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Old 6 May 2014, 08:47 AM   #1
Brad737
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Cleaning dial?

Hello all,

I just picked up a 1625 Thunderbird project, and the dial could use a light cleaning. I've searched, but didn't really find any good tips other than having a watchmaker do it. Are there any do-it-yourself ideas on how to gently clean this dial?

Thanks,
Brad

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Old 7 May 2014, 02:34 AM   #2
Vanessa CW21
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There's not much you can do besides getting a dial refinish. They would have to repaint after cleaning the dial. The corrosion won't come off with anything you can do.
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Old 7 May 2014, 03:49 AM   #3
Brad737
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Thanks, Vanessa. I'll just leave it alone then. I'd rather have it original with a few small spots than have it perfect, but refinished.
Thanks,
Brad
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Old 7 May 2014, 06:02 AM   #4
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See that, Vanessa?

Some people do listen to your advice...
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Old 7 May 2014, 07:40 AM   #5
b06tmm
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See that, Vanessa?

Some people do listen to your advice...
Bravo!
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Old 7 May 2014, 09:17 AM   #6
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I know expert watchmakers can clean dials nicely without reprinting or repainting them, not sure how or what they use to do it.
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Old 8 May 2014, 03:35 AM   #7
rmfnla
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If it's just dirt sure it can be cleaned, but if it's corrosion as Vanessa says there's not much you can do short of refinishing...
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Old 8 May 2014, 03:44 AM   #8
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If it's just dirt sure it can be cleaned, but if it's corrosion as Vanessa says there's not much you can do short of refinishing...
this.
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Old 8 May 2014, 05:18 AM   #9
Vanessa CW21
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See that, Vanessa?

Some people do listen to your advice...
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Old 9 May 2014, 11:30 PM   #10
Brad737
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Richard,
If it is just dirt and not corrosion, can you recommend any materials or techniques? Q tips and plain water? Alcohol and a very soft brush?
Thanks,
Brad

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If it's just dirt sure it can be cleaned, but if it's corrosion as Vanessa says there's not much you can do short of refinishing...
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Old 10 May 2014, 02:24 AM   #11
rmfnla
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I've used rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush with good results.

I'll bet Vanessa or Rik could suggest some better techniques...
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Old 11 May 2014, 02:20 AM   #12
Vanessa CW21
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Please, please, please, don't try rubbing alcohol! It'll take the printing right off!
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Old 11 May 2014, 02:14 PM   #13
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If it's not corrosion, but just grim; I did something similar with an old LeCoultre.

1) take an brand new, unused makeup brush and cut it to a fine point. GENTLY, brush the dial, STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING PRINTED. I ruined an old Glycine by brushing the chapter ring, it completely wiped out the printing.

2) Use a toothpick to GENTLY knock grim away from the sides of the sticks. Do not brush the dial with the toothpick if you can help it, it will leave a mark on the dial. STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING PRINTED.

3) Roll Rodico to a fine point, and pick off any grim on the dial. Don't wipe. STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING PRINTED.

This only works with dirt and grim NOT corrosion. Oh and used the highest power loupe 10x.

Here's the result, unfortunately I didn't take a before pic.
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Old 16 May 2014, 03:41 AM   #14
rmfnla
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Please, please, please, don't try rubbing alcohol! It'll take the printing right off!
That didn't happen to me; guess I just got lucky...
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