How to clean vintage watch dials

Tips and tricks on cleaning vintage watch dials and dial restoration. What to do, and even more important, what not to do!
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A short introduction into dial restoration.
Kalle Slaap Watchmaker near Amsterdam in the Netherlands, specialized in Vintage watches.
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‪@ChronoglideWatchmaking‬
#watchmaking
#vintagewatch #generic #eta #swatch #swisswatch #swissmade #horloge #rolex

[@turansoyozen9557]

It is amazing that you share such content on a matter that requires very high expertise completely free on KZbin. Thank you so much.

[@davidcrandall4958]

Sir,You are imparting such a large volume of Knowledge Here! youre Knowledge,sir is priceless! I. am sure we can't thank you Enough!

[@Watcheyes]

Not many people notice Citizen but they have some of the best dials ever. Thank you for this Kalle, knowledge that can't be found anywhere 🙏

[@chrishughes8344]

I'm new to entry level watch collecting, including minor maintenance tasks. This video has given me essential information, not only on dial construction and how to recognise individual problems, but also which watches to buy and which to avoid. Thankyou so much for such valuable information.

[@zendoc62]

I learnt early to leave dials alone and instead to value the beauty in imperfection. Wabi Sabi, as the Japanese would say. I destroyed too many dials with even quite respectful attempts at cleaning. There’s beauty in imperfection, but ruined dials look so sad.

[@thomasnuyts9725]

Wabi sabi is the best option IMHO adding character and history to the watch dial. Same goes for overpolishing of the case, making me think of plastic surgery very often gone terribly wrong. Some watch brands nowadays are making like stonewashed dials (eg CW)

[@djbabbotstown]

Bullsho Shitto. As the Irish would say.

[@walther9161]

If you have a poor refinished dial.. if it can be redone say make it correct.. I’m in the middle of that horrible Process.. hard to find someone to do it

[@angelousskye5129]

Then why are you here

[@wsbill14224]

I respect your feelings but I hate dirty watch dials and beat up crystals.

[@FutaConnoisseur]

never expected there to be so much detail on this subject! Thanks so much.

[@HenriqueSantos-pe4nk]

This video is a masterpiece! Theory and practice go hand on hand! I suggest a continuation on repair enamel dials.

[@GearTwistGaming]

5 minutes in I realized there's no way I'm going to risk cleaning my old Rado. Still watched the rest because it's always a pleasure to watch someone who's passionate about their art.

[@chrisjohnson4165]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this.

[@VanguardRT]

Another great lesson Kalle! Thanks.

[@Tiocacike]

I learned the hard way not to clean the dials. when you delete one or two, you learn from disgust. Thanks for the video Kalle. Its a great lesson.

[@benniejamin1]

Your video was super informative about dials in general I put my first watch together with parts from ebay and aliexpress, i have a small cheap cnc mill and im thinking of making watch dials in it, skeleton dials... i cant find any that i like so its time to make

[@benjohnson2968]

Great information. No doubt. AND... above this....your demeanor is very much appreciated. And hopefully contagious. Subscribed...thanks again.

[@msmalmasri2680]

This is a very important lesson thank you from all my heart ❤

[@eded8045]

so much info and an education. Thanks!! BTW perhaps a follow up on indexes, minute, hour hands cleaning and corrosion removal tips, tricks would be fantastic. Im sure many thumbs up for my proposal from viewers for you to make the video.

[@xx-ej5bu]

To clean the indexes of the dial I used a small wood strip with leather glued on it. So the leather is not abrasive and safe. For the rest of the dial I used rodico. Bergeon Rodico, or watchmaker’s putty as it is also known, is green, grey, or black and is in effect very much like Blu-Tak, but with less oil content. I used these when my daily job back in the days when I was a certified watchmaker

[@jamesazahn6842]

Such a wealth of knowledge, and greatly appreciated; "thank you"! Enjoyed the vedio.

[@LD-bf1mi]

Great vid. Love them. Keep it up!

