Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Clean Antique Watches. Although some antique watch repair shops clean watches ultrasonically,
the hand-cleaning method is still preferred for many antique watches. You will need Watchmakers'
tools Cleaning solution A lint-free rag A watch brush Pegwood A bellows A mainspring
winder Pith and an antique watch repair shop (optional). Step 1. Disassemble the watch
movement, and place all of the parts except the mainspring, balance, and pallets in a
commercial cleaning solution. Check with a professional antique watch repair shop about
suitable cleaning compounds and methods for your watch. The age of and construction materials
used in the watch will determine which ones you use. Step 2. Remove the bottom clock plate
and dry it with a clean, lint-free rag. Brush both surfaces with a soft watch brush, clean
out the jewel holes and the pivot holes with pegwood, and blow the plate with bellows.
A mechanical watch consists of a movement bottom plate, balance assembly, motion works,
keyless works, screws, a mainspring and barrel, a wheel train and wheels, and an escapement.
Step 3. Remove the lower balance end-piece from the cleaning solution. Brush both sides,
clean the active surface of the endstone with a piece of pegwood, and place it in position
on the bottom plate. Remove the bridges and *** from the cleaning solution, and clean
them the same way. Step 4. Clean each wheel and brush the teeth and both sides. Clean
each leaf of the pinion with a pointed piece of pegwood, and clean each pivot so that it
is free of congealed oil. Step 5. Remove the keyless parts from the cleaning solution,
and brush both sides. Clean the screws in the same manner. Clean the cannon pinion,
minute and hour wheels, and then pegwood the holes. Step 6. Clean the barrel, cover, and
arbor. Wind the mainspring into the barrel using a mainspring winder. Press the spring
into the barrel with the flat end of a piece of pegwood, and then snap the barrel cover
on. Step 7. Place the escape wheel and pallets in the cleaning solution. Quickly remove the
pallets, and brush them with a soft brush. Clean the pallet and stones with a piece of
pith. Step 8. Clean the escape wheel, and wipe the teeth with pith. Remove the balance
spring from the balance, place them both in cleaning solution, then clean them. Did you
know The first pocket watch was invented in Germany in the 1500s.