Cleaning my Rolex

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

When you take the watch to Rolex, they might take the stickers off to clean it. So either make sure that you mention that you don't want them to, or take them off yourself.

That’s what I meant by taking to RSC that way they can take the stickers off and essentially make the watch brand spanking new including a service.

I’m not sure if 6 years is time for a service I’ve heard 10 years is when the service is supposed to be done.

When I first got it authenticated they had mentioned they can clean it and polish it no charge. But it would take some time so I declined because I wanted to start wearing it right away.

But now that seems like the best option

Thanks for the response!

[Monty22]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

You’re late to the party. But good one.



I’ll just take the watch to Rolex and let them professionally clean and service the watch. Thanks to a few good users I got the answer I was looking for.



Internet Bullies everywhere must’ve not gotten action from their wives or partners.



Did get a few laughs though.



There’s a saying if you ain’t got nothing nice to say, than don’t say NOTHING.



Clown show over folks you can all get back to your wonderful lives now.

Wow. Disagreement does not equal anger


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[JodyHighroller]

They don't mean harm. Some on here are just a bit confused why you're wanting to keep stickers on a second hand watch. Who knows what the watch has been through with the original owner. Plus, there isn't much history with those stickers since you just purchased it. Most "normal" people remove stickers immediately at purchase or a few days later after wearing. Very few actually leave them on for multiple years if they haven't already fallen off.

The only true way to get a proper cleaning is to remove all the old stickers and go over it with your favorite soap solution and brush (if needed). Seems a bit excessive to have the RSC do it being you don't need a full service. Just FYI, they will peel off the stickers if you ask them to clean the watch.

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by JodyHighroller

They don't mean harm. Some on here are just a bit confused why you're wanting to keep stickers on a second hand watch. Who knows what the watch has been through with the original owner. Plus, there isn't much history with those stickers since you just purchased it. Most "normal" people remove stickers immediately at purchase or a few days later after wearing. Very few actually leave them on for multiple years if they haven't already fallen off.

The only true way to get a proper cleaning is to remove all the old stickers and go over it with your favorite soap solution and brush (if needed). Seems a bit excessive to have the RSC do it being you don't need a full service. Just FYI, they will peel off the stickers if you ask them to clean the watch.

Yeah I realized I’m not upset at all lol you’re right most normal people wear their watches with stickers removed. I liked the fact that it’s older and had the stickers on, also I believed in the “they’ll fall off when it’s time” theory.

I know a lot of people who wear their watches with stickers on (before the new policy kicked in) but they purchased them brand new.

So to answer my other question when is time to service? Would it be anytime soon if so I will wait to get it done professionally.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

So to answer my other question when is time to service?

Typically 10 years or if an issue arises.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

Would it be anytime soon if so I will wait to get it done professionally.

Service your watch when it stops working as advertised. Your watch could easily work just fine for 20 years plus with no service. (Some may say that a service for your watch is preventative maintenance, like oiling your car. The cost of replacing worn parts in a watch movement is small and these parts should be replaced anyway, so I don't agree, watch and car service are not similar.)

Get it done by Rolex, and don't get conned by ADs who claim they are sending your watch to a Rolex service when they are in fact doing the service themselves. Also, think long and hard about whether you want your watch polished when it is serviced. If you decide that it should not be polished, then make this crystal clear.

[Bizcut1]

OP, this is perfect timing for a discussion we are having in the "Open Discussion" area...I am sorry for your frustration...

Have a read:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=692741

Good luck and do what you want with what is yours...

[sillo]

We've officially jumped the shark on TRF

[burnthesehills]

You just haven’t been around long enough to realize that the whole stickers on a watch is a controversial subject around here. One that has been completely beaten to death, but keeps popping up.

So you unknowingly walked into the line of fire. I can assure you, it’s nothing against you personally.

To answer your question, I’m not certain you can thoroughly clean a watch that still has stickers on it. But generally speaking, some dawn dishwashing detergent diluted with water is one of the best ways. You also want to get a soft bristled brush, preferably one meant for watch cleaning. Wash with soap and warm water. Use the brush to scrub clean. Try to get into the crevices and in between the links. Thoroughly rinse. Dry with a microfiber cloth. And let air dry.

I don’t personally believe that you need an ultrasonic cleaner. As noted previously, you would need to remove the bracelet from the head of the watch. Many around here have been using the Dawn method for decades with good results.

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by burnthesehills

You just haven’t been around long enough to realize that the whole stickers on a watch is a controversial subject around here. One that has been completely beaten to death, but keeps popping up.

So you unknowingly walked into the line of fire. I can assure you, it’s nothing against you personally.

To answer your question, I’m not certain you can thoroughly clean a watch that still has stickers on it. But generally speaking, some dawn dishwashing detergent diluted with water is one of the best ways. You also want to get a soft bristled brush, preferably one meant for watch cleaning. Wash with soap and warm water. Use the brush to scrub clean. Try to get into the crevices and in between the links. Thoroughly rinse. Dry with a microfiber cloth. And let air dry.

I don’t personally believe that you need an ultrasonic cleaner. As noted previously, you would need to remove the bracelet from the head of the watch. Many around here have been using the Dawn method for decades with good results.

Amen I’ve recently seen the sticker bashing after I posted this lol.

I’ve learned my lesson on stickers that’s for sure.

Thanks everyone, plan on washing the watch later today I’ll post before and after pictures for sure

[Cesium137]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

Amen I’ve recently seen the sticker bashing after I posted this lol.