[@mikebenda1061]

Excellent great info. Thank you for the efforts to inform, it is appreciated.

[@papapig2876]

Very interesting and very well explained. Thanks for this video

[@boydsargeant7496]

Many thanks Kalle, really useful! I have found a microscope a must! I use just distilled water, really gentle like you say. I have polished indices a bit with a suede if they are gold. So far so good, but less is best! Ta.

[@michaelshulman8776]

I have found that the gentlest way that is helpful, and that hasn't ruined any dials for me, is to let the dial sit in 100-105 degree F water for not more than 5 minutes, then use a Q-tip on the dial with very light pressure (but not only rolling it, as Kalle suggests). Always good to test on edge of dial first. Dial must be fully dried of course after cleaning this way, or new problems would be introduced. Cleaning in this manner, sometimes doing several times on a dial, dirt is removed from the varnish layer and the result is often a notably brighter-looking dial. Never try alcohol on a dial - that can dissolve varnish and paint both. If you were anxious about letting the dial soak in the warm water, you can simply try the warm water on the Q-tip without the soaking of the dial, that way is even gentler. I've not tried the Polident in the water method yet. This is a really important area of concern to those trying to restore or fix up old watches, since we often can fix watches to make them mechanically sound but then are stuck with the poor appearance of a dial, and I hope that Kalle can do further research for us on things to try.

[@eded8045]

just a thought but using normal tap water will dry leaving salts, minerals. Ionised or distilled water might better ? i dont know but someone comment on diffrence between ionised and distilled water )

[@hockeyrd99]

Cleaning a simply dirty dial that has no underlying damage should be easy using your method. But folks need to understand your advice is specifically/only for cleaning dirt off of watch dials. Like Kalle says, many issues are not treatable.

[@MrMadvillan]

I’d only ever dry clean, with rodico. It’s really not worth introducing moisture as it can get trapped under the varnish and tarnish the silvering. This is what causes black splotches around the edges and pinked dials. And the worst part is if you do slip some moisture against the silver you won’t know until years later after it tarnished. Water, baking all that other stuff, bad idea.

[@antilogism]

DI or distilled water is my first pass. That removes ionic salts, that will accelerate corrosion if left in place, as well as loose dirt. After that it's spot-cleaning. I had to resort to acetone on the gold-plated numerals of my "new" watch. That was for watch crystal adhesive on the surface that's been there for maybe 70 years. That's where magnification is key. One slip and it's game-over for the finish.

[@antilogism]

@@eded8045 I believe water cleaned through deionization (DI) is the cleanest. That's what is often used in a lab. Distilled should have low enough ionic contaminates for a watch.

[@charlesdavis7940]

Very interesting, as are all of your videos. Thank you.

[@ruperthartop7202]

Great, very useful info. Thank you for sharing

[@davebudd1429]

Great and helpful video, thank you!

[@Milo30066]

Very good informative video. Thanks

[@davodavo1782]

My dear old dad used to have a saying in our repair workshop " if you don't want to have to try removing a mark off a dial, don't put it on there in the first place" In other words take special care and protect your watch dials from potential accidents.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Sounds like a wise man.

[@robertwasden2691]

I have a vintage Navitimer with some discolouration to the dial...after watching this helpful video I am now under no illusions that attempting any sort of cleaning whatsoever will result in an improvement and I am quite happy to let the patina remain exactly as it is now...I suspect it is mainly caused by the lume that has flaked from one of the numerals and from the hands. When I first spoke to Breitling I mentioned possible moisture ingress and they said if necessary they can replace the dial...gulp...please NOOOOOOOOOO! I do not want a new dial, I want to retain the original dial with its patination. Having researched more about vintage watches I am now of the opinion that it is more likely the flaked lume rather than moisture that has burned and discoloured the dial. A thorough cleaning and lubrication of the movement is all that I will request. Thank heavens for people sharing their expertise with us on youtube. Kalle, hartelijk bedankt!

