Cleaning And Maintaining Your Watch Collection

[@markstanton63]

I half expected to see you dust the back with some johnsons baby powder after its bath ... You certainly know how to look after your watches.

[@PeterKotsa]

Hahaha, you've given me a great idea..Im off to the shops to get baby powder. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dandc2011]

One final point added to yours about storing watches properly: Yes, even a $20 watch box is a better option than than going through the trouble of carefully cleaning your watch, only to throw it in a nightstand drawer with spare change and everything else. Now, one easy way to make sure the watches are stored in a low humidity environment is to toss a couple of those silica gel packs in there with them. You know, the ones used in shipping packages for electronics and other sensitive stuff. They last forever and are free!

[@ivanmejia6843]

I would put something soft in the sink just in case the watch falls while cleaning so it lands on something soft :). With soap, it is really easy for it to slip out of ones fingers :(

[@PeterKotsa]

I was waiting for someone to say something on that, and YES I totally agree, it occurred to me that if the watch did slip, then I would probably get more likes for the video as it would go viral..LOL But in seriousness, yes I agree, cheers

[@AlexanderB.]

G'day Pete! I like the occasional watch related content focusing on how to handle and maintain a watch. I think many watch collectors don't care much about the cleanliness of their watches. I basically do the same thing, I use a toothbrush and some mild soap. I use a foam dispenser that dilutes the soap a little bit, usually it does the job. Of course this only works with watches that have a minimum of water resistance. And when I rinse the watch under the faucet I turn the bezel a few times to remove the rest of the soapy water from the cavity under the bezel. But using a dehumidifying cabinet may a bit of an overkill for many watch collectors, as these will cost quite a lot and will use up quite some space. Cheers mate, keep up posting content like this! 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

You're right about the dry cabinet, i only use it because I have it for my camera gear and lenses.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Won't the constant exposure to soap lead to significantly faster gasket corrosion than if you just rinsed it with water and a cloth? Soap dissolves the grease protecting them. Best solution must be a Nato strap, watch never touches your skin and you can wash it separately.

[@PeterKotsa]

The detergent or soap solution I use personally is very mild indeed. If the seals are indeed watertight then water and soap should not be an issue an won’t penetrate that barrier Cheers

[@leftyseel8658]

How about the rubber straps? How do you maintain them to prolong their lives? Coz some of them crack over time. I got a Timex sports watch whose straps can' t be replaced.

[@PeterKotsa]

The older rubber straps do indeed crack. The new stuff on the market today are either Vulcanized rubber or FKM and are brilliant, they should go on for years to come, in fact probably outlast you and me 😊

[@fenrisfastlane1]

Remember to only do this if you have a screw down crown. This really cannot be Said enough.

[@PeterKotsa]

Correct

[@bobbymoncada6861]

Thank you much

[@PeterKotsa]

You are very welcome

[@fhmmst]

beautiful presentation! 👍I really liked the idea of a dry cabinet to battle against constant fear of fungus attack. But, a tad bit concerned also on the internal lubrication drying out earlier for the constant moisture drop. How did you find your one's in the long run? If humidity level setting stays around 50%, that should be better than the obnoxious atmospheric 90% during damp weather, I guess. Few speak on air conditioners for humidity control but we don't use them 24/7, or what if when gone for months on trips! AC stays off & feast for fungus!! Any negatives on using the dry cabinet or just no worries & relax?

[@PeterKotsa]

Dry cabinet is the go for me, however make sure to keep the humidity at and acceptable level..say around 45-50% is very good 👍

[@fhmmst]

Thanks for the assurance mate.👍 Will do likewise & someday will report here on my findings. Cheers!

[@muzza9338]

Dehumidifier??? A safe draw in a room where temperature changes are kept to minimum work fine...

[@PeterKotsa]

I know, I only use the dehumidifier, because it's there. I have to fr my camera gear and stuff, so why not use it for the watches as well...cant do any harm :) But yes I agree, a safe is as good a place as any thanks for sharing, cheers

[@justice1902]

Great tips, thanks Peter

[@jouwenlee7829]

Good advice! Living in a hot & humid climate does stain my watch easily with sweats. I cleaned them frequently, and leather strap is not ideal definitely. How about storing watches away from heat, direct sunlight (except for solar watch 😎) and magnetic items?

[@TheChadWork2001]

Even a solar watch should not be put into direct sunlight for long periods. Most of them can charge with artificial or indirect light. Direct sunlight is harsh over long periods. I gave someone a solar watch and they put it in direct sunlight in the window sill weekly, as if it needs to be charged like a1980s device. It will ruin them.

