The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 30 June 2013, 04:49 AM   #1
LA_LEC
"TRF" Member
 
LA_LEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 1,793
Cleaning A Sub - What I do

I do not baby my sub...I wear it all the time as my daily. I do clean it and some might think that I am quite fanatical about cleaning my sub BUT it works for me, and take a mere 10 minutes a week to do!

I wash it once a week (under normal wear - more if needed because of an activity such as diving). I use mild dish soap. Not directly on the watch but a couple of drops in the hand...then lather up...THEN apply to the watch. I do not use a toothbrush or any brush...just fingers. I turn the bezel while soapy to get anything that might be lodged loose.

Next rinse under the tap with warm water until all soap is gone. Next I do a final rinse with distilled water...yes, distilled water as it has NO minerals so there is no accumulation of any residue (calcium often found in tap water which is what causes the white residue that builds up around your shower or sink). Just a quick rise is all that is needed.

Next, dry with a soft towel. Don't forget to pull out the divers extension to get dry under there. As for the bezel, I use canned air (the stuff you blow dust out of your keyboard) to blow the excess water out from under between the bezel and the actual case so it is not only clean but also dry.

I have done that for weekly for over a decade and my sub is as good as the day I bought it new!
__________________
1661016610LV214270 MK2
"Life is far too short not to wear a Rolex!"
LA_LEC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 05:21 AM   #2
boogiebot
"TRF" Member
 
boogiebot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: canada
Watch: me post!
Posts: 3,804
nothing wrong with keeping it clean
boogiebot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 06:02 AM   #3
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
I too work the soap in by hand rather than use a brush. I do like to give the bracelet an ultrasonic bath once or twice a year to get dirt and grit in the link pins/holes that is unreachable and just won't come loose any other way.
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 06:30 AM   #4
mjclark32
"TRF" Member
 
mjclark32's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: MJC
Location: PHL USA
Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP
Posts: 29,232
Lately I've just been using soap/water and a toothbrush in the shower. Quick and easy. I, too, wear my sub daily for everything. Some days it gets dirtier than others.
__________________
mjclark32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 06:49 AM   #5
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjclark32 View Post
Lately I've just been using soap/water and a toothbrush in the shower. Quick and easy. I, too, wear my sub daily for everything. Some days it gets dirtier than others.
You've got more courage than me, LOL. I've dropped too many bars of soap and bottles of shampoo in the shower to work that high without a net.
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 06:53 AM   #6
77T
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 42,024
A bit more than is really needed but if you like doing 500+ washings and have the spare time, more power to ya!
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:01 AM   #7
mmmmp
"TRF" Member
 
mmmmp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Mark P
Location: Toronto
Watch: SS Wimbledon DJ41
Posts: 2,046
Quote:
Originally Posted by T. Ferguson View Post
You've got more courage than me, LOL. I've dropped too many bars of soap and bottles of shampoo in the shower to work that high without a net.
Just put a towel / cloth in the sink. If it slips, damage will be minimal
Good luck.
mmmmp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:04 AM   #8
powerband
"TRF" Member
 
powerband's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: California
Posts: 289
Quote:
Originally Posted by LA_LEC View Post
I do not baby my sub...I wear it all the time as my daily. I do clean it and some might think that I am quite fanatical about cleaning my sub BUT it works for me, and take a mere 10 minutes a week to do!

I wash it once a week (under normal wear - more if needed because of an activity such as diving). I use mild dish soap. Not directly on the watch but a couple of drops in the hand...then lather up...THEN apply to the watch. I do not use a toothbrush or any brush...just fingers. I turn the bezel while soapy to get anything that might be lodged loose.

Next rinse under the tap with warm water until all soap is gone. Next I do a final rinse with distilled water...yes, distilled water as it has NO minerals so there is no accumulation of any residue (calcium often found in tap water which is what causes the white residue that builds up around your shower or sink). Just a quick rise is all that is needed.