[@davidcrandall4958]

You are very smart

[@mwade6982]

Great video and advice. 👏👏

[@GiorgioScampini]

Thank you very much, information of great help, I could explain that a simple mortal can do with a sphere to which one or worse fell the two guides that keep it attached to the movement, I know that there is the possibility of a weld and that those pins can be bought, but that we can do those who do not have access to any of these opctions. Thank you

[@leewmlee]

This is great! I ruined a dial before because I thought everything could be cleaned easily using IPA. I quickly found like that the dial paint itself was removed! I wished I had come across your video before. BTW, can u pls teach us how to put a modern movement into an old watch? Especially how to mark the dial feet position of the new movement onto the dial so that new dial feet can be installed. Thx!

[@Karol235]

Great lesson !!!

[@rebeccabarnes4863]

Thank you so much! It was very informative.

[@jkkk301dghe33]

Thank you so much for this knowledge.

[@uqox]

This was very insightful. Such a difficult subject. What's the...is there a "grade" for watch dials? What damage should be "fixed" that will remain vintage? What repair/cleaning, while successful (all print remains) is acceptable for a vintage watch? I understand the grading system for collecting or selling comics but now I'm curious about if there's a grading system for watches that I, a hobbyist watchmaker, should be paying attention to since my goal is to repair pocket watches to preserve them as pieces of history. Should I even clean a dial if that removes it from being identifiable as vintage? I am intrigued!

[@Al-po2oh]

Hi Kalle, do have any videos showing the careful removal of scratches on the dial face? Thank you

[@marcocbr2112]

Thanks for your tips :)

[@thomasnuyts9725]

Kalle, great video on an often neglected topic. Would be interesting to get some expert advice on how to recognise a redial on a vintage watch. For instance: how pristine can a dial be from the 70-ies?

[@MrMadvillan]

A good indication is the condition of the rest of the watch, if it’s been polished and if there’s are other interventions, new hands maybe. Though i’ve also restored watched with water ingress and prefect dials, which I knew for a fact were original.

[@DrSiech]

Thanks Kalle!

[@hockeyrd99]

I put the porcelain pocket watch dials in the ultrasound machine for 30 seconds or so to bounce the dirt out of the hairline cracks. Once the dirt is out, they are very hard to see. Try it on a test dial. Works great.. but only on those type of dial.

[@FOURTEEFIVE]

such a great video.

[@vayde]

Thanks for this excellent video! I'm curious what you placed your dial on during this video?

[@patrikhafstrom8954]

A bit of Pithwood I belive

[@curiousassortment]

Interesting. I have an old seiko. The dial has a sort of a thin transparency on it that is "bubbly" and I wish I could clean up its appearance. I'm not sure if it's varnish. Would you possibly have any suggestions about this, or where I could view some instruction on it? Of course I'd be afraid of getting too aggressive with it. Thanks.

Amazing!!! Thanks a lot!

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Very informative video sir thank you 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@67nearmint]

I've seen a watchmaker use denture cleaning tablets to clean enameled dials. Not sure about the efficacy of this technique but his results appeared good.

[@edgarinv]

I wish I had seen this last week, I used a bit of IPA about 50% and it kinda dissolved the varnish, it left a “milky” spot. I would have preferred to leave the stain there. Thanks!!

[@eded8045]

dont worry i used rodico blue on a black sub dail and left traces (

[@frankparmenter7800]

On my old enamel dials i use a "effervescent Denture cleaner" (the tablets you soak your dentures in over night.) I just follow the instructions.

[@ptzish]

Use denture cleaning tablets for enamel dials. It will blow your mind. It often will make cracks seemingly vanish. Just leave the dial in the water with the tablet overnight.

