I know there are several ways to clean a watch movement, but I wonder what the Chapter 185 members prefer, Ultrasonic Cleaning, L&R Cleaning Machine, or Hand Cleaning? Thanks

For me, simple hand cleaning. One covered cleaning cup for the watch cleaner and three separate ones for rinses. Takes time, but works for me since I'm not doing large quantities.

Mike Miller
NAWCC Member# 154831
NAWCC-IHC Charter Member# 27

I do 'em like Mike. By hand works for me due to very low volume.

Aaron Bereiter
NAWCC# 156432
Chapter 185 Charter #55
Chapter 185 Finance VP
God bless America

I don't think the cleaning method is as important as the preparation. Removing all the cap jewels, pegging the jewel holes, inspection of all of the gear teeth and pinion leaves all have more bearing on the final result than whether you use a cleaning machine or clean by hand. One of the main reasons why ultrasonics became popular commercially is that watches could be 'cleaned' without full disassembly, and that a final rinse of plastic lubricant would place oil everywhere it was needed. It may work fine for modern wristwatch size movements, but in my experience it doesn't do a satisfactory job on larger movements or any vintage or antique movement.

Ed Ueberall
NAWCC #49688
IHC #34
http://members.aol.com/stdwatch/

I have a mechanical and a ultrasonic cleaner.I also do the gilt movements by hand.Ultrasonics have their place in cleaning and i use my mechanical machine a fair bit.
The ultrsonic machine could be very good for cleaning small tools.

Kevin "Veritas" West

I mainly use the L&R cleaning machine. Sometimes I use the ultrasonic machine. It depends on what I'm working on.
Brian C.

pwpartsetc@pwatch.com

As I've said before, ultrasonic machines are fine for some things, but more than anything else, it's the cleaning solution itself that does the work. Those who don't believe it should try cleaning something in an ultrasonic machine with pure water.

With any type of cleaner or cleaning process, the degree of success is determined primarily by two factors: the type and quality of the cleaning solution, and the degree of thoroughness with which the rinsing operations are performed. It cannot be overstated that ALL cleaning fluids must be rinsed VERY thoroughly.

I use both an ultrasonic and a spinning-type machine, but if I could use ONLY one type or the other, I'd pick the spinning-type without the slightest hesitation.

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Steve Maddox
Past President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas
IHC Charter Member 49

Me too Steve. Love my L&R 3 jar machine.
Brian C.

pwpartsetc@pwatch.com