist or on the winder. Now it's all over the place. Runs -20secs on the winder, +3secs on the wrist. It was last serviced a couple of years ago so isn't due another yer. A few years back when a similar thing happened, the watch ran badly then too. I always keep my auto's (3 in the household at present) wound and running after my bad experiences with the subby.

[@drsudheersivaprasad5330]

The tips were quite informative. Thank you for the post.

[@dougharlow6037]

I have a ROLEX, Datejust 36mm,116263, 36mm, rolex jubilee band, Band Size: 195mm, 18k yellow gold turn-o-graph bezel, yellow gold-tone hands and luminous tritium stick hour markers, red minute hand. I bought this watch new in 2005, three of four months after introduced. This has been in my safe since new. Will this hurt the watch? Should I wind it? Great video

[@masterjacog5]

Here in Denmark, the Rolex AD (along with many other watchmakers and stores) charges 40 dollars for a pressure test...

[@AlbertInterian]

Oh another tip for beginners: never change a day/date between the hours of 9pm and 3am! This can damage a movement.

[@MxMSuff]

It may cause the date/day gears to lock and bend or crack. The safest way possible to prevent this is to put the hour hand in the 6 position before doing this.

[@mrmister4418]

I found a TAGHeuer in the grass at the gas station. It's in rough shape and has paint chipped missing one watch ban scew. I'm underaged and want to give it to y dad who's the best dad on earth. What can I do to get the watch in shape to be a gift?

[@brianwca]

@@mrmister4418 Any jeweler or watch dealer should be able to fix the watch band. Don't pay more than $25 for that. If it's in "rough shape" in other ways, such as scratches on the crystal or isn't running, then you definitely need to find a place that can service a Tag, which will not be every jeweler, but if you call around, you'll find one. Depending on what's wrong that could range from $50 to $500 or more, but no one will do work without asking you first and giving a price beforehand.

[@edwardb7811]

@@mrmister4418 Google "watch repair near me" should be the best way to start.

[@Claus-L.Mueller]

Hi Federico, Thanks for your tips. Next time I'll visit my dealer, I am going to ask whether they could do a cleaning and testing. Best regards, Claus

[@OFD]

Excellent advice!

[@adamfialka7850]

U can get ultrasonic bath of ebay for few bucks, works perfectly fine, also good for cleaning glasses

[@Smootus]

Good tips, Federico, thanks for sharing!

[@rgwilliams9788]

Great Tips!!!! Thanks Federico!

[@mountman5386]

Hi Federico - be interested to know which rate checker you have. maybe a topic for another video some time.

[@patrickmorrissey2271]

Those are good tips. I agree with all of it.... My only slight nitpick might be, and, very slight, but, if your watch is running 5 seconds fast a day, there really is no need to have it regulated or analyzed.... Obviously it's very close to perfect.... I don't think you're crazy, Sir. I have a couple of ultrasonic cleaners. They are really handy, and are much more affordable than they were 5 years ago.... They're super handy for any kind of brass parts, brass cases, tiny parts from carburetors.... All sorts of things. I never thought of putting a watch in there, and I guess I would have immediately been afraid that the high frequency vibrations would somehow negatively effect the mechanics in the movement, but apparently not.... I have taken my Oral-B toothbrush, with a super soft "child's" bristle brush head (that obviously you would NEVER put in your mouth after you do this), but, just run the electric toothbrush over it, very gently.... Like on a metal bracelet? Those can get a little gunked up in the summertime.... You get some suntan oil, you get some sweat, you get some windblown dust or sand.... that can be a mess. The gentle soft toothbrush, no toothpaste, just water.... does a nice job. It'll look like new...

[@stevie12]

some great tips thank you really enjoy your show

[@jonathanhansen3709]

I prefer leather bands on my dress and 'beater' watches. Once a month I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative on both sides of each band. Makes new bands more supple, and older, broken in, bands more moisture resistant. Will also restore and preserve leather that's become dried out. You'll get several more years of use out of any leather band by regular use of Obenauf's.

[@jieji1123]

I do own one of those ultrasonic cleaners for my vaping stuff lol, great tips!

