Ultrasonic Cleaner for Rolex ?

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by skprd13

Can someone explain why not to put the entire watch into the cleaner? I read do not put the watch case into the cleaner, but why? I have one myself and yes the results are amazing. But as mentioned I only put in the bracelet. Just wondering what is the reason not to put the watch head in as well. I thought our watches are built like tanks and can take the abuse!
Thanks for your comments.

In a nutshell, the ultra-sonic micro-vibrations created by the unit and transferred through the liquid medium can alter/damage the inner workings of the movement.

[bondtoys]

I would be more concerned about water emerging when using the ultrasonic.

Simplified speaking, gaskets fill the gap between 2 different pieces of metal. If the metal parts resonate, the gasket can't do its job properly.
It may work once, for a year or a decade. But if it does not work, we'll have a post with crocodile tears that there is water in the watch.

[Doug T]

Haven't used my ultrasonic for ages as I started using Veraet cleaner once a week. No need for the ultrasonic since then. It does a terrific job in minutes!

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Doug T

Haven't used my ultrasonic for ages as I started using Veraet cleaner once a week. No need for the ultrasonic since then. It does a terrific job in minutes!

That's like saying I brush my teeth regularly so I don't need to see the dentist for a cleaning.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by Doug T

Haven't used my ultrasonic for ages as I started using Veraet cleaner once a week. No need for the ultrasonic since then. It does a terrific job in minutes!

Even with regular washing using Varaet - I still notice some gunk in the water when I ultrasonic ~ 2x/year.

Originally Posted by kilyung

That's like saying I brush my teeth regularly so I don't need to see the dentist for a cleaning.

Well said! X2

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Doug T

Haven't used my ultrasonic for ages as I started using Veraet cleaner once a week. No need for the ultrasonic since then. It does a terrific job in minutes!

If it's really been awhile, pull one of your link pins and tell us what you see.

Varaet is great for making a watch look nice and shiny. But nothing beats a US bath for truly getting the bracelet - inside and out - clean and thereby preventing bracelet stretch.

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

... nothing beats a US bath for truly getting the bracelet - inside and out - clean and thereby preventing bracelet stretch.

Amen!

[arnage]

so if one doesn't feel up to removing the bracelet from the watch-head, is it still considered safe to either use the bridge contraption (for suspending the watch-head above water) or to hand-hold the watch-head out of the ultrasonic machine's waterbath during a cleaning?

I was wondering whether the ultrasonic vibration would travel through the bracelet (which would be submerged) and affect the movement in any manner. I'd assume the force of such US vibration would be minimal, but since it's so high frequency, it might cause loosening of screws, etc?

thought the main concern with not submerging the watch-head was for preventing water from getting past the gasket seals. I'd just like to know if that's the only concern, or if there is also concern of ultrasonic vibration adversely affecting the movement's parts

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by arnage

so if one doesn't feel up to removing the bracelet from the watch-head, is it still considered safe to either use the bridge contraption (for suspending the watch-head above water) or to hand-hold the watch-head out of the ultrasonic machine's waterbath during a cleaning?

I was wondering whether the ultrasonic vibration would travel through the bracelet (which would be submerged) and affect the movement in any manner. I'd assume the force of such US vibration would be minimal, but since it's so high frequency, it might cause loosening of screws, etc?

thought the main concern with not submerging the watch-head was for preventing water from getting past the gasket seals. I'd just like to know if that's the only concern, or if there is also concern of ultrasonic vibration adversely affecting the movement's parts

Take the head off. Takes a minute and that way you really get the whole bracelet clean.

[FlyinM3]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

Take the head off. Takes a minute and that way you really get the whole bracelet clean.

I guess the concern would be not having the personal tools for removing the bracelet?

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by FlyinM3

I guess the concern would be not having the personal tools for removing the bracelet?

Not sure that's a really a concern. Just get the spring bar tool to take the bracelet off. Alternatively, you can always take the watch into an AD and they will take off the bracelet and give it a bath either for a nominal charge or complimentary.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by FlyinM3

I guess the concern would be not having the personal tools for removing the bracelet?

If you have lug holes a tooth pick will work!

[arnage]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

Take the head off. Takes a minute and that way you really get the whole bracelet clean.

Yeah, I understand that point -- Just wondering whether what I mention has any technical merit at all (i.e. - ultrasonic vibration traveling along the confines of the submerged bracelet having an impact on the movement). for instances where one wants to be quick in washing the bracelet.... or lazy

none of the replies addressed this yet

as to be honest, it takes me far longer than one minute to remove and replace a bracelet carefully. not to mention the added risk of inadvertently scratching the watch-head when doing so.

[Cc1966]

Originally Posted by arnage

Yeah, I understand that point -- Just wondering whether what I mention has any technical merit at all (i.e. - ultrasonic vibration traveling along the confines of the submerged bracelet having an impact on the movement). for instances where one wants to be quick in washing the bracelet.... or lazy

none of the replies addressed this yet

as to be honest, it takes me far longer than one minute to remove and replace a bracelet carefully. not to mention the added risk of inadvertently scratching the watch-head when doing so.