Next, dry with a soft towel. Don't forget to pull out the divers extension to get dry under there. As for the bezel, I use canned air (the stuff you blow dust out of your keyboard) to blow the excess water out from under between the bezel and the actual case so it is not only clean but also dry.

I have done that for weekly for over a decade and my sub is as good as the day I bought it new!
My wife would accuse me of taking better care of my Sub than my baby.
powerband is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:10 AM   #9
AK797
2024 Pledge Member
 
AK797's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,369
I wash it once a week or so with fingers in the shower.
AK797 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:24 AM   #10
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmp View Post
Just put a towel / cloth in the sink. If it slips, damage will be minimal
Good luck.
Good idea, but I don't have a sink in my shower.

I usually wash mine in the kitchen sink. I fill it 1/2 way with water and there's a rubber coated grate on the bottom so should I drop my watch the water slows it's descent and it lands on the rubber grate and doesn't hit the porcelain bottom.
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:38 AM   #11
VICI
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: Alex
Location: Gotham City
Watch: IG: Mr_Right_NYC
Posts: 5,672
You could always use a power washer to get everything off ... lol

Just use Veraet - it's the best product for bringing a dirty watch to life. A couple of sprays, spread w fingers, rinse and dry.

Brand spankin' new.
VICI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:43 AM   #12
cop414
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
cop414's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Tim
Location: Pennsylvania
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 72,261
Usually once a week I'll give mine a good rinse with warm water, then a good scrubbing with a soft tooth brush and Dawn dish soap, rinse then a spray with Varaet, another scrub with the tooth brush, dry on a microfiber and done. I look at it as a labor of love and don't mind doing it at all.
__________________

Rolex Submariner 14060M
Omega Seamaster 2254.50
DOXA Professional 1200T

Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons
TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron
P Club Member #17
2 FA ENABLED
cop414 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:46 AM   #13
nauticajoe
"TRF" Member
 
nauticajoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Joe
Location: PA
Posts: 14,774
I place the liquid baby soap directly throughout the watch, then brush with warm water. All good!
nauticajoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 07:56 AM   #14
WatchWeb
"TRF" Member
 
WatchWeb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: John
Location: UK
Watch: GMT2C, Sub LVC
Posts: 798
Had my GMT from new last November. Haven't washed it yet. I will one day.
__________________
GMT2 Ceramic 2012. 2015 ”Hulk” Submariner. 2015 white dial 116520.
WatchWeb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 08:03 AM   #15
Urosfan
"TRF" Member
 
Urosfan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Watch: Me now
Posts: 19,372
I use varaet rinse with water then microfiber cloth and drying cloth then presto good as new
Urosfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 08:56 AM   #16
Grey.Coupe
"TRF" Member
 
Grey.Coupe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NC, USA
Posts: 555
Nailbrush, soap during shower...
Grey.Coupe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 09:44 AM   #17
Daytona-Dan
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Dan
Location: UK
Watch: 116528
Posts: 1,049
I use carb clean and a wire brush and then rinse it under boiling water direct from the kettle and then I dry it with sand paper. No dirt at all, anywhere!
Daytona-Dan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 10:02 AM   #18
Lion
"TRF" Member
 
Lion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Leo
Location: Midwest
Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI
Posts: 21,461
My intentions are to wash it on a weekly basis but of course that rarely materializes. But when I do I use mild dish soap, toothbrush and lukewarm water. Drying involves a cotton dish towel and replacement on my wrist...nothing fancy just a quick bath and it's good to go. I know many use and swear by Varaet and have heard nothing but excellent results but I'm sure my watch will out live me regardless of how I clean it and my son will be happy to get it irregardless of what I do now!!!

