Looking to Purchase local...need advice

[wjviper]

Gents,

I’ve found a very crisp ceramic sub locally that has been worn in rotation with other watches. The Gentleman that owns the watch currently has every single document down to the business card and receipt from purchase. He told me that he bought an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner and has used this a couple of times on the watch to clean it since purchase about 3 years ago.

From everything I’ve read...you should not put in the whole watch which he has done...

Should I be worried? Or chances are everything is status quo?

Thank you as always!

[blacke90]

If he only puts the bracelet in the ultrasonic cleaner then it’s fine. If he puts the whole thing, that’s a different story and I personally would avoid acquiring such watch. Maybe ask him for clarification?

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by blacke90

If he only puts the bracelet in the ultrasonic cleaner then it’s fine. If he puts the whole thing, that’s a different story and I personally would avoid acquiring such watch. Maybe ask him for clarification?

Why?

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by myporsche

Why?

Good question. Since mechanical watches are made of multiple delicate components, I just feel that it’s best to avoid subjecting them to unneeded wears and tears from the vibration stems from the ultrasonic cleaner. I guess if you can test the accuracy of the current time piece, then that might be OK?

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by blacke90

Good question. Since mechanical watches are made of multiple delicate components, I just feel that it’s best to avoid subjecting them to unneeded wears and tears from the vibration stems from the ultrasonic cleaner. I guess if you can test the accuracy of the current time piece, then that might be OK?

I'll have to disagree, Rolex is not delicate, nor is it really dangerous to put it in an ultrasonic cleaner. It's a misconception. I've seen many jewelers do it first hand without a single issue short or long term and it actually works really well to clean the watch safely. Now if you overdo it or use the machine improperly that is a different story.

[Andad]

Myporsche,

Most small, inexpensive ultrasonic cleaners are low wattage (30 - 60) and would not have the power to compromise new seals on a Rolex watch.

However, as most would not know how good the seals are on their watches it is probably better to avoid submerging the movement.

A high wattage commercial ultrasonic cleaner is a different animal altogether.

[jps3b]

[RJRJRJ]

While it is not advised to put a cased watch head in an ultrasonic cleaner, if you can get it pressure tested and make sure it is running fine, I would imagine you'd be ok.

[TK116710]

Not exactly answering your question...….. but, for what it's worth, I found pretty good luck with College Station and Beaumont AD's in terms of getting inventory information over the phone (I'm assuming you're in the Woodlands, TX (Houston)). You might consider giving it a shot. The last time I called either of them, they both had at least one sub and one had a black GMT.

[m j b]

I think a "couple of times" on a three-year old watch, designed to withstand 1000 feet of pressure, would not be an issue.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by myporsche

I'll have to disagree, Rolex is not delicate, nor is it really dangerous to put it in an ultrasonic cleaner. It's a misconception. I've seen many jewelers do it first hand without a single issue short or long term and it actually works really well to clean the watch safely. Now if you overdo it or use the machine improperly that is a different story.

I’m not saying Rolex is delicate. I’m stating that mechanical movements comprise of multiple parts—why subject them to any potential harm. We can agree to disagree as both of us are not an expert in the field of cleaning watches with an ultrasonic cleaner. From jewelers point of view, it’s easier to just place the whole watch in rather than taking the time and effort to remove the bracelet. FYI, I do own an ultrasonic cleaner.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by wjviper

Gents,

I’ve found a very crisp ceramic sub locally that has been worn in rotation with other watches. The Gentleman that owns the watch currently has every single document down to the business card and receipt from purchase. He told me that he bought an inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner and has used this a couple of times on the watch to clean it since purchase about 3 years ago.

From everything I’ve read...you should not put in the whole watch which he has done...

Should I be worried? Or chances are everything is status quo?

Thank you as always!

My mother had a Rolex ladies president, never serviced for 30 years. Used an ultrasonic cleaner all the time. Never an issue.

[Wcdhtwn]

My AD will clean my watches with an ultrasonic machine whenever I ask them to. They never put the case in the cleaner, only the bracelet. There must be a reason for this...

[Greenp]

Wouldn't the ultrasonic cleaner displace oil from bearing/jewels?

[HogwldFLTR]

Using a cheap ultrasonic is likely doing nothing to the watch in truth.

[mjclark32]

Sounds like it's still under warranty only 3 years old.
I'll bet it's fine

[Motomatt52]

I cant imagine an "inexpensive" commercially available ultrasonic cleaner would harm the watch if used a "few times"

[Jim Smyth]

Ultrasonic cleaners and putting the Rolex head in have nothing to do with seals. If you submerse the head and turn the ultrasonic on all those little jewels that have very specific oils on them, the oil gets mitigated to other areas of the watch. Your service intervals will be greatly accelerated due to this. Dont submerge the head, bracelet only.