How to clean watch parts and what solutions to use. Watch repair tutorials.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Hi Tony. This video was really a response to people asking me how I clean watch parts. I understand that many people do not have a watch cleaning machine, they can actually be purchased second hand for next to nothing. Cleaning parts by hand is a LOT of work and I really don't advise it but if you can do this by soaking the parts in Horolode, use a fine artists brush and pegwood to agitate the dirt away. If your comment gets enough thumbs up then I will make another video to demonstrate this :)

[@cfrincon]

Watch Repair Channel what model/brand machine are you using in this video?

[@dexson5831]

As usual.. I watch one or 2 of your videos everyday and grow smarter everyday! Thanks for your effort in making these so educational videos! I'm personally not a watchmaker but a watch enthusiasts which is very into the nibs and bits behind a watch. Your videos has led me to appreciate work behind the scene much more than before and in love with mechanical watches even deeper. Keep it up!

[@WatchRepairChannel]

These are special solutions made for watches, they don't attack brass parts. In fact they do a very good job of cleaning and brightening up any brass parts ;) and no, it is not enough heat to damage watch parts either. I hope this helps :)

[@rustinpieces]

Just bought two of those Elma Super Elites for little nore than scrap money; one needing work on the electriconics but complete, and one working fine; yet very dirty - and I made one excellent machine out of them. They are both approx. second generation, so they're both cream-coloured - which I love! Unbelieveable that these machines still run after more than half a decade. Nice vid. I'll be going for Elma's own cleaning and rinsing fluids to start with; if they yield good results, I'll probably stick to those.

[@tonyzackery]

Appreciate that you posted how to run the parts cleaning machine, but how about posting how to actual clean the parts manually? Not so sure this vid shows people how to clean watch parts - good tutorial on how to run a machine though. Don't flame me; just some constructive criticism.

[@dietznutz1]

@JPS JPS an ultrasonic cleanse and a buffing wheel can do wonders on cases idk if they use an ultrasonic on the movement sometimes

[@dietznutz1]

@JPS JPS also check forums

[@Donnybrook10]

@@dietznutz1 they did not have ultrasonic cleaners back in the old days when watchmakers had to clean watches manually...as in without expensive machines and industrial cleaning solutions. BTW, buffing wheels remove material...even with the softest buffing wheels and gentlest compounds. Considering watches are precise to the thousanths of an inch, you do not want to take away even the most minute amount of material.

[@MidwestHapkido]

You have become my go-to guy for things watch repair and mostly because your videos are clear and to the point. I watched this particular video, looking for tips on cleaning the pivot jewels. As I use an ultrasonic on everything about the only issues that infrequently fall short are the jewels. Any suggestions would be warmly appreciated.

[@syntacticalcrab]

Oh, also, do you put the hairspring and pallet in there as well or do you clean them separately?

[@kennygo8423]

I gotta have that heavy duty watch winder. Its mesmerizing 👌

[@geoffreylotz3661]

Hi Mark - yet another great video, many thanks. My question is this - what would you do if you lived, like I do, in the boondocks in a country without a postal service to speak of and to which eBay, Amazon and the like don't deliver? These sort of solutions may or may not be available in my country but during the learning process i just want to be able to clean with basic solutions and solvents I can find - ammonia, acetone, methylated spirits, isopropyl alcohol etc etc. I can fashion some sort of machine from a cordless drill and a jar or something, and depending on how it goes in the watchlearning process I can always later import the correct machines and equipment, pay the exchange control levies and taxes, pay the import taxes and customs duties etc and carry on. But for the learning process on an old Union Special with an AS 1950/51 movement and a Roamer Popular movement, what cleaning solutions would you suggest using less specialised and more basic readily available products. The same goes for lubricants - I can get WD-40, 3-in-1 oil, Singer sewing machine oil, basic greases and MD greases etc such but not the specialised products you mention. What would you use as lubricants if you could not get the ones you mention? Imagine you were in the boondocks with limited access and availability and your own timepiece needed urgent attention...?? I am keen to hear your answer...

