How to clean your watch properly?

Preparation before cleaning your Luxury Watch

Before anything touches water, check the basics. Your watch’s water resistance should be marked on the case back or in its manual. Some pieces are built like tanks. Others, not so much. If you're unsure, better to play it safe and keep it dry. Vintage watches in particular? They’re charming, but usually not waterproof anymore. Cleaning your watch at home is pretty straightforward, but you’ve got to show it a bit of respect. The wrong tools, too much pressure, or sloppy technique can do more harm than good. If your watch isn’t water-resistant, or you’re not sure, stick to dry methods. A clean microfiber cloth goes a long way. And here’s a question we get often: how often should you actually clean your watch? If it’s on your wrist every day, a gentle clean every couple of weeks keeps it in great shape. If it’s more of a special-occasion piece, once a month or so will do. Or if you’re like me, you clean it every few days, just to keep it shining.

Tools That Get the Job Done (And What to Avoid)

Let’s clear this up: your old toothbrush isn’t good enough. It might seem harmless, but those bristles can scratch polished steel and softer metals like gold. What you want is a brush designed for watches: soft, fine, and precise. Add a pH-neutral cleaning solution (something safe for delicate metals), a few clean microfiber cloths, and a can of compressed air if you want to go the extra mile. Gold, ceramic, and coated watches need extra care. No abrasives, no alcohol. They scratch easier than you think. For gold watches especially, gentle cleaning is key, no heavy rubbing, just soft swipes with the right tools. Ultrasonic cleaners? Use them only for bracelets, and only if you’ve confirmed your bracelet doesn’t have any glued-in links or fragile elements. And whatever you do, don’t try to clean the inside of your watch. That’s territory for professionals with the right gear, gloves, and a steady hand. Avoid using regular household soaps like hand soap or dish detergent, they’re often too harsh for luxury finishes and can leave residue. Stick with a pH-neutral cleaning solution or one made specifically for watches. These are gentle enough to protect your case and bracelet, while still doing the job.

Let’s Clean: How to clean your Watch?

Start by setting up your space. Lay down a soft towel, get your tools within reach, and, if you're confident, remove the strap or bracelet. That makes the job much easier and helps you get into those tighter areas.

Cleaning the Case

Rinse the case under lukewarm water, never hot! Hot water can soften or distort the gaskets, which increases the risk of moisture creeping into the case. Add a bit of pH-neutral cleaning solution to your soft brush and gently work around the lugs, crown, and bezel. Use slow, even strokes. Once you’ve gone over the case, rinse it again with care.

Cleaning the Bracelet

Metal bracelets are straightforward: the same brush-and-rinse routine applies. Just make sure to dry thoroughly afterward to prevent water spots or corrosion in the links. Compressed air can help blow out moisture from tight areas, like between the links or near the clasp.

Strap-Specific Tips

Each strap material needs its own approach, don’t treat them the same.

• Leather is delicate. Never soak it. Instead, wipe it gently with a damp cloth and use a leather-safe cleaner if needed. Let the air dry it naturally, away from heat or sunlight.
• Rubber is much more forgiving. A rinse and a quick wipe-down are usually all it needs.
• Fabric or NATO straps can often be hand-washed gently with mild soap, but always check for colorfastness first.

Crystal and Bezel

For the crystal, whether sapphire, mineral, or acrylic, use a clean microfiber cloth and a small amount of cleaning solution. Work in small circles using light pressure. That’s all it takes to get that polished look. Don’t forget the bezel, especially on dive watches. Dirt, salt, and sunscreen love to hide in the grooves. Use your soft brush to clean around the edges and knurling. Take your time here, particularly if the bezel rotates. Some bezels are tight and don’t react well to aggressive scrubbing. Dry everything down with a fresh microfiber cloth. Use compressed air for moisture in hard-to-reach spots, like between the lugs or inside the clasp. Make sure the entire watch is bone dry before strapping it back on. When it’s all clean, take a good look. The case should feel dry and smooth. No grime between links or under the bezel. The crystal should be streak-free and clear. If anything still feels greasy, sticky, or dull, it probably needs another pass.

Handle Vintage Pieces with Care

Vintage watches are a different breed, and honestly, one of our favourite kinds to work with. They’ve lived through years, maybe decades, and they carry every scuff and patina mark like a badge of honour. But that also means they need a gentler hand. Most vintage pieces aren’t water-resistant anymore. Their seals wear down, and cases loosen over time. If there’s any doubt about the condition, don’t risk it. Stick to dry methods: soft cloth, gentle wipe-down, and a bit of patience. If it needs more than that, let a trusted watchmaker step in. These watches have made it this far, let’s not cut their story short with a careless clean.

When Should I Hand It Over to a Professional?

There’s no shame in handing it over to a professional. In fact, it’s the smart move for anything vintage, high-value, or long overdue for a deep clean. Professional cleanings usually run from €50 to a few hundred depending on the watch, but they can prevent mistakes you’ll regret. And then there’s polishing and service. We get asked about it all the time. Sure, it can make your watch look brand new, but it also takes off a thin layer of metal. That can round edges, fade hallmarks, and affect value, especially on vintage or limited pieces. Personally? We like our watches with a few signs of life. If you do choose to polish, make sure it’s done by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.

And one more thing, if you’re cleaning a Rolex or any other luxury watch, you won’t void your warranty by doing a basic clean at home. But always check your warranty booklet or the brand’s care guide just to be sure. If in doubt, skip anything aggressive and leave it to the pros. A warranty won’t cover damage caused by a DIY deep clean gone wrong.

Why Watches Get Dirty (And That’s Okay)

Watches don’t just pick up dirt from the outside world. A lot of the grime comes from us, our skin oils, sweat, and even natural bacteria. That’s not a bad thing; in fact, these oils are part of what protects our skin. But over time, they build up in and around your watch, especially in the bracelet links or the underside of leather straps. That buildup can cause discoloration, odd smells, or even wear down materials if left unchecked. It’s totally normal, but it’s one more reason to give your watch a proper clean every now and then.

Aftercare: Store It Right

After a good clean, don’t just toss your watch back on the dresser. Keep it in a proper case, pouch, watch box or watch winder. Avoid sunlight, humidity, and wild temperature swings. Good storage keeps your watch looking clean, and running reliably, for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Watches don’t need pampering, but they do need care. A bit of regular cleaning, the right tools, and a gentle hand go a long way. We’ve handled everything from dive watches caked in sand to dress pieces with champagne stains. And every time, it’s worth it. So take your time. Trust your instincts. And if something feels off, ask a watchmaker. Clean your watch right, and it’ll keep ticking for years to come. Ready to give yours some care? Let’s get to it. Your watch, and every story behind it, deserves nothing less.