[@PeterKotsa]

Cheers. As for storage, I store them all away from heat and humidity as i mentioned. With Solar, well that's a different watch altogether :)

[@LamarFaciane]

Once again I have to thank you! I cleaned my watches using your technique with two microfiber cloths rather than a toothbrush and the results are awesome! The ultrasonic cleaner is a great tool as well.

[@WristWatching]

Always thought I took good care of my watches - until I saw this. Great advice and tips, Peter!

[@PeterKotsa]

Glad it was helpful! These things work for me, so why not share :)

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Thanks a lot for this vid.

[@PeterKotsa]

You’re welcome

[@jpdavis6042]

Appreciate the tips, Peter. In the big bad City of LA (my town) one has to stash watches kept at home, due to burglaries. Nice Boxes like you featured too easy to spot. I think that my SXK could survive a drop from the Empire State Building. It's real tricky cleaning my Speedy MOTM. Best, JP

[@PeterKotsa]

Yeah I understand about people doing the old smash and grab trick in LA, Outta sight, outta mind is the best medicine. Stay safe JP, cheers

[@mats12east89]

Thanks, Peter. These are the type of timepiece educational videos where I learn. Think I might have to invest in a dehumidification cabinet. Btw, you've got a killer looking forehand. Stay safe. 👍

[@PeterKotsa]

You should see my backhand...hahaha

[@timmcdonald5335]

Great advice Peter and a greater forehand cross court.

[@PeterKotsa]

Not bad for an old fart on the tennis court..LOL

[@mats12east89]

Hi Peter, A belated question regarding this video. I come from Brisbane, Queensland where for a good part of the year is a humid climate. You have suggested a dehumidifier cabinet. Are a AUD$200 eBay cabinet sufficient or would/can you recommend a particular cabinet? Would appreciate your view. Regards Matthew P.s. when safe to do so my shout for a hit at Melbourne Park when I'm down your way next. 🙂

[@PeterKotsa]

LOL..G;'day Matthew, yes I would love to catch up for a hit next time you're down in Melbourne. As for the dehumidifying cabinet, yes that is sufficient and what they usually sell for. You can spend a lot more money for a big one etc, but they generally do the same job !! cheers mate

[@mats12east89]

@@PeterKotsa thanks, Peter. You're a legend 👊

[@stemikger]

I like the idea of being hygienic, but I want my watches to show their life over time. The patina that comes with age is what tells the story and turns me on. However, I'm a weird bird, I also like my cars to show their age. I guess I'm a hopeless retro romantic or in Rust we Trust.

[@yaaxarr8977]

Great content as usual Peter!! I need to find a better place to stock all my watches and have a better clean habits with them... Ty so much for your advice. Cheers!

[@PeterKotsa]

Glad you enjoyed it. These things I do work for me, so I thought I'd share, cheers

[@qazifaisal5]

Really enjoyed this video never understood guys that spend a fortune on watches and buy a 20 - 30 dollar case. After watching this I really appreciate my two hundred dollar watch case which has nice spacing in-between the watches and has built in winders that you can regulate speed.

[@simondoutre6225]

'INVEST IN THE RIGHT TYPE OF BOX' Mate, Pete is giving us priceless advice here boys. I'm taking that one on board Pete. Cheers

[@PeterKotsa]

My pleasure A few extra bucks to look after our gear is a saving in the long term 😉

[@216baja]

Wonderful tips that I certainly start applying.

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Wait. What? Never shower with your watch? My 4 year old Garmin Forerunner 235 as well as my G-Shock M5610 have had countless showers. Both function very fine. As well as my Seiko SKX.

[@PeterKotsa]

What?, so you're telling me these watches "see" you naked in the shower? Shame on you !!! LOLOLOL

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

What about putting them in the dishwasher?

[@johnmcdonagh1607]

Thanks Peter, enjoyable content 👍.

[@PeterKotsa]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bbwt9991]

Good advice overall, but the dehumidifier is a double edge sword unfortunately. Working as an engineer in the chemical and liquids handling industry humidity is a major issue for the working parts of some of our pumping systems. For electronic goods, a dehumidifier is perfect, particularly if you live in a high humidity country. However one needs to be careful with devices with moving mechanisms like watches. Why?. Well the humidifier can not only keep moisture to a minimum, this is good, but a less recognised side effect is that it can dry up the very light lubricants that are applied to watch parts and you don't want that to happen to your expensive pieces. Best advice, keep the watchbox in the coolest room in your house, if you have an air conditioner for very hot days, you can set it to dehumidify, it will do the job without the extreme drying effects on lubricants of placing it inside a dehumidifier. Even keeping your watch box lid closed helps protect it, but don't keep your watches permanently in a dehumidifier, you will do more damage to them than on a humid day. Remember, a water resistant watch is already sealed to some extent from outside air, so don't go overboard on it.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for the advice I usually keep the dehumidifier on its absolute lowest setting with the watches, but point taken 🙏