[@a000ab]

Are there any parts which should be excluded from this process? I mean, for example, is it such that the forces that are applied to the components because of the rotation, or the chemicals, can harm any of the components (like hairspring, main spring, jewels, ...)?

[@watch-repair]

do you put the hairspring and pallet in there as well or do you clean them separately?

[@chuckgentry3613]

Excellent video as always Mark. Do you have a feeling one way or another about ultrasonic cleaning machines versus mechanical cleaning machines such as the Elma Super Elite. BTW, I have seen a less expensive Asian version of this machine on the web. Any thoughts or impressions on that machine?

[@sugmasigma]

Great video! How many watches can you clean before you have to replace the solutions?

[@leorelo0511]

Excellent video!! It's a shame that here in Brazil it's very difficult to get these products, but anyway would you be able to leave the description for us to find them? Thank you very much!!!!

[@frxa2739]

hi there! I always find your vids very helpful and encouraging. When you mention broaches, what kit size should I get? there seems to be a lot of sizes, but specially one that can help in to smooth out a whole diameter that has been steaked . thanks!

[@elhasaneelhafidy6744]

thanx Mark for the Video! can you make a video about manual cleaning? Thanx again

[@TangoTapper]

Could you clarify the drying process! You said you turn the heater on and then give it 11 minutes - and it gets hot! Is there not a danger that the shellac will melt and cause pallets or roller pins to drop out? My particular interest is in antique watches. Thanks. Roy

[@crookedtool]

ACME Watch Cleaning Machine: Warning! Not safe for use with watches.

[@ziloom11]

Excellent video as always. Are the Baskets and Cage, the same size as the new automatic Elma? They look the same. Thanks

[@leone666100]

Great vid. Good to see the full cleaning process and the machine, nice piece of kit!

[@waynechester3847]

Hi Mark, new to horology. Which cleaners, rinsers are safe on shellac supported jewels and which to avoid. IPA alcohol not a good one i understand. Thank you for advice on hand cleaning chemicals you can give me in advance.

[@Hara-lamb]

Hi, you have great vids. I have a question: what if i wanna clean watch parts at home, what solutions do you recommend? Can i use some cleaning ones that i already have or i must buy special ones?

[@samkuong3121]

Hi! Alex, could you please advise whether I can use IPA to clean the synthetic escape wheel and the pallet of the ETA C07.111 movement, I tried to clean with Rodico and seems I messed up.

[@Memyselfandvan]

Thanks for the video Mark, really informative. I have an industrial ultrasonic cleaner for now, but do plan on replacing it with a similar machine to yours eventually.

[@boydsargeant7496]

Thanks mark, lots of good tips here. What wake is that machine?

[@azsharptime549]

Hi sir Your work is very clean and beautiful and wonderful. I have learned a lot from you. I am an auto mechanic in Sri Lanka, may I know what chemical you are using and where you can buy it I am waiting for your great help 😊 I have the same as you. A mission

[@JUNAID187]

I have an ultra sonic cleaner should I use L&R #3 watch cleaning solution after the horloene or use the ultra sonic watch rinsing solution by L&R? Also could I skip the fine clean step?

[@btg117]

Hi, please could you tell me what’s in the third jar? Thank you great videos by the way. Plus I’m about to start your watch courses. Rock on!

[@jamesgrieve5368]

Hi Mark, really enjoy watching your tutorials on the servicing and repairing of various watch movements. I have a question about this video which is. "Do an parts get left out of the cleaning basket?" I am a complete novice and am not sure if parts like dials and hands are cleaned separately?

[@ET-cj8jo]

None of these commercial solutions are available in my country, so can you suggest basic solution components so that I might be able to make my own ?

[@bovanderpuil965]

Dear Mark, excellent video. Like all the courses! Question: why rinse twice? Regards, Bo

[@btg117]

Is it a different solution in the third jar?? Did mark get back to you?

