Ultrasonic Jewlery Cleaner Question

[Annan]

I've found several threads on the subject but have not yet seen an answer or opinion on a specific issue. Some cleaners come with a "watch bridge" which allows you to place the entire watch into the cleaner with the case supported just above the water level. I've seen numerous comments regarding the bad effects the vibrations might have on the movement if the entire watch is immersed and would not do that. How about using the "watch bridge"? Is potential damage to the movement from the vibrations still an issue? I know it's best to simply remove the bracelet but for me, that's something I'd rather not do if possible. Thanks for any comments or advice.

[Jocke]

You should never put a watch with a movement inside the case in a USC. Only a movement in parts.

[Thatguy]

I haven't heard anything definate but I would remove the bracelet.

[sigguy]

Using the watch bridge you can't really clean the last link (end link and first
bracelet link) so it defeats the purpose, IMO. I always remove the bracelet.

[77T]

The transducers creating cavitation in the liquid have no effect on objects in the air above the cleaning unit. So it doesn't affect the watch case suspended above the liquid.

That said, getting a fully cleaned bracelet and end links is not achieved using the bridge as others have said. It is more practical to remove the bracelet and submerge it.

[REDiesel]

I wouldn't do it. Take the bracelet off. Most of the intense sound vibration is within the bath, but the sonic vibrations can certainly transfer thru the metal (bracelet, case, movement.) Similar in principle to placeing one's ear on a railroad track to hear a train from far away.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by sigguy

Using the watch bridge you can't really clean the last link (end link and first
bracelet link) so it defeats the purpose, IMO. I always remove the bracelet.

This.

I have seen too many spring bars worn to the point of failure to not make sure they are clean...

[perpetualman88]

Originally Posted by Jocke

You should never put a watch with a movement inside the case in a USC. Only a movement in parts.

This guy aint no amateur

He knows what he is talking about

Sound advice Jocke

[tomchicago]

take the bracelet off for sure. ultrasonic results will amaze you.

[Andad]

You are ok with the watch on a plastic bridge and the bracelet submerged as far as you can but not touching the bath.

You can hear the transduced in operation but if the sound pressure waves travelled outside of the solution your ears would explode wouldn't they.

I have fully submerged watches in a low Watt USC and have never had a problem but each situation needs to be evaluated.

[joe100]

Why even fiddle with it? Bracelet removed from the watch and you'll have no worries

[Tseg]

I did the ultrasonic cleaning w/ bridge thing once and gave me quite a scare. My BLNR was new and I was using the watch tracker app... here was performance up until doing the cleaning:



I did the cleaning and immediately my watch began to speed up :



I let the watch unwind to a stop and rewound it - this is bad :



Finally, I stopped tracking and stopped winding my watch for a couple of weeks and just started to live my normal life again. I then started to track it after chillin' on the issue:



So can a Rolex performance adjust based on a person's mood? Or was I subconsciously trying to position my arm for several weeks trying to slow it down but ended up with the adverse effect?

Back to the bridge and ultrasonic cleaning. Ultimately I do not think it had an effect on my watch... but I am unlikely to try it again.

[14060m]

Makes sense to take off the bracelet

Thanks

[broulstone]

Not to hijack the thread but I just got a steam cleaner. Bracelet off or is is OK to clean with watch head attached. Is the high temp of the steam bad for the movement?