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jackteet

external cleaning of a vintage watch

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jackteet

Hi, I have just purchased off ebay a 1950`s gold filled Walthem watch. I have got some Polywatch to remove scratches from the crystlal. There are a couple of places where the plate has rubbed so I want to be very careful when cleaning/polishing the watch case not to remove any more gold.

Firstly I shall clean the case with a cotton bud dipped in a  mild washing up liquid. I am not sure what to use to polish that will not remove plating. I am considering toothpaste, cigarette ash and gold wadding. I would really appreciate opinions please. TIA. jack

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Faker

Cleaning or refinishing?  
 

if cleaning, and you know how to disassemble, I would disassemble and put the case in a sonic cleaner with a light detergent. 
 

make sure to dry it completely before putting everything back together. 

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jackteet

Hi Faker, Thanks for coming back. I have no idea how to strip a watch down so I need to clean with everything in situ. jack

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Faker

Post a pic of the watch. … really boils down to how dirty/scratched up she is. 
 

it will be a balance between shining her up while maintaining the plating. I prefer watches with patina and character… 

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