[@crookedtool]

The answer is in this video. The second and third jars are the same. And you rinse twice because what you are trying to rinse off remains in the jar. Jar 2 gets the bulk, but the rinse fluid is immediately contaminated, so it must be rinsed again.

[@SolimBD]

What solutions do you use in the cleaning machine?

[@kevinerickson2595]

I am just getting into watch repair and making and I had no idea how much was involved. For such a small device there’s so much going on in their

[@rogers531]

Hello Mark I am pulling down after watching your Seiko strip down . I have found the toothed wheel behind the the crown wheel is actually missing,, the pallet top pivot is broken, and the mainspring barrel is bent... And very messy.. Somebody has had to be here before me.. What's best for magnification on these small pieces.. Love your work...

[@jonthewatch3640]

I use x4 for everyday stuff and x10 for really close inspection. Some use x5 and x12... It's personal choice. I buy bergeon aplanatic loupes for about £30 each. They are really clear all the way to the edge unlike cheap ones. Good luck with the Seiko...

[@rogers531]

Jon the Watch many thanks Mark I have spent the day cleaning the watch now ready for rebuild... I,m ok with clocks but automatic Seikos are a challenge... I joined tonite and I need so many small tools... Thanks again you are a breathe of fresh air... Jon..

[@jonthewatch3640]

John Rogers I'm about to do a Seiko 5 automatic myself sometime this week...

[@roccodargenio2939]

Hi, sorry for my english but what you use for second rinse? Thank you

[@ckalemkiewicz]

Hello! I noticed that your watch cleaning solution was non-ammoniated. I am looking at the ones from L&R. There is #111 which is ammoniated and #566 which is non-ammoniated, followed by the rinse. Would you recommend using non-ammoniated?

[@TommyTightPants0115]

Hi mark once again another fantastic video. But only asking will ammonia bass solution attack brass parts such as pocket watch plates and bridges also drying time heat will it bend fourth, second third. wheel etc only asking. keep on making these vids best wishers ady

[@seanlynch1841]

Hi Tony, after watching your video I purchased a used L&R 3 jar cleaner. I'm using the L&R watch cleaning solution #111, but there's a sticker affixed to the jug indicated exposure risk to benzene (highly carcinogenic). I'm curious if you can recommend a safer alternative? Thank you!

[@Memyselfandvan]

Revisiting this video of yours Mark, I have recently acquired the exact same Elma machine, its needs refurbishing though which I have most of the parts already, its currently a horrible cream colour, so will probably spray it the same blue as your own :)

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Michael Aldridge Hi Michael - they are good solid reliable machines :)

[@elhasaneelhafidy6744]

Hi Mark! thank you for the video it was nice job and helpful. I have a question to you: do you mix those solutions with water?

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Elhasane Elhafidy No - they are supplied and used as is :)

[@filipeclaro9128]

Greetings from Portugal. A similar machine came up on the market recently (ELMA 90W) and i'm interested in buying it. The seller says it works perfectly well, except for the heating chamber - the light turns red when the switch is activated, but no heat is generated. What could possibly be the reason (or reasons) for that? Is it easy to fix? Are the parts available yet in EU, UK included? Thanks for your help. BTW, been following your channel for a while now, and have learned a lot from it! Thanks Mark

[@hothmobile100]

Interesting machine. Does it clean better than ultrasonic or just faster? The centrifugal force looks to be too risky for watch parts to me.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

That's not a bad alternative setup, just a bit more work. And I suppose you would need to agitate the parts occasionally during the process.

[@mas3974]

I studied horology 30 years ago but gave up after a few weeks. After watching your videos I wish my teachers would have been like yourself.

[@swahobi]

What's the brand of the machine ? Is that need an ultrasonic machine too? Thanks for ur reply, im new in here

[@SantiYomaha]

I found this video super interesting! What I did not understand is what solution is the one you put in the second jar. Will an ultrasonic cleaner do this job? I´m planning to start getting my basic equipment... what would you recommend?

