How to use an Ultrasonic Cleaner to Clean Watch Parts: A beginners guide

[@jjudelson]

Nobody compares to how you cover a topic with the detail, descriptions and rational of your approach. You are a real 'jewel' of a teacher and an indispensable resource for watchmaking hobbyists. Very much appreciated.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you Jeffrey. I hope to see you around here again.

[@Grinder-one]

He also does what the majority of watchmaking youtube channels fail to do, he mic's himself up and ensures his audio is good.

[@paulschumacker9901]

These are the best and most informative watch repair lessons I’ve seen. And that’s saying a lot, because there are a bunch of excellent videos out there. Studying these lessons - which teach you how to improve your skills as a watchmaker - has helped bring my skills and understanding to a whole new level. Enrolling in a 3 year watch repair school was never an option for me. These lessons are providing the sort of knowledge I couldn’t otherwise get, and they are aimed at aspiring amateur watchmakers who don’t have unlimited funds to buy, for example, their own Elma cleaning machine. I really appreciate what you are doing, Alex, and how well you do it!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Paul, I think this video was the natural follow up to the first cleaning video, which was really bad for people just starting out. By the time you realize you want to start cleaning by machine most rotary basket set ups are either vintage you need a lot of work or, you can drop a lot of cash on a new one. Ultrasonics are the natural choice.

[@ElderPinto254]

the info on this channel is priceless 20 years ago you payd a lot of money to people to learn you this stuff .... we take it for granted but its gold the info and the lessons you give us ... thank you !!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Your comment is much appreciated brother. Thank you

[@albert-caymuss]

This video is AMAZING! Answered SO many questions I had about cleaning watch moments as an amateur - with SPECIFICITY and CLARITY. Things missing from all too many 'watch repair" posts on KZbin and elsewhere.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are so welcome. This is a teaching channel.

[@mattappleyard92]

Another no nonsense approach from this brilliant guy. I wished I would have found his tutorial videos sooner then I might not have lost the impulse jewel out of the balance wheel of my first pocket watch service! For a professional guy to take the time to share his knowledge with us hobbyists is quite humbling. Fascinating vids with not a hint of condescendence speaks volumes of this guys professionalism. Thank you !

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Aahhhh shucks, thanks man. 🥹

[@williamrichins4908]

I appreciate a can do attitude. Thank you for all the info you provide.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate your support, thanks for watching!

[@HydrogenAlpha]

I have spent quite some time trying to get good information on exactly how to go about cleaning watch parts without a watch cleaning machine and you literally answered every question I had. Thank you so much for your scientific approach to the subject and your down to earth discussion. Instant subscribe from me.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for watching. Let me know if you need any clarification

[@bwhog]

As with all things, it comes down to working within the limitations of the equipment you're working with. For those who care, 45khz is about a 7.5mm wavelength. One thing I learned about ultrasonics pretty quickly was (and this especially applies in the small volume machines and the cheaper ones in particular) that the ultrasonic waves are still energy and that energy has to go somewhere. So a long cycle will cause the temperature of the bath to go up quite a bit on a long run. (Larger steel parts can take and often require more time than watch parts, which is what I was first using.) This can be damaging at the extreme. I have seem steel parts change color in the bath and this is an indication that they are losing strength. However, don't forget that the viscosity of the unmentionables in your watch pivots is also affected by heat. So a warm bath--and giving the parts a chance to reach that temperature before initiating the cycle--helps indirectly as well.

[@jefffoley7876]

I really enjoy your no nonsense advice. I am a high end professional in another field that requires similar processes. I have found similar results from very basic products. Once you have the knowledge and experience you realize that many branded “specialized” products are just convenient for professionals with no deep knowledge of the process or product. True professionals should know the chemistry

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes when working as a professional when time is money you often have to approach things much differently in the watch repair business. Those guys aren’t watching my videos. My videos are for the home watch maker, who is trying to learn what can be a very confusing, frustrating and expensive hobby. Thank you

[@ChristianErxleben]

I just love Alex's tutorials with their scientific approach, in this case, the test of cleaning methods. It's really refreshing to see a video where every clip and sentence is highly informative in contrast to the myriads of mediocre rambling videos out there.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow, thank you Christian.

[@patrikhafstrom8954]

Absolutely the best video in this topic I have ever seen. Not only the topic about cleaning it self but also a fantastic cost comparison. Top class! 🙏🇸🇪

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Wow, thank you Patrik. I hope you can use this information.

[@patrikhafstrom8954]

@@watchrepairtutorials maybe a tips or not. For other parts like gun parts I use Vanish oxy clean that you use in your washing machine. Never tried it for watch parts but think it could be useful then it kind of lift the dirt of the parts. But be careful it can foam if it heated to much. You need only a litle of it so it’s super cheap.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@patrikhafstrom8954 That's interesting to know. I have been using a lot of detergent based cleaners in by ultrasonic and have been having great results.

[@aviandragon1390]

Wow. I wish I had seen this video when shopping for ultrasonic cleaners. This was much more informative than the videos I found that were dedicated exclusively to the subject.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yea I hear you. I just wish I could get everything in my head on video faster.

[@alterhype]

First of all, thank you for these videos. They are so helpful to a new watchmaker on his second watch tear down. This is the ideal of what KZbin is about.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to help if only a little bit.

[@heitor39371]

I'm really glad to find your channel, my dad runs a watchshop since 1984 and I've been learning the profession for the last 5 years (to keep the family business) and the more I get to know about watches and how to fix the many different types the more I want to seek for the best techniques but unfortunately my dads only remembers the methods that he used a lot during his years of work. You're really good at explaining and I'm looking forward to watch more of your videos. A big thank you from Relojoaria Minerva in Brasil

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What a great story, my man. Don’t be too fast to dismiss your father’s experience as not that much is changed in the watch industry in the last couple hundred years. I wish you the best of luck. If there’s anything I can do to help you don’t hesitate to ask.

