Have my videos have helped you? why not support the channel in some way You can make a one off/ monthy donation here in only one click: www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroWatches If you would like to purchase any tools & equipment then please see my Amazon affiliate & eBay (I do earn a small commission from any sales.) Thank you. Link: Link: myretrowatches.co.uk/tool-sale-links/ If you would like to buy any of my T-Shirts then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches
I find the little wire mesh capsules that you demonstrated to be a bit expensive for my hobby. I found that a common tea infuser used for making single servings of tea to be a totally adequate substitute. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some with holes and some with the wire mesh. I'm sure you have one in your kitchen right now.
I just put a dash of white vinegar and a few drops of fairy in and that does a good job. Also bought some wire mesh off Amazon and made a basket from that. I find it works better than the plastic basket.
Nice tips on cleaning watch parts and as you said its a nice cheap way when starting out the plastic container in the liquid is a great idea so thanks again.
maybe I didn't listen correctly, but do you mix the jewelers ultrasonic solution together with water, so dilute the solution with water? Or do you put the watch parts in the solution without dilution?
1)If I want to shake an old acrylic paint 10ml plastic bottle, can I use the ultrasonic cleaner without any liquid inside or without liquid maybe damaged? 2)If I am not sure that my watch is still 100% waterproof, can I dip it in IPA instead of water?
If you don't already know, one test to ensure your ultrasonic machine is working correctly is to place some aluminum foil in the machine and if you see tiny holes, you know its working correctly. As a hobbyist, an ultra sonic cleaning machine is most economical method however my concern is cavitation pitting on expensive metal parts such as Rolex brands and movements parts and is it possible?
hello and thanks for your comment, I didnt actually know this about tin foil so thanks for that. This video is a few years old now and I do things allot different. I have a bigger / better ultrasonic and a watch cleaning machine. I have cleaned stainless and plated materials in the ultrasonic with zero problems. Issues can occur if you use too strong detergent which can actually strip some of the plating on watch internal parts if you are not careful.
As newborn wath repair amateur I really appreciate your channel. Thank you! Some questions: Do I have to dry the parts after the first clean, before rinsing ?(Fairy, a few drops of Ammonia and water) What abt drying washed movement parts in the oven (on low heat)? Can I use brake cleaning fluid (think it is propan-2-ol) for rinsing?
tough to answer and this is an old video now. I do thinks slightly different. Drying after a water wash is essential to be done quickly without any parts touching one another or you can get rust. Another way to do this is to dry a little and then wash in alcohol or lighter fluid / watch cleaning fluid. anything that evaporates quickly as this will then dry the parts fast. Oven I have no experience with but would be worried about balance and pallet as they both have jewels stuck with shellac which would melt under heat.
Hi Michael. Would you mind Clarifying for me one thing...May I immerse the pallet fork and the balance wheel, along with the other parts in the cigarette lighter fluid? The fluid available here in Canada is Ronson. Thank you
Very interesting and educational video! I have a QUESTION: I HAVE A WATCH BACK THAT I CANT REMOVE, WELL TWO ACTUALLY, ONE SCREW AND A LEAVER, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN USE TO HELP, TO ME, THEY LOOK RUSTED?
Hope this isn’t t a dumb question, with the jam jars you literally just put them in closed in the cleaner? Or do you mean you measure it out into the jam jar then pour it into the tank?
Harrison Fisk always make sure there is water in the ultrasonic, then just put your fluid in the jar and close the lid. I have a video of this in action . Let me find the link
Also have you noticed residue issues with other lighter fluids? We have zippo fluid here and I've read of forums it's too gummy to use on watch movements.
Hi, as for the detergent, any I would think will do. The best quality the better results. Allot of my movements are 40 years without service so old oil is dried on and takes some persuasion to remove. many will say not to use a water based solution but if your on a budget or just starting out I think its fine. I have had no issues with rust as I make sure the parts are dry first. I hear what your saying on lighter fluid and ive only seen it leave a white mark when evaporated but as I then rinse in the alcohol this clears that off and leaves a shine.
I'll def give it a try. I'll start with a detergent wash with a strong ratio (less water), then into a lighter fluid bath, followed by 91% alcohol rinse on everything except the balance and pallet. I was digging around and Mark over on the Watch Repair Channel published a video where he flat out dunked a balance wheel in lighter fluid and then instead of using an ultrasonic he just blew into it with a puffer, lol. I've read a lot of forums and most are saying from the material safety data sheets that naptha and a few other components are included, which just also happen to be present in lighter fluid. So if you say to use lighter fluid, and he says to use lighter fluid, then I think there might be some truth to it. Thanks for the reply.
Jewels are fine on anything . You have to beware of alcohol with the pallet fork and balance as they jewels are held in my shellac and there is a possibility of it softening .
