Help, I need your guidance
Hi fellow WC, I especially need the experienced members here to give me an advice. I am somewhat of a novice when it comes to watch collecting - I only began two years ago and I am presently looking for my next piece, which I want to purchase it as my birthday present. I made a decision to purchase a black dial for myself and found this stunning (2002) Tudor Princess Date watch at Chrono24. I’m somewhat of meticulous and in one of the seller’s photos, I discovered the crown has a dirt on it. I thus need your advice: is this grim, and if so how do you guys remove it? I expect to hear from the seller soon; they are located in Japan. Any useful advice on how to clean it? The watch is pretty and I really like it. Hope to hear your advice!
Solo una chica relojera promedio, una fanática de los relojes Tudor ⌚️
Ultimately disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning is the most thorough approach but that needs skills or is expensive with a third party.
Q-tips, wooden toothpicks, rubbing alcohol, micro fiber cloths, etc. will get you a long way but ultimately not as deep or thorough a clean as the ultrasonic bath.
P.s. all worn watches pick up DNA.
Around the case back and where the case back meets the lugs is the other usual place.
You don’t want to dwell on what it’s comprised of (skin cells, dust, sweat, etc.) but if you’re prepared to have a thorough go at it then you can mostly get it off … before you start wearing it and then you know anything new is your own grime!
Kinda gross but that’s one reason why pre-owned are usually cheaper than new. And the grimier the cheaper …
I usually just use a damp “ultra soft” toothbrush for the stubborn bits and a microfibre cloth to clean my watches between uses when necessary. I try to avoid using the toothbrush on the non-brushed shiny surfaces for obvious reasons and only use water without submerging the watch. Watchmakers use pegwood to get the grimy bits sometimes, so a toothpick might be an option too if you’re careful. I have bought watches in Japan before so I know customer service is usually quite good. I recommend asking them if the watch has been serviced recently, it would be good to know.
I say the grimier the better! Bring on that funk!
Seriously though, I wash watches and bracelets with a toothbrush and dish soap. I’m gentle around the crown, it’s not too difficult. A jewelry polishing rag is nice too but not necessary.
Look for good reviews on Chrono24. Ask the seller if the watch runs well. I have even asked them to provide pictures of the watch on a timegrapher before and they were happy to do so. If the only "issue" is some smudges on the crown, no worries. Will come off easy.