[@Foxpest]

Just about in the UK, buying my first Ultra Sonic cleaner. And as usual your video was a gift from the gods as a guide. Your explanation delivery is as always spot on. Thank you for your time. PS your references to Fairy, and Cousins UK came across the pond, and is well received.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Perrrrrrfect.👍👍

[@N7492]

Excellent information. Many thanks for posting.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You’re welcome, I hope you learned a thing or two.

[@thegrumpymuso5418]

Great video Alex. What I like is that this isn’t just a theoretical discussion about what should or shouldn’t work, but a practical test to show the results. Cuts through the bull of the forum ‘experts’ who just parrot what they’ve heard from elsewhere.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Grumpy when I read your comment, I laughed out loud. You hit the nail right on the head. There are so many trolls out there who just repeat what they hear or read elsewhere. Sometimes just saying something isn’t enough you have to back it up. Happy holidays brother.

[@thegrumpymuso5418]

@@watchrepairtutorials Same to you Alex.

[@dawsonbinmusa6799]

Very informative. Thanks! Nice watch by the way.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you. Glad you like it.

[@warusk2nd]

Im about to start my very first attempt at servicing a vintage watch and this video was perfect!! Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You can do it!

[@MoonManCycles]

I’m not even a watch maker or enthusiast. But this was the most informative video ever. Insanely good job. As i was interested in the ultrasonic cleaning lesson. Thank you. Wow

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad you enjoyed it Moon Man

[@eugenerijnders]

As usual clear, professional and without the foolishness some think they need to do or say in their video`s.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Appreciate you brother. I’m just not one for a whole lot of foolishness.

[@ajdarmar]

I asked a question from Google and got here. Got my answers. Thank you!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

you're welcome 👍

[@zendoc62]

What an amazing video. I’ve been fascinated by cleaning parts for years and have been down many rabbit holes of exploration. This is by far the best summary for hobbyist watch makers I’ve ever heard. Such clear explanation and I love the way you encourage experimentation. I have settled on using water-based solutions, really only to avoid the volatile fumes but after this, I’m going to experiment with the equivalent of Dawn and see if I can get the same results for less cost. And the use of a food dehydrator for drying is just brilliant. I’ve never thought of that! It will give new life to the one sitting, unused in my kitchen cupboard. Many thanks!.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you. I included Dawn as an option because many people who watch my videos are in areas where solvent based wash and rinses are not available or they have a real aversion to solvents. Dawn will work but you really have to be diligent in all the other rules when using a water based cleaning system.

[@dittmerg]

Watched your video and bought a cleaner. Never knew what to look for, but your video explained everything I needed. Thank you

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thats awesome Grant. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Addicted2watches72]

Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You’re welcome and thank you for the support, I hope you found it helpful!

[@russellmiller8332]

I have come out of the closet of being wanting to try my hand at very amateurish watch repair and now that I’m retired I have more time but less money of course so my question is I did not know about using mason jars with the cleaner and rinse in the ultra sonic machine. I thought the parts and soap had to be naked so to speak in direct contact with the machine. I also was thinking that dawn was a good degreaser too. I just didn’t know how good. So isapropal alcohol (99%) will remove the water at room temperature or at the recommended temperature? Thank you for these videos

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The IPA can be room temperature, but I would cover it and run it through the ultrasonic machine as well in order for the IPA to get in to the little small nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to dry the parts as soon as it comes out of the IPA. The air temperature needs to be above room temperature to prevent condensation from forming on the parts which can cause rust.

[@John-wx9oy]

For my last movement I put the parts in brass wire baskets, then immersed the baskets in a diamond jar with 99% IPA. The jar was closed and then set in an ultrasonic cleaner with water just up to the bottom of the lid. I ran for 20 minutes at room temperature (the jar was slightly warm afterwards from the action of the ultrasonic waves) and then removed the baskets and rinsed 3 times in successive jars of 99% IPA using Alex's power-drill-basket-on-a-stick method. Each rinse was approximately a minute each. The results were amazing. The parts were clean, and I could also judge how effective the cleaning was by the cloudiness of the IPA used in the cleaning cycle. Now the question is how many times the IPA in the diamond jar can be reused to clean before it needs to be replaced. My guess is about 3 or 4 times, depending on how dirty the movements are. Thanks for your knowledge, Alex. You have a great channel here.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well done John well done.

[@stikmalegecko6635]

New sub. Thanks for that detailed explanation. I didn't wanna break the bank.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey man welcome aboard. No entertainment here but i do try to make sure you have learned something fire you leave.

[@stikmalegecko6635]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thx. And don't worry that's exactly what I subscribed for. It's refreshing to see plain knowledge, theory and practice applied.

[@brianmock551]

Super. This presentation made the starting point for a beginner so within reach. Soap and water for my start, and if I should be able to reassemble a watch I might consider naphta next.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Just make sure you use 99% IPA to displace the water and dry under heat or you will see rust.