[@erikdrenth5035]

I have a question: Can you clean a non screw down crown watch in an ultrasonic cleaner? Won't the vibrations cause leakage? I don't even walk in the rain with a non dive watch.

[@SayG0NE]

Great stuffs Federico, Thanks !

[@johnviano2312]

Thanks Federico! All good tips! Cheers!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Thanks for watching John!

[@Indyskater1011]

You tickled me with the lunatic comment man, pretty funny stuff!

[@chrisandrews6156]

I take my Rolex watches to my AD once a year and they clean them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Just make sure your crown is tight as I've heard of people who didn't checked and ended up with a major repair bill. Watch and bracelets come out looking awesome. No need for polishing. I'm looking into purchasing one myself as my collection is getting large enough to justify the expense and prices have come down a lot for these units. Any suggestions on ultrasonic brands?

[@Bert6bc7]

well done ! keep them coming !

[@hippoo25]

May i ask what the opening tune is? The drum part is killin!

[@Fredrikwatchesandartwork]

Thanks for your tips.

[@matthiasjohannes4955]

4:19 "It puts the watch in the basket" :DGreat and helpful Video!

[@daltonjr]

Good vid Federico, thanks for sharing 👍

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Cheers Dalton!

[@manstersr]

Get a timex leather watch band, they're waterproof so sweat won't hurt them. I take the battery out of any battery powered watch I have that I don't wear regularly. I've had too many flashlights ruined by dead batteries leaking acid.

[@itsalgud1459]

Thanks, Federico, for some great tips! Definitely good stuff to know, except for the part about alligator watch bands in hot, humid climates. They should be ok, because alligators come from Florida!😉

[@craik7]

hi Federico, thanks for the video! what about washing your watch every month with soap and water? is that necessary? or just wiping with cloth every day is fine?

[@WWETheDeadManDTF]

i wash my watches once a month (if i wear them) in cold water with a bit of soap and brush them clean with a soft toothbrush. i clean clasps and braceletes this way too. When everything is clean, i rinse them of, dry them with a cloth and put them in a box with some rice. Works great for me.

[@daleschmidt7157]

I try to flip my watches from face up to face down once a month. I wind my watches 10 to 15 turns about about every other flip. I keep my watches in closed dust free containers. When I travel, I use a travel Watch Roll of up to four watches. I am now handicapped and can't do or shouldn't do anything a Dress Watch can't handle. All my leather straps are made by Toshi Leather Straps in England from my friend Richard Beard. They are well made, soft and tough to take all the weather I get into. Otherwise, I wear high grade pure Rubber Straps, because I like the way they feel, smell and hold the watch on my wrist.

[@mikemolai82]

Are watch winders bad for automatic/manual watches? Over time, do they damage the movement?

[@simplehuman4295]

Federico I have a really sentimental piece a quartz casio I really want to keep it working as I live do you think that it will last as long and what I can do myself to increase it's life please

[@peterfrancis14]

Your experience, does a quartz movement use more and more juice the more you change the battery? Seems that the first battery lasts about 3 yrs...2nd battery 2 yrs...and by the 4 battery change, maybe 6 months out of it

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

This should not be happening. But it depends what type of batteries you are using...

[@ScottMcLinden]

great tips

[@haco917]

Great Information!

[@redditroom2981]

Hey Federico, question....I have recently got a new rolex sub 116610, Today I had to do some repairs to a shingle covered roof, upon finishing I've noticed extensive damage to the bracelet clasp, it basically now looks 50 years old. Some folk may say why are you wearing such a piece whilst working? However I bought this watch to wear daily but I am disappointed in my own stupidity and not removing the watch before starting work. Any way my question is, could the clasp be refinished? Also I'm now thinking maybe I should invest in a more harder wearing strap. Let me know your thoughts.

[@mariosoto6895]

Federico I have a Rolex submariner, how often do I have to have it serviced?

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

When it starts to lose time...

[@humbertoyepis5616]

good advise

[@rwolfhaus1234]

ultrasonic machines seem pretty inexpensive, can someone go with just one of those? what solution do you use, a basic jewelry solution? thanks!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Yes, I use basic jewelry solution for my steel and titanium watches...