[@jmfa57]

If you simply MUST have a lean dial in your vintage watch, I recommend having your watchmaker send the dial out for professional refinishing, Understand that this destroys the collector value of your watch, but if the value is sufficiently detracted by a nasty dial anyway, this may still be worth it to you. The refinished dial may or may not be done well, also. I've had some come back gorgeous, and I've sent several back because of printing mistakes or other issues. Mae sure you have a good "before" photo of the dial if you choose this route. I long ago decided that I was the only collector I needed to please, so I've have some vintage Omega watches with nasty, nasty dials sent out for refinishing, and eventually, they all were much better looking - to ME - than if I had left them with the corrosion and ugliness. Choose carefully if you go this route.

[@lobdsk]

I use car wax. Megairs. I love it it can take stains off and protects the varnish

[@antilogism]

That can help arrest further corrosion/oxidation too.

[@greeneskyAP]

Very helpful. You may have prevented me from doing something really stupid to my vintage Omega.

[@garyshirinian]

Very interesting, however, have ever replaced a dial with guilloche custom dial. I saw in one of your videos. I think that would be great . That's just me. I'm fascinated with that machine, so much so, I was thinking of making a small rose engine lathe. I'm a tool and die maker, as I mention in one of the comments.

[@trumanwatch]

nice video as usual. Curious to know why you didn t mention water. Sometimes you get excellent results on cleaning stains just with care and some water...

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

We got better results non water based, but yeah why not. Absolutely worth a try. Thnx!

[@ghgo9795]

I have a vintage Record & Co watch from probably early 40s. The dial looks good for its age but the only anomaly is that the text, just the brand name has faded almost completely, just a hint of ink visible. It aches me every time as if it were a bit more visible the watch would have looked even better. I don't know if it is possible to have the text pad printed on a vintage dial or is there any other way to achieve the original text?

[@cyrilmatiassevitch1173]

Thanks a lot for your videos, Kalle! As far as antique porcelain - fused - to metal (copper) base dials are concerned, I remember that once upon a time I heard somewhere that for removing dirt from hairline cracks it is possible to use, for example, Corega dental appliance cleanser, or possibly some other brand. To be honest, I haven't tried it yet, but I am planning to do so some time soon!) After all, it doesn't sound to be too weird an idea, so why not give it a try?!?..))

[@MrGrentch]

_Very_ late to the party..😁 Yes this does work, but I've seen it dull the dial printing too. I'd only apply it to the crack directly, rather than immerse the dial itself like I've seen people do. Another potential issue with enamel dials is sometimes, depending on the market, they were left blank of the maker's name, or had the maker's name fired into the glass, but with a space for the retailer's name to be overprinted. This overprinted ink sitting on top of the shiny ceramic is very delicate and will be damaged/removed by even light cleaning. This seems to have been more of a practice with early wristwatches("trench" watches) especially in the British market where watches were advertised and sold by retailer rather than watch brand. IE customers bought a "Harrods" or "Asprey" watch rather than a Longines or Omega. If you look on say ebay at WW1 trench watches you'll notice a large percentage have blank dials(or have Rolex with ink that's still wet...😉) . They weren't blank when new.

[@lastwordindicator]

The copper oxide or patina (the green surface of exposed copper) I remember we would make a solution of like Tabasco sauce and vinegar (or something similar) and just spray it on to copper roofs with a pump sprayer and wait a few minutes, then wash it off with a hose. What was left was like a shiny new copper coin. Some sort of mild acid of pretty much any type will do the trick. Maybe a vinegar based glass cleaner might work for the pocket watch dial hairline cracks?

[@johnjewell219]

Good morning Kelly and all Greetings from Australia John

[@jason.bressner7466]

I used rodeco from Bergeon but it left blue stains on the dail that is impossible to remove and with a lens cleaner left scratches the dial is ruined..😅🤤😥😫😭

[@tintan9269]

Watching this vid because I already ruined my vintage citizen watch dial a while ago 😫 i accidentally dipped my Q-Tips on isopropyl alcohol instead of water 😫😓 how to remove varnish coating? Can i use automotive lacquer finish coating as an alternative? Pardon my english

[@alexxenaosas2416]

Thank you ! I wish it was more straight to the point - you could do two separate videos with dials types and how to clean them !