[@mikenorris5739]

Brilliant and informative video. I have been using ultrasonic cleaning for some years now, and I have still learned a lot from it. My preference is for Greiner watch cleaning solution. Water-based, it does a great job of brightening parts as well as cleaning. I put everything in brass mesh trays, which I formed from sheet mesh. Separate steel from brass parts. I do clean the pallet fork, although I may change that practice now! I only heat to 45C as I notice that the temperature rises considerably during the process, and I want to protect any shellac. I use two deionized water rinses, then dry over a hot water bottle, on non dusty paper towel. I used to use IPA, but seemed to get more staining that way unless the IPA was changed each time. I always use a small amount of new water for the rinses, but it costs pennies. Fifteen minutes clean, manual rinse (not in ultrasonic). Never had any rust or damage. Looking forward to all your future videos.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Mike, sounds like you’ve got a pretty good system. How are you able to get the ionized water so inexpensively

[@mikenorris5739]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thanks. It is a bit slower, of course. I buy my water from a Automotive supply store in the UK called Halfords. Battery top up water. Used to be about £3.50 for 5 litres, but now it is currently £5.09. ($6.14). I rinse in a shallow dish, using just enough water to cover. Probably about 100ml per cycle so about 10p per go. The waste can still be used for case washing and topping up the cleaning bath.

[@tomholloway7566]

Thanks again Alex, as always very informative and with practical demonstrations with results. Funny enough I bought a mini dehydrator recently for this exact reason and low cost although the first stuff that will be going through the water and detergent, IPA and drying cycle will be a staking set that could have been looked after better than I am fixing up. Hope you are having a great holiday and happy new year when it comes.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing Tom. Yea, those old staking sets can get pretty bad. Happy Holidays and hope you enjoy some piece and quiet

[@hermanlamprecht5856]

Excellent!! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You're welcome!

[@vichardy3504]

Alex, great video. I like your analytic approach where we get background information that you don't get with most YT videos. On thing is not clear to me. Are you filling the US container with distilled water and then setting jars filled with the cleaning solution and IPA and parts into that water? I think that's what you're doing but didn't hear that specifically. So the effects of the transducers can transfer through the glass jars? Does the thickness of the glass make a difference?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes, all ultrasonic tanks require water in the tank. You then you the water in the tank. The jars go in the tank then you turn your heater on to bring it up to temperature . Then you run your cycles . Mason jars are typically what’s used and they’re OK but thinner glass definitely makes a difference . I did another video where I used laboratory beakers suspended in the water.

[@stephensemenchuk9805]

Great stuff!! For the rinses I use a Nespresso frother. It heats the water and creates a vortex. I hang the brass baskets on the side so they don’t interfere with the impeller. Just happened to have one at home which hardly gets any use. I think you can pick one up between $30 and $60.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I love it. That’s pretty cool. I do have a small jewelry steamer I use if I run into a super grungy case or movement. I’ll give a quick clean with the steamer first. Great suggestion for the home watchmaker.

[@stephensemenchuk9805]

I may have one laying about. Thanks for the tip!

[@stephensemenchuk9805]

Steamer, that is.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Alex, many thanks for sharing your knowledge. Learned a lot. I’m sure that I will need to rewatch to learn more. Thanks again.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ஓம்நமசிவாய-ட9வ]

Alex is always the best. Love your videos sir. NK here

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hello again my friend I’m surprised you’ve not watch this video already.

[@patwoj8621]

Thank you for all the lessons provided on your channel, such an amazing resource for me. As I’m starting this hobby I will study all of your videos to become better at watchmaking.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Best of luck Pat. Thanks for watching brother

[@elgarxu9636]

great tutorial, love it.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lonniesharp9109]

I thought this was very detailed and very informative so I really appreciate it. The only question I have is if the manual said to rinse in Denatured Alcohol (methylated spirits) why do you use Isopropyl Alcohol? Does it do a better job?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It mostly has to do with water content in the alcohol. Depending on the brand it could be up to 30% water. The purpose of using 99% IPA is because it will displace the water from the cycle. You have to be very diligent in your process when using water for cleaning and rinsing parts . Make sure to follow the delusion of your wash, don't use water that has too high of an alkaline level, don't pack too many parts into your small parts baskets, and make sure you dry the parts at a temperature above room temperature to prevent condensation. Also pre-cleaning is important because you don't really want to do long cycles in the ultrasonic machine. Five minute washes and rinses are usually enough.

[@lonniesharp9109]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thank you so much. Your videos are so detailed. I've already started a notes page for when I watch them. I definitely plan on using them as a main source for info. I finally bought a vintage Junghans tailcoat pocket watch that doesn't stay running and so I'm going to use it as my first attempt at servicing and hopfully restoring a movement. I can't wait to dive in. Again, your help is greatly appreciated.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Great information. as usual. And always learning more !!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to hear it brother. Thanks as always

[@gtcih]

I’ve listened to you a few times and now I’m a subscriber. As a hobbyist, I’ve been using an ultrasonic cleaner with Dawn (with distilled Water and a water rinse followed by IPA rinse. The water rinse and IPA rinse have not been in the ultrasonic cleaner. I will start using a second water rinse. Is it important to use the ultrasonic cleaner for all rinses?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What's important is that all of the cleaner is removed from the parts. If you're using Dawn then you could do your first rinse under warm tap water then do an ultrasonic rinse with distilled water before the IPA rinse. Yes do all rinses in the US. Just don't use the heater with IPA and don't for the dryer.

[@jonathanhawley8807]

Awesome guide, I can't believe how deep into the physics of the cleaning mechanisms you went. Usually I spend my l life avoiding cavitation and here you are helping me tune it =O.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

That’s great to hear Jonathan. Let me know if anything that makes sense.

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Once again you have knocked it out the park, a truly excellent lesson. Thank you for all the information.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Jon. I hope there was something in the video that you can use.

[@shawnmaquilan6893]

very detailed and deep explanation of the topic , tnx

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks Shawn, I try to open it up a bit so people can get a better understanding.

[@TimTellsTime]

Great video. My cleaning machine is a hassle to use. Was always nervous about using an ultrasonic cleaner but I feel much more educated and confident to give it a shot. Your videos are much appreciated.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

What kind of cleaning machine are you currently using ?

