Cleaning watch parts….what’s the best way?

[FinanceProf]

I’ve been watching the watch revival guy on YouTube who disassembles, services, and reassembles various watches on video for his viewers.

His parts cleaning machine is a vintage machine that spins the parts in a jar of cleaning solution followed by a couple jars of rinse solution, then finally a dryer. I think L&R was the manufacturer?

He mentioned that there isn’t a modern day equivalent to that machine.

What are current watchmakers using to clean parts? Ultrasound? Something else? Is there a brand and model you can recommend for a couple guys setting up a small hobby watchmaking shop in the garage?

Thanks!

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by FinanceProf

What are current watchmakers using to clean parts? Ultrasound? Something else?

This is the only part of your post that I can answer. A great workhorse cleaning machine, the machine that my shop has, and the one I most commonly see in other shops, is the Greiner ACS 900.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Pepperjack

This is the only part of your post that I can answer. A great workhorse cleaning machine, the machine that my shop has, and the one I most commonly see in other shops, is the Greiner ACS 900.

That is certainly the top tier machine especially for a high volume shop. But this Lititz Machines is as effective at cleaning - just not as automated nor high volume. Few folks need to clean up to 15 movements at one swipe and about half the price.

https://www.jewelerssupplies.com/fre...r-details.html


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[77T]

Originally Posted by FinanceProf

I think L&R was the manufacturer?

He mentioned that there isn’t a modern day equivalent to that machine.

Does it look like this?



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[SearChart]

Get an old Elma, 3 pots and a dryer. Most of the Greiner machines are quite expensive, even second hand.

L&R makes cleaning and rinsing solutions, those are great.

[Rolex tom]

My work uses an Elma Solvex VA, very expensive though and to be honest not as reliable as one might hope. The cheaper Elma machines are probably just as good. The Greiner mentioned above is a brilliant machine and virtually bomb proof.

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by Pepperjack

This is the only part of your post that I can answer. A great workhorse cleaning machine, the machine that my shop has, and the one I most commonly see in other shops, is the Greiner ACS 900.

We’re just a couple guys doing this as a hobby.

We’re looking for something much cheaper.

The old vintage L&R machines are on eBay but they look pretty rough due to their age.

What is available today that would be just one step more automated than a jar of lighter fluid and a small brush?

[FinanceProf]

Originally Posted by 77T

Does it look like this?



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Exactly. Is there a new equivalent to that Machine?

Basic, sturdy, and cheap. No bells and whistles.

[77T]

Not really a modern equivalent that meets the economic criteria.

But if you and your partner are mechanically inclined, there are several to be found on eBay by searching “L R Watch Cleaning Machine”.

They are working models but you’ll bear the maintenance load. One seller also has parts that are most likely to wear out.

Otherwise, modern equivalents (or even better ones) are not cheap. I’d also lean towards what Bas recommended if you don’t want very old equipment.


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