[@The1951skylark]

I have used denture tabs on white enamel and white porcelain pocket watch dials..... 2 tabs for approx 3 minutes....

[@rexploit42]

Hi, can you point me to the location were i can source these qtips with sillicone on the front to remove dust speckles without leaving marks.

[@JohnDavidHays]

I'm looking for them too. Please give us a pointer or proper name for this product.

[@peerhauser]

Thank you for the expertise. How are the indices fixated in the two holes? Couldn't you remove them to polish and replate and put back in theoretically? Are they glued or is this shellac?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

They can be riveted of glued. On older types usually with shellac dissolved in alcohol, as far as I know.

[@peerhauser]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking great, thank you

[@EditHandleError]

Hi, is it possible to drop the dial into ultrasonic cleaner?

[@jtcustomknives]

I have an silver accutron dial and it has a beautiful patina from blue to red and yellow on one side fading to the right. I want to keep it but just polish the index. Any advise?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Maybe just a wooden piece with leather. Sorry I do not know what the English term is. Leerlatje in Dutch. Looks like the wood you use to stir paint with chamois on one side.

[@reneebarguen5850]

Where can I buy an NOS dial from my 56 Omega seamaster I tried cleaning the dial with alcohol and a Q-tip and dissolved some of the varnish around the circumference and create a patina that looks like mapping around the circumference

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

You may try eBay, Rene

[@jludtxs]

The vintage Bulova rose gold dial didn't age well. I have one that is very dark but looks clean. With the dark blue hands, its hard to see. Can these be brightened up or go with a different color dial. I have an old NOS bulova that the rose gold dial is beautiful so I know it's not just time/patina, maybe humidity? All else fails, I'm considering painting a dial rose pink since I have never seen a pink dial on these old watches. Any advice?

[@joebroderi]

Have you ever used peroxide and UV light to remove yellowing and stains on a metal dial with no varnish layer ? Is the printing at risk ? Maybe just avoid printed areas ? Thanks

[@tyjoda]

Where does one get the silicon tipped swipes? I've looked online but not much luck. Also do you have a video on using Luminous Powder to repair the indexes on a dial face?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

We get them from Cousins UK but Boley in Germany has them as well.

[@stephenoliver1437]

Index kali we call them batons some are glued pin and also riveted on dial as you refer iffy to clean ie human spit with finger is what I was advised to do careful operation

[@shuycg]

What about a new watch? I found a spot (maybe two), that seem to be little droplets (spittle?). It's still under warranty. But I don't really want to send it back right now. I'd rather wait until closer to the end of the warranty (1.5y from now). The watch is otherwise spotless, I mostly wear it indoors, so I don't want to risk any little scratch. What do you think?

[@brianpercival1829]

Vintage look is how the patina is. Took 50 years to make it like it is. Remove lint or dust but accept the flaws as part of the watch character. A complete restoration, polished case or re-plating, new hands new crystal then a new replacement dial is the way to go. The old vintage look, but the movement has had a thorough clean and lubrication, new main spring and brought back to as close as new running condition is the best result for old watches.

[@robertwasden2691]

well put - that is exactly the conclusion that I have arrived at and this video just sealed the deal for me regarding servicing a vintage watch with some discolouration to the dial!

[@peterbroderson6080]

Asking what you feel about repainting and re finishing the case vs keeping an old watch original vintage?

[@truxton1000]

Difficult subject yes yes yes. I have tried to clean many dials, some has become worse, but I have learned to be careful so usually I get some kind of result. If it's loss of varnish I have had luck with gentle cleaning making sure not to remove the print, then I carefully spray the dial with hairspray, L'Oreal from my wife! It gives a matt finish and can often hide differences in the appearance of the varnish giving a much more uniform look. Of course I do this only on dials that is really ruined already... Usually I just use rodico to get rid of particles of dust and leave it at that.