Take it easy.....Leo
__________________

SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#)
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!!
MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley
MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum
Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!
Lion is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 10:05 AM   #19
brkanand
2024 Pledge Member
 
brkanand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Real Name: DrK
Location: India
Watch: 4=YMDaytonaGMTHulk
Posts: 7,052
Simple and effective!
brkanand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 02:17 PM   #20
Marianoz
"TRF" Member
 
Marianoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 109
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tripsjohn View Post
Had my GMT from new last November. Haven't washed it yet. I will one day.
I got my Sub C ND also back in November and have not washed it either. Heard / read somewhere that showering and using strong detergents are not good for the seals.
Marianoz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 04:52 PM   #21
LA_LEC
"TRF" Member
 
LA_LEC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 1,793
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marianoz View Post
I got my Sub C ND also back in November and have not washed it either. Heard / read somewhere that showering and using strong detergents are not good for the seals.
It should be pointed out that many members wear their watches in the shower and have done so for years with no ill effects so I would not worry about a little mild soap weekly to get rid of the sweat and oil you get on your wAtch with daily wear.
__________________
1661016610LV214270 MK2
"Life is far too short not to wear a Rolex!"
LA_LEC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 05:21 PM   #22
at7724
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Home!
Posts: 148
Wear mine 24/7. So it gets cleaned as I shower. I dry it off with soft cloth.
at7724 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 05:38 PM   #23
Rolex_Bob
"TRF" Member
 
Rolex_Bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Real Name: Bob
Location: Australia
Watch: 18k GMT Master II
Posts: 222
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grey.Coupe View Post
Nailbrush, soap during shower...
Yep..... Me too but I use a dedicated soft tooth brush.

My wife wonders what I do in the shower for that long.

Bob.
Rolex_Bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 10:51 PM   #24
landroverking
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Jay
Location: TEXAS
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 7,648
Nothing wrong with taking a shower with it.
Old Rolex booklets use to state "give it a bath with warm soapy water"
Or something like that.
landroverking is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 10:59 PM   #25
Grumpy Badger
"TRF" Member
 
Grumpy Badger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: Mark
Location: Bonny Scotland
Watch: 14060M Sub (cosc)
Posts: 5,280
Two "how I clean my watch threads" back to back...

Like I just said in Rashid's Deepsea thread I chucked my sub in the dishwasher a few months ago when it got covered in oil.
Probably not recommend but it certainly worked and she hasn't missed a beat.
__________________
Don't mind me. I'm full of scotch, bitterness and impure thoughts!

"You have enemies? Good! That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS.
Grumpy Badger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 11:06 PM   #26
Billywiz
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: John
Location: Florida
Watch: YG President
Posts: 2,090
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daytona-Dan View Post
I use carb clean and a wire brush and then rinse it under boiling water direct from the kettle and then I dry it with sand paper. No dirt at all, anywhere!
LOL...seriously...I wash t least once a week...rinse under running water then use Veraet with a tooth brush. Veraet is stunning stuff...leaves your watch sparkling like new I swear by it.
Billywiz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 11:23 PM   #27
Nycturbovr6
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 7,630
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daytona-Dan View Post
I use carb clean and a wire brush and then rinse it under boiling water direct from the kettle and then I dry it with sand paper. No dirt at all, anywhere!

Engine bay cleaner or alloy wheel cleaners work well also
Nycturbovr6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 June 2013, 11:58 PM   #28
jimbones43
"TRF" Member
 
jimbones43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Real Name: Jim
Location: Earth
Posts: 1,067
Just rinse mine once in a while
Just water
Towel dry
jimbones43 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2013, 12:14 AM   #29
SUBversive
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: ri
Watch: Sun Dial
Posts: 14,346
Don't think I really got the rinsing after Veraet use. I know it says that on the bottle but I took it to be a spray on wipe off situation.
SUBversive is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 July 2013, 12:32 AM   #30
Billywiz
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: John
Location: Florida
Watch: YG President
Posts: 2,090
Quote:
Originally Posted by SUBversive View Post
Don't think I really got the rinsing after Veraet use. I know it says that on the bottle but I took it to be a spray on wipe off situation.
ummm...I'll try it...just seemed natural to do it after brushing.
Billywiz is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.