Most people have washed their own car, but very few have washed a watch movement. However, it's not too different; it's just much smaller and requires specific tools and skills. If you're doing it frequently, you might invest in fancier washing equipment, but you can get everything you need to clean a watch movement from a local hardware store.

The reason we clean wristwatch movements is to remove oils, dirt, grime, and anything else that may have settled on the movement, pinions, or jewels. The goal is to have clean surfaces to apply new, fresh oils and greases. Just like cars need regular oil changes, watches do too, but with watches, you need to clean the parts before re-oiling.

Steps to Cleaning a Watch Movement:

1. Disassembly:

   • Everything must be taken apart to clean it properly. This includes removing bridges, wheels, and the mainspring from the barrel, as well as separating the arbor from the mainspring. Jewels typically stay in the watch, except for removable ones like cap jewels or Incabloc shock protection.

2. Hand Cleaning:

   • For manual cleaning, all you need is a glass jar, denatured alcohol, and a soft-bristled brush, which can be found at a hardware store. After cleaning the parts, use clean compressed air or a hand-operated bulb to dry them, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This method is how every watchmaker starts before using more expensive equipment.

3. Advanced Cleaning Machines:

   • There are two main types of cleaning machines: those that clean by agitation and those that use ultrasonic cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaners are faster but can be more aggressive, potentially causing wear and tear on movement parts, especially on delicate components like rhodium or gold plating over time.

   • Machines without ultrasonic cleaning are generally less expensive and are gentler on the parts. This is why some watchmakers, including myself, choose machines without ultrasonic cleaning for certain jobs.

Pre-Cleaning for Older Watches:

• Older watches often have hardened grease and oil, which might require pre-cleaning with soft wood like pith wood before the final clean.

Cleaning Machines vs. Hand Cleaning:

• Cleaning machines work similarly to a washing machine, moving parts through cycles of cleaning, rinsing, and drying, usually within 20 to 35 minutes. For hobbyists, manually moving parts from jar to jar can be just as effective, though more time-consuming.

• Cleaning solutions for machines are usually waterless and toxic, requiring proper disposal. Using denatured alcohol can be simpler for home use, as it evaporates easily, leaving a clean surface behind.

Conclusion:

• While specialized equipment makes the process easier and faster, it's not necessary for cleaning a watch movement. A basic setup with a jar, alcohol, and a brush can work just as well, costing only around $20, compared to a machine that might cost thousands of dollars.