Often cited is the migration of the lubricating oils to places where they do no good.

[arnage]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Often cited is the migration of the lubricating oils to places where they do no good.

thanks, and that does make sense.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by arnage

thanks, and that does make sense.

Also, I've read that US can shake loose lumen applications and paint from the dial, which of course is not good if bits migrate into the movement. The vibrations can also loosen screws.

[marincathy]

I have posted the same questions as Arnage and never gotten back an answer.
Can the vibrations from US go through the submerged bracelet and hurt the case which is above water sitting on a bridge/shelf?

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Often cited is the migration of the lubricating oils to places where they do no good.

This is the issue as a watchmaker explained to me.


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[handsfull]

Originally Posted by Cc1966

Often cited is the migration of the lubricating oils to places where they do no good.

Originally Posted by Thatguy

This is the issue as a watchmaker explained to me.

^this isn't the primary risk......it's THIS that's the real concern:

Originally Posted by bondtoys

Simplified speaking, gaskets fill the gap between 2 different pieces of metal. If the metal parts resonate, the gasket can't do its job properly.
It may work once, for a year or a decade. But if it does not work, we'll have a post with crocodile tears that there is water in the watch.

[chin9]

ROLEX watches are very tough and Waterproof.. I put all my rolex watches.. the whole watch on my ultrasonic cleaner... and it still works just fine.. no problem whatso ever...

[stevelaw54]

The ultrasonic cleaners are putting ultrasonic waves through the liquid cleaner.
I have seen it break off the the hair-spring from the collet. Which means the only way to repair it is a new balance complete. The Rolex service centers don't use ultrasonic cleaning machines on the movements. Only for the cases and bands, with the movement removed.
You can hold the head and of the watch and let the band dip into the liquid cleaner. Just keep the head from getting into the ultrasonic.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by chin9

ROLEX watches are very tough and Waterproof.. I put all my rolex watches.. the whole watch on my ultrasonic cleaner... and it still works just fine.. no problem whatso ever...

You still probably shouldn't do that.

Originally Posted by stevelaw54

The Rolex service centers don't use ultrasonic cleaning machines on the movements.

They actually do, but only when the movement is completely disassembled.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by chin9

ROLEX watches are very tough and Waterproof.. I put all my rolex watches.. the whole watch on my ultrasonic cleaner... and it still works just fine.. no problem whatso ever...

The head should not go in the ultrasonic cleaner.

There is a reason why no one does this.

[123Blueface]

Who lets their watch get to the point that it needs this?
Rinse it before each wear, towel dry it, over on.

[GoingPlaces]

I'm still curious as to the viability of placing just the bracelet in the cleaner and keeping the case above. Does this pose a potential liability to the movement? Still can't get a clear answer.

[Jostack]

Lots of anecdotal evidence about how it is bad to put the whole watch into an ultrasonic cleaner.

Is there any empirical evidence?

I’m not saying to, or not to do it. I think most people tend to err on the side of caution.

Do any watch manufacturers recommend against putting the whole watch in an ultrasonic cleaner?


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[armybuck041]

Originally Posted by Jostack

Lots of anecdotal evidence about how it is bad to put the whole watch into an ultrasonic cleaner.

Is there any empirical evidence?

I’m not saying to, or not to do it. I think most people tend to err on the side of caution.

Do any watch manufacturers recommend against putting the whole watch in an ultrasonic cleaner?


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I learned my lesson.

My BLRO is sitting at the RSC right now after being given a round in an ultrasonic cleaner. After one 320 second session the watch went from +0.7 seconds per day to losing nearly 12 seconds per day. 100% this was caused by the ultrasonic cleaner as I make an entry most nights on WatchTracker.

So, take it from me, don’t do it.

[Jostack]

Originally Posted by armybuck041

I learned my lesson.

My BLRO is sitting at the RSC right now after being given a round in an ultrasonic cleaner. After one 320 second session the watch went from +0.7 seconds per day to losing nearly 12 seconds per day. 100% this was caused by the ultrasonic cleaner as I make an entry most nights on WatchTracker.

So, take it from me, don’t do it.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but your experience is anecdotal.

Was it a new watch? Recently serviced, gaskets replaced?

I’m curious about manufacturer recommendations against using ultrasonic cleaners, and/or testing that shows/proves these cleaners will cause water ingress.

I don’t doubt what happened to your watch, and that an ultrasonic cleaner contributed to the failure. I just want to know if there is scientific evidence that shows ultrasonic cleaners to cause water ingress or other lubricant problems.


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[N5XTC]

in the summer the watch gets really sweaty daily. i put it under the faucet in luke warm water (no soap) and pat dry. i do this each night. reading this i am thinking there is dirt i am not seeing.

[N5XTC]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

Who lets their watch get to the point that it needs this?
Rinse it before each wear, towel dry it, over on.

this is exactly what i do, only AFTER each wear not before. pat dry. no soap, no tooth brush, just running tap water.