[@dinner_workingsly]

I’m with you 100% on all these tips. I just thumbed through one of my Helm manuals....they say never use soap..lol. Must have been pre 2020..😂. I work out of town three days a week, so my watches usually average a three day wear cycle...they get yucky in three days of wear. I take them off for bed and showers but they still end up all nasty with sunscreen and wrist yuck. So the ol toothbrush and anti bac soap treatment they get...every three days..👍🏼

[@PeterKotsa]

well done, keep em clean 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@user-go9tc3cw4b]

I was with you until the dehydrator. That's a bit overkill tbh.

[@PeterKotsa]

I know, thats why I said I am anal..lol I only use it because I have. I purchased it years ago to use with my camera gear and lenses, so since there is room in it, I thought to myself, I can fit my watches in here as well. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@huynguyen-wd1lf]

I put in a few dry-packs moisture absorbing silica in my watch box.

[@o.wikstrom9008]

@@huynguyen-wd1lf I do the same. Dry, dark and cool, if possible, are the three important factors of preservation, regarding non-living, so to speak, things.

[@anthonyorlando1861]

Thanks mate for your channel its helping me out a lot I'm a bit anal about my gear haven't got a big collection but like you say you have to enjoy your watches . Cheers Tony

[@PeterKotsa]

Absolutely Tony Having 100 watches don’t make a collection any better than having 3 or 4 Enjoy 👍

[@starfighterusscv-6693]

Peter, I was wondering what kind of watch the pretty orange one is. Enjoy your videos. I'm subscribing, thanks.

[@luiscordoba3247]

That's the Seiko Samurai

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks for the sub! That orange one is a Seiko Orange Samurai. I use it for swimming and watersports. I did a video of it months back when I modded the bezel etc, here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGnagYOJfp6Gr9U Welcome aboard and thanks for the feedback, cheers

[@marcintomczuk3600]

Good Job Peter 👌😊 You are Star. All the best

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks Marcin, just a small vid of common sense :)

[@idletime]

Well G'morning Peter 😇 I agree, great tips and excellent video 😀 . I also find that desiccant packets come in useful if you keep some in your watch boxes, safe's and other enclosed spaces where you store watches, electronics, firearms and other valuables because they absorb oxygen in the air and without oxygen you get no oxidation or corrosion.

[@PeterKotsa]

Correct 👍

[@solstar4778]

What’s with the knife wedding ring and leather notebook cover and rocks ? Distracting 🆗 dish washing liquid is not very mild just the opposite! Use liquid hand soap ! Less destructive! On flex gaskets ! Does less removal of oils and waxes !

[@PeterKotsa]

Is this the first time you've seen my videos? The knife is a box opener for watches, (if you notice on the bade of the knife, it has an engraving of the internals of an automatic and mechanical watch). The rocks are from my children they gathered them on the beach when they were very young and gave them to me, so it has sentimental value and the leather notebook cover is actually watch storage case. Thanks for asking! As for the dishwashing liquid, it is a watered down mild solution, but happy to take advice and use liquid soap as per your recommendation as well. Cheers

[@renebense]

Why is Rolex sponsoring all the main golf and tennis tournaments, when you actually can't use the watch with these sports. Also is serves no goal at all. There is no time limit in tennis or golf.

[@PeterKotsa]

$ marketing At the end of the day it’s all about exposure and their bottom line

[@BayuMukti937]

How about g shock? They have 200m wr but does not have screw down crown. Can i wash it like you?

[@PeterKotsa]

If it has 200m water resistance and you are unsure, then wash it under the tap, but don’t submerge it under water

[@SecondHourWatches]

That's how to treat a watch. Cheers mate!

[@PeterKotsa]

with love 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Andrew.W75]

Another great video Peter. As someone who buys mainly vintage watches in original condition , I can tell you there aren't many people out there who take cleaning their watches as seriously as you do lol. The dehumidifing cabinet sounds like a good idea, especially for vintage watches, I've currently got a few sachets of disicant gel in my watchbox to combat humidity, cheers

[@PeterKotsa]

Hi Andrew, disicant gel sachets work for sure, just change them over every now and then. Maybe I am a little too critical by using a dry cabinet. I suppose I use it because i have it for my camera gear, so why not for my watches..lol cheers mate

[@Andrew.W75]

@@PeterKotsa You're welcome👍

[@bxn2311]

My borealis tropic strap and nato strap came in the mail yesterday! Really good quality straps. Thanks for the recommendation Peter! Legend.