[@samking73]

Usually people use one cleaning solution and two rinses with rinse solution. I often move my second rinse up to my first after it has been used a good bit, and tossing the first rinse. I have two cleaning machines. One is ultrasonic only and the other is an L&M agitate and ultrasonic. My ultrasonic only has 3 small metal jars, one for cleaner and two for rinse. It does a great job being just ultrasonic. Just be careful, ultrasonic can be destructive if left in too long.

[@johnhudson8197]

Mark, I'm a private collector of fine mechanical pocket watches. Bought three books to learn how to disassemble and clean them. I'm buying an ultrasonic unit now. Question: where did you get those nifty baskets you're putting the parts into? I can't seem to find them on the web. John

[@arashghasemi]

Do you also put balance wheels and hair spring in the basket too? Should they be washed??

[@albertthoughts4797]

My dad has the same watch cleaning machine he bought it 1988, how much do you think it sells now? He is curious

[@andreblum]

I've seen them for around EUR 85/USD 85

[@karlmansson8319]

Couldn't help but noticing you said that most cleaning solutions are ammonia based and yet you fine cleaner says "Ammonia free on it". Is it water based? I use Elmas own, red ammoniated solution that is sold as a concentrate.

[@bobanzivkovic7660]

Greetings, could you please answer a question i have I hava a similar machine with also 3 slots for jars and i have the acid (elma reinigungskonzentrat 1:9) what could i put in the other 2 jars because i dont have the acids that you have, could i use pure petrol or distillated water in the third jar? Thank you

[@douglasmartinez2756]

Yes, very helpful. Thank you! Love your work.

[@tomm7096]

How do you clean or polish bridges or cocks that are stained. I have a pocket watch that I want to clean and lubricate in the near future. The bridges which are ornately decorated are very tarnished. What do you use to restore the luster to these parts. Many thanks, Tom

[@fonnz4712]

I have a L&R Master but the heating element doesn't work. Can I finish drying by hand? Would it affect the end result?

[@JahanZeb1976]

Very helpful mate. Great video as always.

[@Op_Sen]

very nice im loving your videos. have learned a lot. thanks

[@ErikS-]

very cool watch winding machine 🤩 (1:36)

[@SnowmansApartment]

could one theoretically use a magnetic stirrer?

[@IDunno655]

So a yes on a small ultrasonic machine with diluted cleaner? Or did you mean a big machine such as the one you showed in the video? Also could you please tell me what the sticky moldable stuff is that you use in your videos to pick things up? Thanks!

[@saipphire]

"Rodico" is like a putty that picks up small parts and also helps to wipe away excess oil. Much better than leaving ugly fingerprints all over your shiny clean parts.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Leone :)

[@billnorman412]

Great video. I'm replacing my L & R cleaning machine. What type is your blue manual machine and can you give me details on where to get one and cost?? Bill ( Norman Jewelry )

[@WatchRepairChannel]

It's an Elma Super Elite. Cousins is my supplier - not sure where you are based. They come up on eBay every now and again.

[@m1mwi776]

Can the Elma machine still be maintained, are parts available? Is an ultrasonic machine as good or could it cause wear to watch parts? I don't know whether to buy any machine off Ebay, or if there are recommended brands/models.

[@readrepairs]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@lskovly]

As an non pro i use a soft toothbruch and som mild handsoap. Outside only..... So far my watches has suvived with no problems.

[@KM-bj4ju]

Can I clean watches movement with ultrasonic machine only because I can't get cleaning machine like your in my country iraq ...with my best wishes

[@JG1917]

As long as using ammonia water to clean the parts to prevent from rusting? Expert advise me please.