@@MyRetroWatches okay so would you say on those pets that have jewels attached to them to just use maybe lighter fluid and nothing else? I have a ana digi and I’m just unsure what I can and can’t clean :( please help 😭
Michael another interesting video looking forward to your results with the Perks fluid intersting to know which is the more dangerous Perks or the Renata fluid 🤔
Hi Mike, thanks for the great video and keep up the good work! Could you advise if every wash were let dry for 24hr? And is it safe to use degreaser & alcohol in ultrasonic machine. I had read online that it was unsafe to do so. Cheers ~
Thanks for sharing this Mike. I just noticed that you mentioned essence of retina instead of renata (twice) :) no matter, your videos inform, teach and inspire. Cheers!
Hi Mike Been following quite a while now, love your work ... Renata is not available in Australia but I will try that website... love being on Facebook with you. .. I know you must have a Lot of watches by now but over the last 20 years I have been doing clocks.. they are bigger than watches so know how you feel. I need a few things now like a moderate size ultra sonic... God bless you and your Georgeous family.. John.
Use distill water to clean watch parts?,sir is that what you really mean, please confirm that because I want to try something new to clean watch parts!.
Always worked fine for me mixed with water. You only need a few drops. As it is just part of the cleaning process stage 2 & 3 take care of everything else. I now actually own a watch cleaning machine so now only use non water based cleaners.
Have my videos have helped you? why not support the channel in some way
You can make a one off/ monthy donation here in only one click: www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroWatches
If you would like to purchase any tools & equipment then please see my Amazon affiliate & eBay (I do earn a small commission from any sales.) Thank you.
Link: Link: myretrowatches.co.uk/tool-sale-links/
If you would like to buy any of my T-Shirts then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches
What to do if my watch case gets a brown colour on it?
I find the little wire mesh capsules that you demonstrated to be a bit expensive for my hobby. I found that a common tea infuser used for making single servings of tea to be a totally adequate substitute. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some with holes and some with the wire mesh. I'm sure you have one in your kitchen right now.
I just put a dash of white vinegar and a few drops of fairy in and that does a good job.
Also bought some wire mesh off Amazon and made a basket from that. I find it works better than the plastic basket.
The vid answer lots of my questions. Thanks a million.
Glad to help!
Nice tips on cleaning watch parts and as you said its a nice cheap way when starting out the plastic container in the liquid is a great idea so thanks again.
May I ask, do you dilute the IPA and what do you use to clean the lens with? Thanks in advance.
maybe I didn't listen correctly, but do you mix the jewelers ultrasonic solution together with water, so dilute the solution with water? Or do you put the watch parts in the solution without dilution?
Thank you, MB! See you on the Retro Page!
1)If I want to shake an old acrylic paint 10ml plastic bottle, can I use the ultrasonic cleaner without any liquid inside or without liquid maybe damaged?
2)If I am not sure that my watch is still 100% waterproof, can I dip it in IPA instead of water?
If you don't already know, one test to ensure your ultrasonic machine is working correctly is to place some aluminum foil in the machine and if you see tiny holes, you know its working correctly. As a hobbyist, an ultra sonic cleaning machine is most economical method however my concern is cavitation pitting on expensive metal parts such as Rolex brands and movements parts and is it possible?
hello and thanks for your comment, I didnt actually know this about tin foil so thanks for that. This video is a few years old now and I do things allot different. I have a bigger / better ultrasonic and a watch cleaning machine. I have cleaned stainless and plated materials in the ultrasonic with zero problems. Issues can occur if you use too strong detergent which can actually strip some of the plating on watch internal parts if you are not careful.
As newborn wath repair amateur I really appreciate your channel. Thank you! Some questions:
Do I have to dry the parts after the first clean, before rinsing ?(Fairy, a few drops of Ammonia and water)
What abt drying washed movement parts in the oven (on low heat)?
Can I use brake cleaning fluid (think it is propan-2-ol) for rinsing?
tough to answer and this is an old video now. I do thinks slightly different. Drying after a water wash is essential to be done quickly without any parts touching one another or you can get rust. Another way to do this is to dry a little and then wash in alcohol or lighter fluid / watch cleaning fluid. anything that evaporates quickly as this will then dry the parts fast. Oven I have no experience with but would be worried about balance and pallet as they both have jewels stuck with shellac which would melt under heat.
@@MyRetroWatches The shellac is a worry since alcohol will dissolve it. Wll I have to experiment to see what´s happening.Thanks for your reply!
Is brake cleaner to strong to use as a degreaser?
Hi Michael. Would you mind Clarifying for me one thing...May I immerse the pallet fork and the balance wheel, along with the other parts in the cigarette lighter fluid? The fluid available here in Canada is Ronson. Thank you
Yes. its alcohol you should avoid for long length dips for pallet fork and balance.
@@MyRetroWatches thank you
Very interesting and educational video! I have a QUESTION: I HAVE A WATCH BACK THAT I CANT REMOVE, WELL TWO ACTUALLY, ONE SCREW AND A LEAVER, IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN USE TO HELP, TO ME, THEY LOOK RUSTED?
Great vid. Now I can clean the parts that exploded out of the movement when I removed a couple screws! Now let’s see if I can put it back together
Good luck
Were do you get your watch part from.