[@PeterKotsa]

Great stuff, enjoy 😊

[@enterthebruce91]

@@PeterKotsa Hi Peter. Nice video! Seeing as how my Seiko 5kx only has 100m W/R I'm wary of getting it wet even slightly as it's my only automatic watch. Will just wiping it down thoroughly with a microfibre cloth work effectively for cleaning both the stainless steel bracelet and case, or will a slightly damp cloth be okay to use and not damage the watch? Thanks, Sean

[@PeterKotsa]

@@enterthebruce91 it should be fine, but even at 100m w/r they recommend that you could get light water spray on it as long as you don't submerge it. But its all up to you how confident you feel cheers

[@DarthMalaks_Missing_Lower_Jaw]

No idea why dudes shower with the watch on. The hell is the purpose?

[@PeterKotsa]

My cousin does, I need to speak to him..:)

[@mbell7498]

Isn't there a risk of scratching the watch with a toothbrush? My watch has polished and shiny parts and i'm a little worried... The bracelet has already very light scratches even if a did nothing to cause them..

[@PeterKotsa]

Running water and a soft toothbrush removes and grit without scratching. Usually when wiping a polished surface with a cloth, it 'drags' the grit, whereas a soft toothbrush accompanied by flowing water will loosen and remove. hope that helps cheers

[@mbell7498]

@@PeterKotsa Yes it does! Thank you!

[@c2pascual]

any tips for cleaning a non screw down crown watch?

[@PeterKotsa]

I personally rinse my non-screw down crown watches (as long as the water resistance of the watch is 100m)

[@jaredbridgeman246]

Wonderful video with good examples and tips for cleaning and maintenance of your watch collection! My question is do you do this cleaning techniques to watches that you haven't worn in years or only after taking them off before storing them? One tip I will add is that be very careful when shopping at supermarkets because the hard pointed edges of the shelves or the trolleys of other customers will crack or full break the glass. Learned that the hard way...another similar incident was hitting a cheap watch that I have right into a metal star handle 🤦🏾‍♂️🙄

[@karma247ajm]

Don't use a used toothbrush, because the fine grit of the toothpaste will be embedded in the surface of the bristles and will desroy any high polished surfaces.

[@PeterKotsa]

Absolutely, I only use a toothbrush that is dedicated to the watches only. Thanks for sharing

[@japd7897]

I have always wondered, What about riding a bike to work?, What about clapping at the opera or theater?, Slamming doors? (I have to slam my garage door with the left hand while locking it with the right), those are things that I do every day, Are mechanical watches capable to withstand that?. Should I buy Rafa Nadal's watch? capable of resisting 5000 Gs.

[@PeterKotsa]

of course not, the day to day stuff of course our watches can handle that. Im talking using power tools with high vibrations or smacking a tennis ball repeatedly with your watch hand etc. As for Rafa's watch, if you do buy one, send it in for review..lol As always, thanks for sharing, cheers

[@PlasticImaginationWorkshop]

Great video, thanks for sharing your process. I clean most of my watches in the same way, however... How to you clean your non-waterproof watches? The ones without the screw down crown and good water resistance? Just curious how others do it. Have a great day. -David

[@PeterKotsa]

I am very careful with non screw down crowned watches...basically avoid the water. Try using clean cloth with lens cleaner (stuff I have for my photography lenses) and give the watch a once over cheers

[@PlasticImaginationWorkshop]

@@PeterKotsa Cool. i don't use lens cleaner but I typically use a soft cotton cloth that I dab in a little thinned down alcohol. To get to the hard spaces, I will use the same mixture with a Q-Tip to clean them out. Have a great day. -David

[@watchtock8818]

Awesome vid Pete. Is that an "organic" toothbrush??? Thank you for the information.

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks mate, organic Im to sure, I 'borrowed it" from the wife :)

[@kenpickett9317]

Good advice. I sometimes wipe my pieces down with a soft silicone cloth after cleaning. It just adds that very fine protective layer and brings out the shine of the metal and crystal without being greasy or oily.

[@PeterKotsa]

Never thought of that, I might give it a try, thanks

[@Tanrichguy]

The Speedmaster you were wearing does not have a screw-down crown. How do you go about cleaning that type of watch?

[@PeterKotsa]

I still wash it as normal with toothbrush and soap, (it's100m water rating), but I do not submerge it .