[@pavy415]

I just use ultra sonic slow cleaning machine with 1 basket and it works wonderfully

[@josephmontgomery282]

pavy415 with what solution

[@josephmontgomery282]

What homade solution for a jewerly sonic cleaner for watch parts

[@stevebellows7314]

what do you put in your ultra sonic. I just wanna free up my watch . jewelry store said it needed a ultra sonic cleaning what solution

[@mhauck99]

i never knew so much work went into watches wow.

[@billandben5998]

Would you replace my watch movement ?

[@TomTom-up1kz]

Thank you very much Mark that is very emportant 👌

[@krzysztofjezierski3495]

Hi, Do You live in the UK by any chance??

[@karinlefevre9988]

Is there a reversing action in this machine?

[@TOM_EONIQ]

00:16 Cleaning watch parts requires safety precautions and specific products. 00:42 Using baskets in watch cleaning 01:44 Ammonium-based cleaning fluid is used for watch parts. 02:19 Using LNR cleaning solution yields good results 03:11 Using the heater to dry the watch parts 03:49 Cleaning watch parts using ultrasonic tank or degreaser 04:24 Properly clean watch parts using pegwood and watch cleaning machine 04:54 Different watch cleaning machines are available Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@hansakary2190]

Hi! Will you consider a video on cleaning up dials?

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Sorry - cleaning dials is not in my skill set.

[@shachar2]

Watch Repair Channel what skill set does it requires? Do people just replace it or is there a way to refurbish it by a professional?

[@martinhesketh4916]

Could vinegar and then a degreaser be used to clean the components?

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

where do you get the machine

[@sivi8272]

many old pocket watch are very dirty and have stains 100 years old and plates seems to be of diferent colors also. Can this process clean that ?

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Some plates are coated with a protective plating and this can corrode over time.

[@danidepalma1300]

nice video, very helpfull for me . Tks a lot

[@dvamateur]

I kind of figured that you'd play keyboard, too, Sir. :)

[@yair3k]

any tips on cleaning by hand?

[@gman41045]

wipe wit clath

[@dietznutz1]

@@gman41045 no

[@gman41045]

@@dietznutz1 Yo why not

[@dietznutz1]

@@gman41045 well for a start it doesn’t get in the teeth the mainspring the jewels or any tight space and this is a watch we are talking about

[@gman41045]

@@dietznutz1 true, cleaning by hand in itself limits all of that

[@ivanfilinoff1076]

Thank you!!!!! So much!!

[@syntacticalcrab]

What's that spinny Ferris wheel thing beside your cleaner?

[@pyro1324]

+AcentricOm It's a machine that keeps automatic watches wound. It's really useful if you don't have the time to keep winding them up and it serves as a great display.

[@robertrobertson7129]

Thank you sir..most informative

[@TomTom-up1kz]

Very important thanks for you 👍

[@thereader80]

nice video . can you help me to got like this machine

[@keerthibandara8066]

good work, thanks

[@irshadahamed4955]

Good video......

[@jsollien127]

I can't even wash my socks without losing them. Is 'one dip' any good?

[@azsharptime549]

I am a watch mechanic in Sri Lanka. If you can please help me to get me the cleanar used for this machine

[@thegrassyknoll7792]

I dont know if you still got the problem with the rheostat in your cleaner, i cleaned it with contactcleaner and a gentle passover with fine sandpaper 800 grid and now it works perfect

[@kevinhoffman8214]

Thank you !

[@karinlefevre9988]

All right now I have the bug for one the those over my ultra sonic LOL!

[@dirk4926]

That was very interesting.

[@WatchRepairChannel]

Thanks Dirk

[@SwissplWatches]

Thank you

[@juanflores1015]

You know how to polish a mineral glass?

[@solstar4778]

Anyone in Houston Texas USA you could recommend?

[@kali223laron]

exelent film

[@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346]

brilliant

[@tortron]

i feel like i could rig one of these machines up out of my drill press

[@babumanikuttan2258]

My father was wach maker my childhood time

[@marekeos]

L&R is excellent! So good in fact that I started washing my hair with it!

[@solstar4778]

Wish all my watches were clean 🙈⏱🕰