Cleaning my Rolex

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Welcome! Just to give you some FYI. The protective stickers on a new Rolex are there primarily to keep the watch from scratches and scuffs when being tried on by people in the AD. They are not intended to stay on the watch after sale to the customer. Sure it is a ritual for many to bring their new watch home and peel them all off themselves. But leaving them on does more harm than good. They harbor dirt and bacteria and the finish of your new watch can actually get messed up worse than if you removed them all in the first place. This is why some are flaming you. It is your watch to do what you wish, but those stickers should be removed if you wish to wear and clean the watch regularly.

Awesome! Thank you very much for the information! What I joined this forum for in the first place. Other posters can learn a lot from you.

This is valid information I did not know or realize, thanks again

[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.

[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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[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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[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

[mmmmp]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

Only this can save you

Well, half the title is accurate!

I maintain, it's a ridiculous question and the replies have been more jokes than harsh words. How, on God's green earth, can someone wear, let alone be proud and *seek* expert advice on the best way to CONTINUE to wear a beautiful Rolex with sickening stickers all over it consider that normal? Then, a little helping of truth comes his way and he's crying *we're* having a '***** Friday in gutteral language.

For a relatively new member, posting an *extremely* unusual question and getting rattled by a few jokey replies is rather, well, silly. I think a Rolex watch, like any fine machine, car, or any other piece of art should be treated with respect. Leaving grungy, dirty - soon to be filthy - plastic stickers on it doesn't fit my idea of respect. Whatever....

Do as you please, but my opinion is as valid as anyone's, so respect that my friend.

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[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[IsaakZ]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

Well, half the title is accurate!

I maintain, it's a ridiculous question and the replies have been more jokes than harsh words. How, on God's green earth, can someone wear, let alone be proud and *seek* expert advice on the best way to CONTINUE to wear a beautiful Rolex with sickening stickers all over it consider that normal? Then, a little helping of truth comes his way and he's crying *we're* having a '***** Friday in gutteral language.

For a relatively new member, posting an *extremely* unusual question and getting rattled by a few jokey replies is rather, well, silly. I think a Rolex watch, like any fine machine, car, or any other piece of art should be treated with respect. Leaving grungy, dirty - soon to be filthy - plastic stickers on it doesn't fit my idea of respect. Whatever....

Do as you please, but my opinion is as valid as anyone's, so respect that my friend.

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I respect your opinion. As I do everyones. But I asked a question as I’m new to this. I was told by some older collectors that keeping stickers on keeps the value aswell as many other things. Main reason I ask these questions is to learn new things from experts such as yourself.

I definetely was not rattled but felt as if my question was valid. It just seems most people got offended by my question as if it’s their watch.

I literally laughed at most responses anyway as I always do because it’s funny. I’m sure many people have had the same question and were embarrassed to ask as they probably would’ve gotten punked like me, but hey at the end of the day I got the answer I was looking for.

Just take the stickers off and clean that BIT*H off.

[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?

[Fredcohiba]

So I would get rid of the stickers because they house the previous owners foibles etc... Then use blue Dawn, warm water and a soft tooth brush and do a good cleaning. Enjoy your new watch...

[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.

[AAK_JR]

I service my Explorer II every 5-6 years by my Rolex AD. The oils inside break down and this can be felt when winding it. Also they can check all the seals etc. It’s being serviced now and they suggested to replace the crown and stem because it was not smooth while screwing down the crown. My Polar is 20 years old bought new.

[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.

[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.

[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

[iheartrolexx]

googone

[Dr. Robert]

You people are so fussy with this cleaning thing......a quick lick of the crystal & case, wipe with t shirt & voila good to go.

[LandWatch]

My father bought a datejust in the early 70s when I was a baby and as far as I know it’s the only watch he’s ever owned or worn since. Every day. Doing everything in life. He washes it occasionally, it’s been serviced a couple of times. He generally looks after it, but not obsessively. It looks great, works perfectly.

Why do I say this? You need to get over this nonsensical sticker thing, wear the watch as any other, wash it occasionally in soapy water, just as Rolex advise in the booklet. It’s a wristwatch, to be worn daily, to tell the time. Please, for your own sanity, treat it as such!