Nice one Mike , much the same system here. I like the plastic bowl with holes, hard to see small parts in the main cleaner!. Thanks.Adrian 🍀
Adrian Birkett thanks Adrian . I am now using a watch cleaning machine so my method has changed / stepped up slightly as the hobby progressed
Hope this isn’t t a dumb question, with the jam jars you literally just put them in closed in the cleaner? Or do you mean you measure it out into the jam jar then pour it into the tank?
Harrison Fisk always make sure there is water in the ultrasonic, then just put your fluid in the jar and close the lid.
I have a video of this in action . Let me find the link
I have two, see this one ua-cam.com/video/j0SFaskumBM/v-deo.html
Or / and this one (most recent) ua-cam.com/video/qU3Cs3DeBs4/v-deo.html
What about using Simple Green? It's a very strong detergent used here in the US.
Also have you noticed residue issues with other lighter fluids? We have zippo fluid here and I've read of forums it's too gummy to use on watch movements.
Hi, as for the detergent, any I would think will do. The best quality the better results. Allot of my movements are 40 years without service so old oil is dried on and takes some persuasion to remove. many will say not to use a water based solution but if your on a budget or just starting out I think its fine. I have had no issues with rust as I make sure the parts are dry first. I hear what your saying on lighter fluid and ive only seen it leave a white mark when evaporated but as I then rinse in the alcohol this clears that off and leaves a shine.
I'll def give it a try. I'll start with a detergent wash with a strong ratio (less water), then into a lighter fluid bath, followed by 91% alcohol rinse on everything except the balance and pallet. I was digging around and Mark over on the Watch Repair Channel published a video where he flat out dunked a balance wheel in lighter fluid and then instead of using an ultrasonic he just blew into it with a puffer, lol. I've read a lot of forums and most are saying from the material safety data sheets that naptha and a few other components are included, which just also happen to be present in lighter fluid. So if you say to use lighter fluid, and he says to use lighter fluid, then I think there might be some truth to it. Thanks for the reply.
What about those parts that have jewels on them? Would i just use the lighter fluid and nothing else?
Jewels are fine on anything . You have to beware of alcohol with the pallet fork and balance as they jewels are held in my shellac and there is a possibility of it softening .
@@MyRetroWatches okay so would you say on those pets that have jewels attached to them to just use maybe lighter fluid and nothing else? I have a ana digi and I’m just unsure what I can and can’t clean :( please help 😭
Michael another interesting video looking forward to your results with the Perks fluid intersting to know which is the more dangerous Perks or the Renata fluid 🤔
Well considering the lighter fluids main ingredient is NAPTHA I would guess they're both horrid.
Can I use alcohol to clean My watch?
Hi Mike, thanks for the great video and keep up the good work!
Could you advise if every wash were let dry for 24hr? And is it safe to use degreaser & alcohol in ultrasonic machine. I had read online that it was unsafe to do so.
Cheers ~
Hi Mike, that's great, I am not confident enough to invest in higher grade tools, maybe down the road!. Keep up the great videos!👍. Adrian
Adrian Birkett don’t blame you. Cleaning machines second hand £100 + for a good working one.
It’s just natural progression for me .
Thanks for sharing this Mike. I just noticed that you mentioned essence of retina instead of renata (twice) :) no matter, your videos inform, teach and inspire. Cheers!
thanks, haha retina - renata... there is a song in that somewhere
Hahaha
Hi Mike Been following quite a while now, love your work ... Renata is not available in Australia but I will try that website... love being on Facebook with you. .. I know you must have a Lot of watches by now but over the last 20 years I have been doing clocks.. they are bigger than watches so know how you feel. I need a few things now like a moderate size ultra sonic... God bless you and your Georgeous family.. John.
You should make an updated version of this video. With the title: How to clean watches cheaply in 2023! 😂
Thanks
I use zippo lighter fluid ,i work wery well
Well done!!!
jejejeee! you bougth a new soap bottled!!! :-))
i use distill water its good enough
Use distill water to clean watch parts?,sir is that what you really mean, please confirm that because I want to try something new to clean watch parts!.
Coventry Grinders LTD (Coventry born and raised)... COVENTRY
There is a final product they use that prevents oil from flowing out and makes it stay where it should be... I forget the name now.
Epilam
@@MyRetroWatches That is right, was having a brainfart. Epilam it is indeed. makes oiling stuff easier. just hella expensive.
I want that my job to clean the watch im technician from phillippines
Naphtha is dry cleaners fluid 👍
Dry cleaning fluid is perchloroethylene.
My Retro Watches 🙈they change fluids again🤷🏼♂️
Fairy tend to stick on the parts itself and is hard to remove, avoid it.
Always worked fine for me mixed with water. You only need a few drops. As it is just part of the cleaning process stage 2 & 3 take care of everything else. I now actually own a watch cleaning machine so now only use non water based cleaners.
It’s Renata, not retina.
Too many pauses in the speech by the speaker!
sol star not even sure what you mean by this comment