[@TimTellsTime]

@@watchrepairtutorials I’m using the supreme watch cleaning machine. The motor wire just started having a loose connection so it stops sometimes. And the machine can’t be left unattended because it sometimes decides to go full blast on the speed lol. I have a really old Zenith machine too but it doesn’t work.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@TimTellsTime I need to do some work on mine. Its working but could use a tune up.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Wow, as a beginner, your videos are priceless. Many thanks for your info. Happy New Year.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The series a Videos is for new watchmakers just like you so thank you that’s exactly what I love to hear

[@pshores]

212F = 100C. 65% * 212F = 137F = 58C. 65% * 100C = 65C = 149F. 🤯 Thank you for your videos btw, invaluable learning resource for a hobbyist such as myself!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for that!

[@walther9161]

Awesome stuff Alex! Good timing as I’m considering getting an ultrasonic. Thank you for posting!!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You got it my friend.

[@ambydaly5713]

Is that a neslin. Tool makers cabinet you’ve got? All the toolmaking apprentices had them when I was an apprentice UK.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

No, I wish it was that quality. This is a fairly inexpensive cabinet that came from a company here in the US called Harbor freight. I think I paid about US$100 for it.

[@Madshadowgolem]

These videos are incredibly useful! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! Is that a Doxa 300t btw?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Chinese clone with the pt5000 instead of the eta 2824. Good eye.

[@daveellis608]

How full can you fill cleaning baskets? Layered parts acceptable? Space necessary between parts? Sorry, question bombing you today, but a lot of these have been in my notebook for awhile and finally have time to send them today!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I use something like this. s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_msdGeFk

[@uqox]

Detailed and achievable. Extremely useful to the beginner on a budget. Dawn, as a degreaser, has proven to be more effective on my glass-top stove than Fantastic, so it doesn't surprise me that it's effective on dirty watch parts. You are giving me excellent ideas to keep this hobby affordable and focused on developing good repair and cleaning habits. The more expensive equipment can wait. Thank you for this detailed and informative video.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Of the two DIY methods, Dawn and napatha, I think napatha is a little more effective but for many the disposal is an issue and for some people depending on where you are any kind of chemical is an problem. If you’re gonna use dawn, definitely do to rinse cycles with distilled water and then the IPA and heat dry. Good luck let me know if I can do anything to help you

[@winterwolf2012]

@@watchrepairtutorials What is IPA?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@winterwolf2012 IPA Alcohol

[@winterwolf2012]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thank you, is naphtha used for the wash or rinse?

[@indigenousphallicsym]

@@winterwolf2012 naptha is for the wash

[@cesargrimm]

so if i understand correctly, you only fill small jars with the different cleaning solutions and you put these jars in the ultrasonic that is filled with just regular water? and the heat and ultrasonic waves are just passed through the glass? Also if you speak of a cold rinse cycle with ipa after the cleaning cycle. Isnt the water in the ultrasonic cleaner still hot after the cleaning cycle? so when you put your jar with parts and ipa in the ultrasonic for a rinsing cycle (right after a cleaning cycle), even with the heat off, the remaining warmth in the surrounding water still heats up the ipa jar a bit?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

the answer to your first 2 questions is, Yes that's correct The water is still at the set temperature but the cold IPA is only in it for a couple minutes. There will be a slight warming but it is not a problem.

[@bradyrennell6694]

Great video and very helpful for a newbie! For the Dawn dish soap method, when you add the cold jar of IPA to the ultrasonic, do you need to wait for the water in the tank to cool beforehand? Or will this be fine since the cycle is only 2 minutes?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It's fine. Let me clarify something. I included Dawn dish soap as an option because I have viewers in some areas of the world that literally can't get any kind of chemical at all. This would really be the last resort and not the most ideal method. If you're going to Dawn or any other water based cleaner, you need to make sure that you rinse it a minimum of two if not, three times. Shake off as much water as possible, and then immediately go into the IPA . Make sure that your parts in the basket are not too bunched together . Two flat parts laying together may not get IPA to them to disperse the water. After your final rinse, you can go into the IPA for 2 to 3 minutes in the warm tank with an absolute minimal risk of any issues. It's also very critical that once you shake off the IPA that you go into a dryer operating at a temperature above the ambient temperature otherwise condensation can form on the parts from the evaporation of the IPA. The methods using water base cleaners and rinses are ideal for people who don't clean a large volume of watch parts. But it is critical not to use any kind of cleaners with too high an alkaline level or cleaning the parts for too long because in some situations depending on the quality of the metals used for the parts you could possibly see some discoloration.

[@jhaals]

Pure gold! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge, by far the best and most informative watchmaking channel I know 🙏

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I appreciate that! Thanks for stopping by and I hope to hear more from you Johan

[@rossjackson3670]

What an excellent, informative video. Your knowledge shines though. I've been using your cleaning process from earlier videos. Now I know why I have been so successful in my cleans. Inspirational. Thank you.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad to help Ross.

[@jmurphy9781]

Thanks!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for your support my friend. Thank you.

[@dominicvanw]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You are very welcome my friend

[@Pacsuper7]

Very informative and fact based. Thank you for sharing.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It was my pleasure. Hope to see you again.

[@chris9413]

Another great video Alex! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Your videos are always so concise and full of useful information! Thank you for your hard work! Btw: thank you for featuring and even going the extra mile and ordering the Elma Red solution! A few weeks ago, I coincidentally asked you about my cleaning process using this solution! Keep up the brilliant work!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

You must be getting good results right ? Btw what country are you in?

[@chris9413]

@@watchrepairtutorials I am from Germany. Elma red is easily available here. I’m quite happy with the results.

