I have a Howard movement with gilt plates that I just bought. The top plate is dirty with finger prints. Any ideas on how to spot clean the plate without having to pull the whole movement apart?

Hi Bruce, I hope someone else will have a better answer than mine, but I once did this with a cotton ball damp with kerosene. Probably not a good method, but it did work.I held the movement upside down so the kerosene wouldn't spread into the jewels, and I wiped it dry right away.Of course, this was just a common low grade Waltham I tried it on, not a valuable Howard!Best regards, Ted.

Hi Bruce, Bergeon Rodico is good for spot cleaning. it will pick up most things. but to get rid of the acid you can get in finger prints. Naphtha has worked well for me. a little on a soft cloth. or even better is a cloth for cleaning camera lens. "no lint". dab the surface first to pick up any dust. then use a clean spot on the cloth to wipe the finger prints off. you just don't want to have any dust scratch the surface of the plate. if you plan on using the watch please stay away from the jewels, as it will pick up the oil from there also.
If the finger prints don't come off right away, don't keep rubbing trying to get them out or you will just end up with a shiny spot with finger prints in it. Soft and gentle.
if the finger prints have been on there a long time and had a chance to eat its way into the metal. there's not much you can do.
Best regards Doug.

Bruce, I have some naptha in the shop. Bring it over and we can try that.