[@joshuajosh6036]

What Loreal hairspray is that could you tell me please

[@yytsoi1026]

I've heard that some old watchmakers use cyanide to clean the surfaces, but it has to be cleaned thoroughly or it will turn red when it dries out. I usually use bell oil, sometimes a water-based dissolver for models, or diluted Silver wash water, these are high-risk actions, but sometimes have unexpected results.

[@mohammadmistarihi4029]

On citizen dial or any dial what yellow adhesive used to glue marks or indexes??

[@stevensilkunas2437]

Great tips. Human saliva is also a really good enzyme for cleaning.

[@jakes9708]

Watch dials are obviously more delicate than they look. I never would have guessed that it would be so difficult to clean one.

[@tevya017]

I am a bit wiser now and will view a watch dial in a different way. Thanks

[@NebraskaPhotog]

Where can a person find the plastic swipes with the silicone dot on the end?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

The usual watchmaking tool suppliers, cousins UK, Boley and many many more. Maybe even on eBay or Ali. Succes, Kalle

[@cedarcanoe]

how are dials refinished?

[@davidcrandall4958]

Sir Can you please describe how many years it took you to aquire this Knowledge along with the years of practice! I beleive there are many "Instant watchmakers" lol! out there that dont realize the time it takes to get to your level!

[@BlogofTheW3st]

18:40 What magnification do you need here? Would 40X be enough, in your opinion?

[@zeekwolfe6251]

Your dutch accent reminds me of relatives in Grand Rapids when I was a child growing up.

[@5850terry]

Many tears ago I had a place I could send a dial to that refurbished them. They came back looking like new.

[@fredfarnackle5455]

That was very informative, thank you very much for sharing that with us all.👍

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Always give your watchmaker specific instructions regarding the watch dial when getting a vintage watch serviced. Discuss it with them so no surprises.

[@robertwasden2691]

This is the same (excellent) advice that I was given regarding sending a fine old Navitimer off for a service with Breitling

[@amandagelien9612]

Good Video a subject every watchmakers hate-I never make dial promises-just dust or light clean-Dial restorers have gotten rare and VERY Expensive

[@ardie554]

Best advice ever.. "If you have a chance, just don't " Or pass it to Kalle..

[@spanishjohn420]

i was thinking it may be possible to use the same technique that they use to clean paintings

[@Mobin92]

That's basically what it is. But the problem is that you are restoring a tiny tiny "painting".

[@Michel-7.7.7]

4:30 I quit cleaning dials and simply replace them with your stylish model types. Countless possibilities🤩

[@sparkyblazeup1]

Rather than cleaning a badly damaged dial, wouldn't it be better to try to find an OEM replacement dial, or take a dial from another identical watch?

[@saltysealion]

Watching the index go made me sad! Thank you for sharing this

[@chrischandler6341]

I have looked everywhere for the silicon tipped applicator sticks and cannot locate them. What are they called and where do you purchase them.

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

Available from Cousins UK and Boley.de in Europe. They are their own brand. Unfortunately I don’t have any USA suppliers on hand. Good luck Chris, they are a game changer.

[@chrischandler6341]

@@ChronoglideWatchmaking Thank you for the information. I should be able to find them somewhere in the US now.

[@andybaldman]

1:40 You misspelled ‘dial’ in the graphic. I thought you guys were supposed to be detail-oriented?

[@jacklythgoe3541]

Oh finally an expert gives their take on this.

[@jamesdennyemor8070]

Sungguh, pelajaran yang sangat berharga didasari dengan kejujuran yang luar biasa

[@watchdial.]

good!!!👍👍👍

[@watchdial.]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5SkY5ashJugqKs

[@MFP2241]

Having hard time finding those very same silicone "swipes"... can you point us where to find them, please?

[@ChronoglideWatchmaking]

We get them from Cousins UK, but Boley has them as well. Good luck! Kalle