jackteet 0 Posted February 15, 2022 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faker 51 Posted February 15, 2022 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackteet 0 Posted February 16, 2022 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faker 51 Posted February 16, 2022 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… Share this post Link to post Share on other sites