[@peterfrancis14]

Do you think the sonic waves or the hot steam is bad for the seals?

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Steam can be bad if used for extended periods of time... But just for a few seconds, not a problem...

[@marktuyet]

a little soapy ammonia and a ultra soft toothbrush will make your watch look great . simichrome (eBay) is a good safe metal polish and is also great for removing scratches on acrylic crystals . for scratches on steel bracelets use nail files from nail supply shop . they come in different grades .

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

Thank you, Sir.

[@SirStamford27]

Good video, but a mechanical watch in an ultrasonic bath, are you sure? I work with ultrasonic cleaning baths and I'd think they can really hurt a mechanical watch ie loosening parts and screws. I know once a watch is completely taken apart the parts are cleaned in an ultra sonic bath, but while its still in one piece, i'll admit id be very scared to do this.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

I have done and seen it done many times. I am not 100% sure on what "power setting" you would set it to. But I just put mine on low and have never seen a problem...

[@lightforce18]

people on the rolex forums say ultrasonic are a big no no for rolex's is that true? They said it could ruin the movement.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

I have never had adverse results...

[@lightforce18]

+Federico I ill have to try it then myself

[@freshramses]

Very nice!

[@ManishSahay]

Thanks for the tips :)

[@locutusdborg126]

I thought you were not supposed to put the actual watch in ultrasound, but only the bracelet. Are you sure it won't damage the insides? I own Hulk and Platona.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

I have never had a problem, as long as it is on the low setting. I have seen many watchmakers do this...

[@conradw9229]

Great comments. Completely on point. I would only add a warning about cleaning and using jewelery cleaners. I dropped an Omega into my wife's jewelery cleaner solution and it ate the Anodization off of my watch. Do not use these cleaners.

[@Mr-Flo]

Hey, What do you think about the faberge (Agathon) rose gold ? Appreciate

[@Mr-Flo]

By the way, very informativ :)

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

They are beautiful. I would love to own one. Top notch finishing!

[@Mr-Flo]

+Federico I would you prefer them 2 a Patek/AP/VC? Because the faberge are running about 20.000€-32.000€

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Very tough question... It is certainly more unique...

[@BatakAviation]

Federico can you do a review on your pam 111

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Sure!

[@BatakAviation]

Because im thinking of buying one. Also after seeing you omega cronostop review i surf timezone and saw the same piece for a reasonable price should i get it, i dont have a vintage piece and im a newbie interms of buying preowned.

[@mickey_mouse_watch]

Once a month! Yes. And, I would add, between watch winding intervals, you should rest your watch on its side (vertical position) and NOT flat (horizontal position). Examples: Vertical Position: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dd/95/65/dd95654dac9dc06910837e617ea222a9.jpg Horizontal Position: s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/1d/ab/8d1dabc52224d1d6c6bcba47b70170d9.jpg

[@errolvas6456]

Good vid 👍

[@MadAzn53]

Federico, have you thought of the RubberB strap for the PAM? I'm not a fan of the OEM one.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Haven't heard of them... I'll have to look them up!

[@pelu7104]

+Federico I I have one on my pam000 ...I highly recommend it !!

[@MadAzn53]

Thanks Santino Bambino, I'll have to look at getting one since someone else on FB also recommended them.

[@jonathanelewis9134]

Invicta dealer here in NYC charged me for a pressure test.

[@scuba453]

Waterproof watches are made for "normal" use in and around water, not for being cleaned (whole) in ultrasonic cleaners. The seals might fail. Same for cleaning watches with soapy water which breaks the surface tension of the water which then can get past the seals.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

I have done and seen it done by watchmakers hundreds of times... As long as the watch passes a pressure test before I have never had a problem..

[@scuba453]

Yes the watch is passing before but what about afterwards? Probably does not matter if you regularly replace the seals but why risk it? If you are a diver using your watch for diving I'd rather clean the case with some warm water and a toothbrush. On the bracelet I use soapy water.

[@alansdad4613]

What Ultrasonic Cleaner do you use?