[@alexhamilton9566]

@@chris9413 I ordered a bottle on 12/12 and it’s still sitting in US customs. PITA

[@ஓம்நமசிவாய-ட9வ]

Thank you Alex for this wonderful video

[@watchrepairtutorials]

My pleasure!

[@joshuaalbright]

I'm learning so much from your videos, thank you so much! One question: In this video I didn't see how you actually cleaned the parts. I know small parts go in baskets, larger parts may not, but are the parts/baskets put inside the jar, which itself is submerged in tap water in the ultrasonic bowl, or are the parts/baskets submerged directly into cleaner which is in the main ultrasonic bowl? If the latter, were you just using the jars to measure out cleaning fluids?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

All parts are cleaned in jars submerged in the tank. I use a large basket in the jar and put the small part baskets in it. That makes it easy to get them out. Large parts get suspended in jar

[@bobwas4066]

Happy Holidays Alex! Another excellent video!! I enjoy the experiments to validate a certain procedure! looking forward to more videos!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Happy holidays to you as well. A lot of people have been asking for this one, so I hope it clears up anything people are not sure about.

[@RalfyCustoms]

Awesome Alex, good work explaining brother, I currently use the ultrasonic with Naptha then 2 ipa rinses on all movement parts, except for the pallet fork and balance, these I clean by hand with with Hexane, and a detergent/water solution again in the ultrasonic for case parts, and am getting great results

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks for sharing. Perfect combo.

[@JosephYudin]

I'm ready to strip, clean and reassemble a windup, taking your advice of using a watch thats running, not too old, and a fairly common movement. I've watched lots of videos and taken Mark Lovick's beginner and intermediate courses. I feel confident but also I feel nervous that I won't be able to find the right screws at reassembly and that playing musical screws means more handling of them and more chances to drop or lose them. Any tips on how to know what screws go where?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Sure. Keep the screw with the system it came from. Wash those parts together with the screws in small baskets, then return them to your parts try together. You can do it. 😉

[@JosephYudin]

Never mind I found what I need to know on your web site. Thanks - what a great resource !

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@JosephYudin Love the Stooges

[@keithc8680]

I'm interested in the online courses, are they still available and current?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

oh yea. you can get more info at watchrepairtutorials.com I am finishing up lesson 12 on regulation right now. The cost right now for the journeyman courses 299. once it's completed anyone signing up for at that point we have to pay full price at 499. Lifetime access, work at your own speed.

[@stephanhochfelner898]

Great video as usual! So if I were to use the dawn dish soap and water combo it would look like this ? 1x Ten minute rinse with dish soap and water 2x 5 minute rinse with just water 1x 2 minute rinse with alcohol and 10 minutes in the dryer and all of the liquids are in a mason jar with water around it ?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Perfect. If your ultrasonic has a heater run it out about 137 Fahrenheit. Make sure the alcohol is 99%.

[@stephanhochfelner898]

@@watchrepairtutorials okay perfect thank you for the reply !

[@TheADHDWatchGuy]

Love your Videos. Can I ask what the Watch is that you're wearing? I'm a sucker for Teal dials!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Oh, that's one I put together. My version of a Doxa. Stainless case with beads of rice bracelet and a ETA 2824.

[@TheADHDWatchGuy]

@@watchrepairtutorials I would've guessed Doxa, so well done.

[@MikeSweeneyMedia]

Perfect timing. The new ultra sonic shows up this week :)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Oh very nice. Just a little after Christmas present ?

[@dennisallport5704]

Alex, Your suggestion of using a food dehydrator is something I never would have thought of. I'll be ordering one soon! I also want to share what I use to blow parts dry or remove dust and fibers from parts, such as the underside of crystals and the dial face before assembly (casing the movement). I have an air brush with a low volume air pump. I removed the needle from the brush (handle) and the amount of compressed air is just enough to blow particles away. Much like the way a hand pump blower works, this forced air can be constant if the trigger is pushed, unlike the puffs of air that one of the bulbs produce. That works fine and has been fine for many years, but this air brush seems to suit my needs and works fine. Please let me know if you've ever thought of using an idea like this (compressed air), or if you think this is not a good idea.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Good morning Dennis, I find that the dehydrator works exceptionally well because you can control the temperature and it has other uses as well. Not only do I use the dry parts, but when I cleaned out my cleaning jars and rinse them that I invert them, turn the heat up and dry them, instead of wiping them out with a paper towel, which can leave traces of fibers behind. I also use it after testing a watch case for leaks in a water pressure test by heating up the case and doing a condensation test. There’s nothing wrong with the compressed air blowing out the inside of cases, but I also like my small vacuum pump for picking up dust instead of blowing it. Blowing sometimes just move the dust to a different place that you can’t see especially when you’re working inside a watch movement.

[@dennisallport5704]

Thanks for your valuable information. Your videos are the best source factual information. I appreciate your efforts!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@dennisallport5704 I appreciate you Dennis

[@marjoriegoldspur6798]

Thank you for an extraordinarily informative video. I have one question. You recommend Dawn dish detergent (or "Ferry"? for those of us outside the U.S.) My question: why these and not other brands? What is the features of these that make them preferable over other brands? The reason I ask is because I live in a country (Japan) that has neither of these. My thinking is that, if I knew what features to look for, maybe I could find a suitable local brand.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

First, let me say that it's not so much that I recommend it because there's much better products to use for cleaning delicate watch parts. This is an option that will work for people who don't have the financial resources for better products, they live in a country where typical watch cleaning solutions are not available or the workspace cannot tolerate any type of fumes at all. With that said, in the US, the product, Dawn, known to remove grease from dishes very effectively. They also use it to clean oil off of birds that are caught up in oil spills. Essentially it's a dishwashing detergent that is very effective in removing grease. That's the property that you want to look for. Just know that when using water-based cleaning solutions on steel parts, you must follow the last rinse cycle with 99% IPA alcohol before the parts go into a heated dryer. Also, small baskets should not be packed full of parts, which may hinder the IPA alcohol from being able to display the water between two parts in the basket.

