Bronze watch cleaning
(RH pic is after, it was more patina’d than the LH pic).
While I loved the patina on my CW Dune in Bronze, it was getting quite dark and I wanted a little more glean to the metal. So, I tried the ‘ketchup method’ and (wow!) it worked instantly. Just a minute in the sauce and a light scrub with a toothbrush and the watch looks great. I didn’t want ‘perfect’ so I didn’t use baking soda or Brasso to finish; I just got it clean but not polished.
NB. UK ketchup is a very different recipe to US ketchup.
10 comments
Sort by
fm
I’ve been collecting for a few years. I try to stick to the mantra of buying watches I like and not following trends. I’ve definitely made some mistakes but I try to learn from them.
London
Member since
Last active: 18 hrs ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
As a huge fan of bronze, and the unique look of each of my bronze watches patina, I prefer the before look.
If I ever get the urge to lather my watch in a condiment I hope my wife gets me the help I need. Ketchup belongs on fries.😉
Very beautiful watch. I’m also on the patina side but nothing wrong in what you did! Enjoy your watch
Very beautiful watch. I’m also on the patina side but nothing wrong in what you did! Enjoy your watch
I actually liked the patina, but it was not as uniform as the Steinhart in this thread. I thought it was worth a try cleaning it.
I would love to see how that watch looks on bracelet with the patina. Love that dial.
Bronze is stunning in a highly polished condition. I never let any of the bronze watches I owned develop a patina. I know I am in the minority of people that take this view but I don’t care 😋
Polish it! I'm assuming that the vinegar in ketchup, with tomato also being acidic, is all that matters. Is the idea that it is goopier so it will adhere while the chemical reaction occurs?
Polish it! I'm assuming that the vinegar in ketchup, with tomato also being acidic, is all that matters. Is the idea that it is goopier so it will adhere while the chemical reaction occurs?
Basically, the acid pulls the oxygen off the copper (I think).
I like shineee bronze, I'm a Brasso guy.
I like shineee bronze, I'm a Brasso guy.
After initial polishing (a year ago).
I need a bronze watch in my life!