[@DJRWatchRolls]

I highly doubt most AD will do a free pressure test or ultrasonic cleaning on an annual basis unless you purchased the watch from there. Most places where I am (Canada) charge at least $35-$45 for a pressure test.

[@kristofferfranklinhansen9864]

Great video. I have been in to watches for two years and I didn't find this info basic. I will try to find my bad boys once a month :) - If you ever want a Skype guest let me know man :)

[@michaelrankins581]

I was told to never put my day-date in an ultrasonic bath because the solution would wear the gaskets and the ultra-sonic could jar the movement. Is this not true?

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

+Michael Rankins I've never heard this...

[@djsashimi]

Its fine is you use just water and a few drops of dish soap. Do not use watch cleaning solution. You can also use mild jewelry ultrasonic solution as thats just distilled water and soap

[@michaelrankins581]

+Federico I good to know. Ultrasonic on the way.

[@eco8gator]

Nice video!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Cheers man!

[@brainix]

Hey, guys. I have a 2016 Rolex Explorer with some shock resistant technologies, but you can never be too careful. Should I remove my watch before sneezing?

[@paolojosemarizafra5366]

very useful advice frederico! don't worry, if you are indeed a lunatic, then you will be the coolest lunatic in the planet! haha cheers! 🖒

[@marktuyet]

sorry for commenting again but for those of you thinking about using an ultrasonic machine , make sure your watch is suspended in the solution and not touching the bottom or sides of the machine . If you're watch head is touching the machine it will vibrate the hell out of it and can loosen parts . You can buy a machine but you need to know how to use it properly so you do not damage your jewelry and watches .

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Great advice!

[@cabronesaqui3692]

In respect to Quartz never use anything but energizer batteries, just about every time I find a leaking battery it's a Renata or a Varta, as I am in the P&L business I see hundreds of quartz pieces a week. I also keep a compass to check my vintage pieces to see if they are magnetized. I personally would not use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean a watch head (a bracelet is fine) since the solution may be ammonia based and the seals in a watch are not viton in most cases. I also don't like the idea of the hairspring being subjected to ultrasonic cleaning I would add to be careful with aftermarket bracelets I've seen some nice vintage pieces with severely cut and damaged lugs from an ill fitting aftermarket bracelet. Always make sure a bracelet is properly adjusted to prevent stretch As it relates to pressure testing, I find water resistance and gasket issues will appear at

[@TheHoth1]

So I take it the ultra sonic bath won't hurt the movement of the watch.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

I guess most important one is don't wear pricy watches to shady places, where they could potentially get stolen or robbed. I lost my JLC master control in a night club in NY, been regretting it ever since!

[@johnlorenzo1075]

Buy a basic watch repair kit for changing batteries or bracelets. Do an ultrasonic clean at your dealer when the watch stops. Not recommended for watch but just metal bracelets or cleaning internal compnents by the AD if in for repair. He may be discussing servcing for $3000 watches. Never wind a watch backwards - never change a date between 9PM-3AM. JPL

[@whiphandle]

PHIST! oups wrong channel lol ;)

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

hahaha

[@eco8gator]

Ultrasonic PHISTING! I promise this will need the last PHIST I post in your vids:)

[@glumfish6862]

I rinse my watch under cold water almost everyday and it stays clean

[@Daveyboyz1978]

I didn't think it was recommended for a movement to go into an ultra-sonic cleaner! It shakes the watch violently and fast possibly damaging it or shaking pieces out of place... Take the bracelet off and drop that in the sonic, or if the movement is taken out stick the lot in there but keep the movement away IMO.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

If it is set to the low setting it won't be an issue...

[@amarhassan]

very good tips fedrico. off the topic .. I send an email to your gmail email I'd mentioned in your channel but receive failure message .. 🤔

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

[e-mail]

[@amarhassan]

Hi , Fedrico Thanks for reply. yes the same email I'd I send it..Very unfortunate 🙁

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

copy and pasted it. make sure you are writing FEDERICO not FREDERICO...

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

or FEDRICO.... copy paste it from above...

[@stealer59]

Do not u/s clean watch itself it messes with internal oils it displaces oils