[@marjoriegoldspur6798]

@@watchrepairtutorials Thank you very much for your thoughtful and thorough reply. Yes, this is a country where typical watch-cleaning solution isn't available. Hence my plan to work with dishwashing liquid. No problem with the IPA, though. It's cheap and plentiful here. 100% even!

[@boydsargeant7496]

Your still the best at this Alex, fantastic video!!! BTW, what’s this about retired watchmaker, you are super busy! I’ve been using Elma products. But only Red 1:9 on cases etc. I’m going test with movement parts now! Thanks again. Loved the blue dial watch!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well retired from professional work although I do take a piece in once in a while. Now I can pursue what I really love and work on MY OWN projects that are backing up

[@maksymzapara5082]

Thank you for your lessons Alex. They are one of the videos that inspired me to take up watchmaking as a hobby. Question about cleaning if I may. When cleaning a watch case in ultrasonic cleaner should you remove the mineral crystal from the case or is it safe to keep it? What about acrylic?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It’s always best to remove the crystal and gasket as the exploding bubble can etch the glass and damage the gasket. Ultrasonic will absolutely destroy a plastic crystal.

[@haping1]

Thanks Alex. And happy New Year! Great watch on your wrist. I've the Seastern Doxa with the MOP dial ;)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Seastern makes some nice watches. Happy new year to you my friend

[@Epiphone1964]

Great video. I'm wondering if there are terrible consequences if you just let the parts dry without heat at the end of the process?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Rust is usually the issue. IPA when evaporating will leave condensation behind unless it is dried at a temperature above the room temperature.

[@WristwatchMedic1953]

Great information. Great video. Thank you

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks my man.

[@shingling66]

Thanks Alex! Really like all your videos. Do you use a 6L or 10L Ultrasonic cleaner?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Thanks man. 6 liter is what I have

[@isaacdavis831]

Hey Alex. Your videos are truly incredible. Your no-nonsense approach to teaching us about watch repair and maintenance has been such a help for an amateur such as myself. I was wondering, am I correct in saying that it looks like you put your cleaning/rinsing solutions in mason jars in the (water?) bath in the cleaner? And if that is so, do you just use tap water for the bath? and, lastly, have you noticed much of a difference in cleaning in the jars versus directly in the cleaner itself?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hey Buddy. Thanks , It's good to have you. Yep , just regular tap water in the bath. The mason jars do a couple things WITHOUT lessening the cleaning power of the machine. 1. It saves on the amount of cleaner or rinse you need. 2. It's faster. Without the jars you would have to dump the tank between each cycle.

[@franklima1269]

Thanks Alex. These are the best and most informative watch repair lessons I’ve seen, and I just subscribed to your channel. I'm a hobbyist watch repair and I only repair a couple of watches per year so it's not worth for me to buy the 1Gal professional cleaners, neither I have the space to store them. Do you know if there are option to buy small quantity? In your video you did not test washing using Naftha in the ultrasonic machine. Would Naftha be better than the Down detergent? Or perhaps use Naftha then a short wash with Down detergent to remove residues from Naphtha. Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I have seen pro grade cleaners and rinses sold in sizes smaller than 1 gallon. Ultrasonic machine works best with heat and it’s not a good idea to use heat and flammable materials. It’s not something that I would do although I’m sure plenty of people do. Naphtha is an effective cleaner, but it does leave impurities on the metal. You would want to use 99% IPA for your rinse cycles. You could use Dawn detergent as a rinse after the Naphtha, but then that needs to be rinsed with water and then 99% ipa. Personally, it’d be much simpler to Liquinox , distilled water rinses and then 99% IPA. Then you can also safely use the heater in your ultrasonic. I have not heard of Napatha damaging brass but I will test it and respond to your other question.

[@franklima1269]

Thank you for the quick response. I appreciate it. 👍@@watchrepairtutorials

[@AndrewPrinster]

I've been using naphtha with ipa rinse in the ultrasonic, but may try some water based methods. Thank you for these amazing videos.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Water based is good but you have to be meticulous, with the not packing the parts too tight in your small part baskets, using 99% IPA and using a heated dryer. If you deviate from those things you can run into issues.

[@Willtek5]

Great stuff man! I am curious if you ran the same test with plain water what would happen? I am very happy you did this for all of us. I have spent the last couple of days shopping cleaning machines and they are way out of my price range. I do however already own a heated Ultrasonic and actually used it with Dawn and water to clean some padlocks that rode around on the back of the trailed attached to an 18 wheeler in all weather conditions. Sadly, it did not have that great of an effect on those but mostly because the locks could not be taken apart. I never thought about using mason jars with the cleaning fluid. I was thinking about how much fluid the tank takes and thought man that is going to be expensive, so thanks for figuring that out for me as well. Cheers!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Curious about using plain water in the tank like tapwater, which is what I use or plain water in the jars. Plain water in the jars would probably not have a lot of effect for cleaning off any grease or other lubrication.

