Ultrasonic Cleaner - if unsafe, why does John Brozek say it's safe?

[SLR]

I'm lazy when it comes to cleaning my watch. I don't feel like using a toothbrush or paintbrush or anything. I'd rather stick it in a cleaner and be done with it. BUT ONLY IF IT'S SAFE.

This link has a bunch of posts that say it's unsafe for the seals or movement or whatever reason...
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=12535

So why does John Brozek advertise the GemOro "Sparkle Spa" Personal Ultrasonic Cleaner on QualityTymeAuctions on Ebay or on his own site?

"Description: GemOro "Sparkle Spa" Personal Ultrasonic Cleaner.
* Great for cleaning Jewelry, Watches, Bracelets, Small Tools, Eye Glasses, and more! "

I'd love to use this, but only if it's safe - anyone know for sure?

[Incurable]

I would never use an ultrasonic cleaner on my entire watch. Generally, the unspoken caveat is it's used for the bracelet only.

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by Incurable

I would never use an ultrasonic cleaner on my entire watch. Generally, the unspoken caveat is it's used for the bracelet only.

Exactly, it is safe to use if you remove the bracelet of the watch! You should never put the watch case, with the movement inside in an ultrasonic cleaner while it's vibrating!

[ohlins]

haha yeah....suitable for a disassembled watch only....:)

[Chris B]

RSC used a sonic cleaner on the entire watch when they changed my GMT bezel insert

[EvEr34]

AD offered to put one of mine in an ultrasonic cleaner. I declined the offer but he says he has been doing this on his own watches for ages.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I will stick to what Rolex recommends: washing my Rolex watches in MILD handwashing soap and lukewarm water!

[mike]

X2 on the bracelet. Not the case!

[SLR]

Ok, I've got every reason to believe that you guys know best! I will NOT use it on the case. Thanks for the opinions - I'd hate to destroy my rolexes.

[Incurable]

I don't know... Think about it, dropping the whole watch in would create a few situations. One, make sure the case isn't sitting directly on the metal tub. You would want to use the plastic basket (or similar) for sure. The vibration between the case and whatever it was touching would/could abrade the watch wherever it was contacting. Wherever it was contacting, it would need to be soft. Second, I can't help but feel the ultrasonic action would cause the oils to migrate to places they wouldn't normally. It might take a few sessions but eventually, it's possible to have less than the needed amount in the places it's needed most. Third would be the seals. This would put a very uncharacteristic stress on them. The ultrasonic effect on the cleaning solution's surface tension is questionable when considering your watches seals. At the surface, it atomizes to micro-fine droplets much smaller than ordinarily possible. This is not my area of expertise but... I can say if there is an effect, it is in the wrong direction when it comes to seal integrity. Lastly, the wear to contact points including pintles and jewels is going to be much higher than encountered in normal wear. Any micro-tolerances are going to be slamming against each other due to dissonant harmonics caused by the different masses of the various parts. This is, in part, how the ultrasonic cleaner works. It shakes things off because they can't hang on under those conditions. Now think about your oils in that light

All things considered, a little mild soap and a used toothbrush now and again doesn't seem like too much trouble to me.

[Val]

"Second, I can't help but feel the ultrasonic action would cause the oils to migrate to places they wouldn't normally. It might take a few sessions but eventually, it's possible to have less than the needed amount in the places it's needed most."

The last time I spoke with my watchmaker (Rolex Qualified) he basically said the same thing. This is the way I clean most watches... Remove bracelet, place bracelet in ultrasonic, dip toothbrush in ultrasonic solution, and lightly brush watch case. Then simply rinse with water and dry. It literally takes a couple minutes. (ensure that the crown is screwed down before brushing.)

[krlyuzh]

It is completely safe to clean your BRACELET in ultrasonic. Simply hold the watch by its case and dip it in. However, the vibrations may and may not disrupt the mechanism if you dip the case in there. That is the only way i clean customer's Rolex at the store, then just use a brush for the case.

[txrob779]

Originally Posted by kirill

It is completely safe to clean your BRACELET in ultrasonic. Simply hold the watch by its case and dip it in. However, the vibrations may and may not disrupt the mechanism if you dip the case in there. That is the only way i clean customer's Rolex at the store, then just use a brush for the case.

Agreed, I occasionally do the same thing. Dangle the bracelt in my ultrasonic machine and hold onto the case for 30 seconds. Everyonce in a while it is not going to cause the movement to freak out. These kind of questions ar subjective you know. Like asking about showering with a Rolex or sleeping with one etc. A million opinions.

[Val]

I guess I'll say it once more for clarification...
It is not advisable that you "dangle" the bracelet in the ultrasonic while it is "still attached" to the case. The bracelet must be removed! The ultra high frequency vibrations will travel into the case via the bracelet. Again this is coming from a watchmaker with over 20 years experience and has been trained by Rolex extensively. Why would want to subject your precision timepiece to unnecessary wear and tear? Just take the extra minute to remove the bracelet, besides, this way you can also clean the grime from between the lugs and from the end links.