[@sabbathblack4845]

Very nice topic, but I would like to ask you, how do you clean and take care of leather straps

[@PeterKotsa]

I usually change out straps regularly, however if I need to clean them, then just some leather conditioner and a cloth. Cheers

[@bijakbijak4024]

i will stop taking bath with my watches, I just cant take my eyes of my watch

[@PeterKotsa]

hahaha..

[@FT-ho6cb]

Nice video, btw, which watch is that, the one with the orange dial?

[@PeterKotsa]

Thanks, the orange watch is a Seiko Samurai I did a video of it several months back, where I modified the bezel etc...here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGnagYOJfp6Gr9U cheers

[@hoihoi12250]

Agree with your pt4. Personally use my swatch quartz or no watch at all when I'm doing exercise. But how do you recommend to do cleaning (pt1) for other watches without the screwdown crown?

[@PeterKotsa]

I clean them with a soft brush and light rinse with the crown facing downward. Minimal water exposure and DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER 👍

[@hoihoi12250]

@@PeterKotsa I see, difference with the screwdown crown watches being 1. No soap, only water 2. Crown faces down 3. No immersion ever Got it! Thanks!

[@douglaspuglas6888]

Slight tangent I've just bought a Longines heritage military and I love it however the spring bars have very soft ends ie you can push the spring in extremely easily this wasnt an issue or so I thought! I was closing the car door and it brushed the strap on my watch just below the spring bar it must have squeezed the leather strap which in turn released the spring bar obviously the watch fell off my wrist and dropped to the floor face down, the box saphire smashed and the case has taken some deep marks. My question is where do I stand as far as warranty and are Longines liable for items that are not fit for purpose thus leading to a ruined watch, this was the second time they failed but I caught the watch previously and I thought it was a freak accident or a one off. The watch is 6 weeks old btw

[@PeterKotsa]

Hi Douglas, thats really terrible news and I am really sorry that happened. I think the best way to approach this is the exact way you commented here, be honest and tell them exactly what happened and how this was the second time. I really feel for you mate, I hope Longines is able to see your point and come to some arrangement. On a side note, the same thing happened to me with a watch six months ago and I didn't even realise that it had come off my wrist. I only realised after 5 minutes that my wrist felt bare and cold (as I am always used to having a watch on) I searched the place where I was visiting and I found the watch 9safe and sound) as it had fallen off and landed on a couch. The spring bars were aftermarket ones I put on (relatively cheap) and I learnt my lesson. Next day i swapped out he bars and have never had nay other issues. So if Longines have soft spring bars on that model, then it is something that they need to take responsibility for. Good luck with ll this and let me know how you go cheers

[@douglaspuglas6888]

@@PeterKotsa Cheers Peter thanks will let you know what happens.

[@JeffAAAAA]

What about cleaning watches that don't have screw down crowns or with 50m or lower water resistance?

[@PeterKotsa]

I still wash them with soap and water (albeit very carefully) but I do NOT submerge them, only a very light rinse. If they are 30m or less, I usually take even more care and try to avoid the water altogether. I only use a lens cleaning pump spray to give them a fine mist, then wipe off gently with a cloth.

[@JeffAAAAA]

Thanks for the info! Appreciate it!

[@piquetuk]

How do you clean watches with little or no WR? Also I've got a watch which needs the underside of the crystal cleaned, any suggestions on what to use?

[@PeterKotsa]

Sometimes I use a lens cleaning spray and lightly spray the watch then clean using a microfibre cloth. Depending not he WR you can get some watches wet, but usually not immersion. cheers

[@piquetuk]

@@PeterKotsa Cheers Peter.

[@wescobts]

Stellar process !!

[@PeterKotsa]

Cheers

[@artagain8977]

Great topic

[@PeterKotsa]

simple, but needed I think, cheers

[@davidpippin3460]

first!

[@PeterKotsa]

second..lol

[@alextomlinson1725]

Excellent advice as always Peter. Thanks mate.

[@PeterKotsa]

Just a simple common sense vid Alex, thanks mate, cheers

[@alextomlinson1725]

@@PeterKotsa Absolutely but I find common sense to be sadly lacking in many aspects of life. Just debating about ordering a Brew Retrograph...

[@PeterKotsa]

@@alextomlinson1725 nice design on those Retrographs

[@alextomlinson1725]

@@PeterKotsa just not sure about another meca-quartz.

[@PeterKotsa]

@@alextomlinson1725 The designs are really nice, as well as the case sizes. We can't have it all ...lol

[@reconditionarepantofipiele1272]

Too many Seiko 👎

[@fb7997]

okey, but how do you clean your speedmaster with 50 m wr ?

[@PeterKotsa]

With care...don't submerge in water

[@Kamall_Yahya]

.who the hell shower with watch attach on wrist??