[@garryrindfuss5349]

Hi Alex, thank you so much for this incredibly useful video, as well as the many others you have produced. I'm a rank amateur watchmaker; been cleaning/repairing pocket watches for a little over a year. I also live in Manhattan, in a Manhattan-sized apartment, so heavy duty solvents are not an option. I have a small ultrasonic cleaner, and I use distilled water and Dawn dishwashing liquid, followed by a denatured alcohol rinse. It's worked out well for me so far, but it appears I am being too timid with the amount of Dawn, as I use about 6-8 drops of the stuff in my small (12 oz) ultrasonic machine. From what you're saying, I should be using a good bit more, say, about half a tablespoonful. Does that sound correct? Many thanks, Garry

[@watchrepairtutorials]

It really just depends on the results you're getting. If you're doing your pre-cleaning and the parts are not coming out as clean as they should be the first time then perhaps you need a little bit more. And then, of course you wanna make sure your rinses are sufficient to remove any of the cleaning solution from the parts. Also make sure to limit your amount of time going from the water to the alcohol, and don't forget the drying process. There are obviously more appropriate wash and rinses for watch parts, but i included this method for people in situations just like yourself.

[@garryrindfuss5349]

I go straight from about 15 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner to the denatured alcohol, and let the parts dry overnight before reassembly. I believe I'm getting good results, but perhaps I'll try a bit more Dawn next time. Thank you again, Alex. @@watchrepairtutorials

[@DrJac999]

Your videos are outstanding, Alex. I am addicted and just getting into movement cleaning though I have done many case restorations on old Seiko Divers for some time. Since I have learned that water base solvents for cleaning is not taboo, am I crazy to think that diluted Windex could not be justified. Works great on case parts in the Ultrasonic. Water based, ammoniated like L&R and has surfactant but not quite as soapy as say Dawn, etc. Best of all, environmentally friendly unlike organic based solvents. Curious as to your opinion. Keep up the great work.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I’ve never heard of anybody using Windex before, so I really don’t have an opinion when were the other. Ultrasonics are typically designed for detergents. Just to clarify, in case, anyone else is reading this, professional grade part, cleaners for watch parts are without a doubt the best option. With that said, most home watchmakers do not have a spinning basket machine. Detergents work fine in an ultrasonic with the proper temperature, the proper rinsing cycles, displacing the water from the parts with 99% IPA alcohol and then properly drying the parts to prevent condensation. I promote this for home watchmakers who are in a budget and don’t want to put in six or $700 to clean out occasional watch movement.

[@DrJac999]

just curious--I use L&R, but was surprised when you mentioned DAWN, so it got me wondering. I adapted a lab stirrer to a modified basket like you used and run it in ultrasonic, solvents in jars, while spinning--best of both worlds. @@watchrepairtutorials

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@DrJac999 I included Dan as an option because I have a lot of viewers in countries that I absolutely can’t get anything at all. So for a lot of people it’s a great alternative. Not the best but it’ll work I still have Elma read 1.9 which is a great grade ultrasonic cleaner, but unfortunately, it’s only available in Europe now can’t get it here anymore. That’s when I went out and I found the liquinox. This is used in a lot of industries, where zero residue is a must and with pre-cleaning I get great results with it. I mean when I look at the jewels after everything‘s dry, there’s absolutely no streaking no residue whatsoever. So water-based cleaning will work as long as you don’t get sloppy, skip steps and make sure that you dry the parts to prevent condensation.

[@DrJac999]

Thanks, gentlemen, I have heard of it, used it in my lab days to clean glassware. How many water and alcohol rinses?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@DrJac999 I rinse under running water to remove most of the cleaner then another distilled water rinse. ipa rinse for 5 minutes or so. Remember, no shellac parts of the IPA

[@MichaelSams-dx5qw]

Hi Alex, thank you very much for your great videos - awesome guidelines for someone like me who is new in the watch repair game 😊 I am trying out the cleaning procedure...and during my last try with an ETA2842 I had a problem and I would like to ask you, whether you have experienced something similar before?! I am using Elma Red 9:1 in my ultrasonic cleaner; 10min wash at 58degC, 5min rinse in distilled water, 2min rinse in 99% IPA and followed by 10min drying in my food dehydrator at 45degC. After the 10min wash in Elma Red I saw, that the balance wheel jewel housing colored from bright silver to black?! I can scratch off the black coating...so it's something on the surface?! Thanks for your help! Best regards Michael

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Elma Red should be used with room temperature water. In the video, I talk about 58C being good fo many US cleaners but you should always go by the manufactures directions. What has probably happened with your roller table is a reaction with the zinc in some brass with the roller table metal. It will come off if though.

[@MichaelSams-dx5qw]

Alright - thanks for the feedback on that. Of course I should have read the Elma instructions more clearly 😅 the next time I will use it in RT only! The good thing is, that the balance pivot never gets in contact with the roller table...so I would say that even with my black metal...it should still work properly?!

[@petersagi275]

Great stuff!! A little help needed: My IPA rinse leaves behind a very thin white coat (residue) which I can see on glass. Does it mean that I need to change it? I only used it on two movements but I guess IPA should dry up totally spotless right?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Hi Peter, Are you using distilled water and 99% IPA? If you are then it’s probably condensation from not heat drying.

[@petersagi275]

@@watchrepairtutorials thanks for the answer! Yes I do use distilled water and then IPA rinse. I noticed this problem when cleaning watch cases and bridges and stuff by hand with IPA. But it's true that in this case I just let them dry by themselves, so maybe that's the problem.

[@julleboy90]

I am new here but big fan.😁 2 questens is that a steeldive watch? And what do you think about rice bracelet? is it loose or good like an oyster bracelet, consider buying a bracelet like yours🤔

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Well thank you sir. Steeldive is an incredible value. The one caveat on any of these Chinese maid watches is that the movements, are Factory lubricated. One of the things that they’ve learned is that it’s better to under lubricate than over lubricate so typically, when you find these movements, they will have very little oil inside them. Initially, they ran fine, but typically within a couple years amplitude will start dropping, and therefore the rate will start getting Squirrley. But I’ve really been into Chinese watches recently, because of the ability to take one of these watches, and significantly improve it. In my opinion, bead of rice bracelets are the most comfortable, most conforming, stainless steel bracelets out there. I was first exposed to them when I owned a Doxa and have been sold on them ever cents.