I’ve learned my lesson on stickers that’s for sure.

Thanks everyone, plan on washing the watch later today I’ll post before and after pictures for sure

I actually learned a couple of things from the thread. Keep in mind, though some are helpful, many on the forum enjoy judging. Personally I could careless if you keep the stickers, take them off, chew on them or wear the same underwear for 6 straight days. Whatever floats your boat, rock on. Thanks for the thread because there were a couple of pearls of wisdom.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Cesium137

I actually learned a couple of things from the thread. Keep in mind, though some are helpful, many on the forum enjoy judging. Personally I could careless if you keep the stickers, take them off, chew on them or wear the same underwear for 6 straight days. Whatever floats your boat, rock on. Thanks for the thread because there were a couple of pearls of wisdom.

i think its acceptable to wear clasp stickers for up to two weeks.

I always smash my watch on something when its brand new then i never seem to do it again.

Cant bring myself to keep any stickers visible to anyone else on though. its a bridge too far.


Thats my rule. works well although i do usually take all the stickers off right away, but i kept the clasp ones on the pt daytona the two weeks

[4 Aussies]

Wife surprised me with a WristClean collector watch care kit, includes the mat.
Highly recommended!! First class company!!!

[shaunylw]

This thread has been very gentle in comparison.

The stickers are the equivalent to the paper mats that come in new cars. It’s fine if you want to leave them on, but they are not meant to be there long term. Eventually, they will get really dirty and start to peel. Every time you shower in it or clean it, they will degrade. If you like the stickers, i would peel them all, clean the watch, then apply a new set from whatever the company is that sells them now.




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[maxymax]

OP, frankly, taking the watch to RSC is not needed if you just want a clean watch. As suggested by others already, just take off the stickers (main cause for dirt to collect), give it a bath with gentle soap and a soft brush (may be 'soft' toothbrush). That's all needed to keep a Rolex clean and shiny! Do post 'after' pics!

[marnii]

to use ultrasonic, you need remove watch head, water is not concern, vibration is

[Vicente]

Rolex service center or AD ( who have the equipment ) offers complimentary STEAM cleaning , just bring it and they will gladly do it

[Psijason]

I use warm water, Dawn, and a toothbrush on my Sub and it does a fantastic job.

[Seibei]

I use the dishwasher.

[SearChart]

So you have stickers, dirt build-up and don't want to wash your watch?

Poor watchmaker in the future has another gross watch to deal with

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by SearChart

So you have stickers, dirt build-up and don't want to wash your watch?

Poor watchmaker in the future has another gross watch to deal with

The whole post was asking how to clean the watch. If you’re gonna reply atleast read the post.

I asked what’s the best way to clean my Rolex. Now I know stickers should be removed and watch thoroughly cleaned.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

The whole post was asking how to clean the watch. If you’re gonna reply atleast read the post.

I asked what’s the best way to clean my Rolex. Now I know stickers should be removed and watch thoroughly cleaned.

There is a booklet in your box that tells you to wash it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SearChart

So you have stickers, dirt build-up and don't want to wash your watch?

Poor watchmaker in the future has another gross watch to deal with

Lucky guy like you

[Syed117]

Disgusting on so many levels.

Stickers on a worn watch are history. Right. At least that's something new.

With that said, I'm going to go ahead and assume this is a troll post. Too convenient of a topic and so far beyond what the normal tasteless sticker threads tend to be about.

"A" for effort I guess.

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Disgusting on so many levels.

Stickers on a worn watch are history. Right. At least that's something new.

With that said, I'm going to go ahead and assume this is a troll post. Too convenient of a topic and so far beyond what the normal tasteless sticker threads tend to be about.

"A" for effort I guess.

Genuinely not a troll post, sorry if I upset you in anyway.

Anyways will be posting after pics of the watch once I clean it.

A better question now is:

Should I as a rookie clean my watch or send it to a professional?

[Muxi]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

Genuinely not a troll post, sorry if I upset you in anyway.

Anyways will be posting after pics of the watch once I clean it.

A better question now is:

Should I as a rookie clean my watch or send it to a professional?

Just remove the stickers and clean it with dishwashing soap. Or don’t take out the stickers and clean it with dishwashing soap. No need for professional cleaning or RSC service if it is running COSC specs.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by IsaakZ

Genuinely not a troll post, sorry if I upset you in anyway.

Anyways will be posting after pics of the watch once I clean it.

A better question now is:

Should I as a rookie clean my watch or send it to a professional?

Clean it your self.

[nighthawk77]

You could always add more stickers to the watch. The new stickers would be clean, and you would preserve the history of the old stickers below...

Just kidding - each to their own and if you want to keep them on that's your decision. Personally I wouldn't, and as others have said, they're meant to be taken off. They will gather bacteria, and in the long run could show alternating signs of wear between 'stickered' and 'non-stickered' areas - eg the clasp which may pick up scratches.

Warm soapy water and a toothbrush will do fine to clean, but will probably cause the stickers to fall off. As for servicing, it depends on the age of the watch. My new watch has a 10 year service interval, but I'm not sure how long this is on older models.

[Muxi]

The grime that accumulates underneath the sticker will scratch up the watch eventually just like those early cases for ipods. My first ipod i immediately bought a case and kept it inside. It totally ruined the experience of watching videos and all and when I finally took it out the ipod was all scratched up from the dirt underneath.

[lamnyc]

When the sticker does falls off. There will a circle ring left behind. This is cause by the bacteria around the sticker eating the metal. It will be harder to get out without polishing it.