[@julleboy90]

@@watchrepairtutorials I make custom nh35 watches, based on ebay parts. so I have nothing against China parts. how can it be steeldive lubricate movement themselves? Do they not buy finished movements from Seiko, TMI China? or is it because they buy Seiko NH35 SH japanese movement? yes, I'm a former bicycle mechanic, so I know all too well about too much lubricate. everyone thinks the more oil the better, but more oil equals more dirt.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@julleboy90 when movements are sold wholesale like that they’re sold with the understanding that the purchaser is responsible for labor, lubrication and regulation of the movement. Like I said, they do come machine oiled, but that’s not as precise as you would think. It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from Seiko, ETA or Chinese manufacture.

[@youngjyoon]

Hello, I'm thinking of trying watch overhaul as a hobby. Thankfully for your video, I'm getting so much help. I have an ultrasonic cleaner for home use, so can I use hexane as a solvent?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Not unless you have real good ventilation and certainty not using the heater. Ultrasonics like you have are designed for detergent based cleaners.

[@tttm99]

Fantastic information well presented! Just a quick question about duration of clean on vintage jeweled parts like pallet forks using things like IPA and metho. Either fluid will melt shellac - I use the latter in preparing shellac for woodworking - so is there a trick to keeping vintage pfs etc safe when using these substances or is it best to just steer clear of immersion for those parts all together?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Great question so I made a video about that. How to Clean Watch Parts with IPA kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCZhaiiireMf6s

[@keithstarling8244]

I was waiting for this one. Thanks Alix. I like how you do experiments to leave hearsay for others leaving no doubts about results. Would old oil or grease be harder to shift? I suppose no real way to check.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Sure, that's why precleaning will help in the overall results. Several viewers have conducted their own test after watching the video. The results are the same or similar. Its always a good thing to conduct your own test with your machine and cleaners to make sure you are getting the results you want.

[@NMMICHAD]

What size of jars are you using? I purchased the same cleaner and would like to know.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

250 ml wide mouth.

[@davidvandusen6556]

Great video, great info, and just in time! i just got an ultrasonic cleaner, but havent used it yet. This info is very helpful. I was going to do Naptha + IPA rinses, but its good to know dawn works just as well. These demonstrations are great

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Glad it was helpful! If you follow what I did here, you will get good results.

[@dwgoutdoors831]

I plan to do naphtha + ipa rinse as well. With one dip for the balance and pallet fork

[@John-wx9oy]

Good stuff. I learn so much on this channel.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Awesome, thank you John

[@slateization]

These are just the best videos. I do miss the old channel name though ;)

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yeah me too

[@samnova450]

Thanks for the input on this topic. Is there a good ultrasonic cleaning machine for big beginners that you recommend?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

See other comment

[@rubinsteinway]

Love your videos, so informative. Can the watch crystal (acrylic or glass) be cleaned in the ultrasonic? It was mentioned elsewhere as a no-no and that confused me a bit. Thanks.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

I am pretty sure I showed an image with glass that was etched from an ultrasonic. Plastic will get destroyed.

[@blankskater1]

Quick question. When you say two water rinses and then an IPA rinse (after the soap/water), are these just in regular containers or back in the machine with it running?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

The first rinse can be done under the faucet with just regular tapwater. This will remove most of the cleaner from the parts. The second rents would be done in a jar with distilled water that’s heated for a five minute cycle. Then non-heated IPA for five minutes in the ultrasonic as well. Once they come out of the IPA they need to go immediately into a dryer, I use a food dehydrator at a temperature above room temperature to prevent condensation on the parts. I usually run at around 100°.

[@blankskater1]

@watchrepairtutorials I assume doing the jars in the ultrasonic cleaner is so you don't have to drain the actual cleaning fluids?

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@ that and it saves on the amount of cleaner you need. Also to heat the tank the level has to be full up to a certain point. It saves a lot of time not having to heat up the the whole tank every time you switch fluids.

[@BokiPetrovic88]

Hi, what size of ultrasonic cleaner do you suggest? Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

A 3 liter is a good size to get.

[@BokiPetrovic88]

If we are using naphtha for cleaning and IPA for rinsing, we should have 4 cycle's right, one jar cleaning and 3 jars rinsing? Also we should use heating at all when we are using these cleaning solutios? Thanks in advance, great content!

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Yes, one wash three rinse and no heat as they’re all flammable. Remember with all that IPA alcohol not to put any parts with shellac in your rinse cycles

[@BokiPetrovic88]

@@watchrepairtutorials yes of course, thanks 🙂

[@BokiPetrovic88]

​@@watchrepairtutorialsand how many minutes every stage should last? Thanks

[@watchrepairtutorials]

@@BokiPetrovic88 5-10 minutes on wash depending on your pre cleaning and 5 minutes a rinse is usually fine. IPA only needs a couple minutes

[@BokiPetrovic88]

@@watchrepairtutorials all three rinse cycles are with IPA for my setup, so each of them should last 5min or less? You said IPA only needs a couple minutes.

[@kermitefrog64]

I totally agree with the use of distilled water. I have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and that is the only water I used for the water chamber for providing some moisture. I only use distilled water in my cars radiator for the same reason and that is you don't leave mineral deposits inside your radiator or engine.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Totally agree!

[@jjcj6463]

Gracias Alex, eres un gran profesional.

[@watchrepairtutorials]

Muchas gracias. Espero que haya algo en el video que puedas usar.