How to Clean Your Rolex Watch
In general, Rolex watches require very little user upkeep. If your power runs down after a couple days, set the time, give it about 20 winds of the crown, and you’re ready to head out. Here at Everest, we get a lot of questions on how to clean your Rolex or other luxury watch. This can be done once and week, once a month, or once a quarter depending on your tolerances for a smudgy or not-as-shiny watch.
Washing a Rolex can be somewhat simple. Since most models have screwdown crowns, just make sure your crown is screwed down. Rolex crown-to-thread interfaces are known to be very smooth, so don’t worry about screwing down your crown securely. Don’t tighten the crown down too hard, just enough to where you feel a natural stop.
Rolex Batman GMT on Everest Cleaning Cloth
Next you want to use a very soft toothbrush dipped into a some diluted dishwashing detergent. Apply the detergent to your watch. You could also use your hands to apply the soapy mixture, whatever makes your feel most comfortable so that you don’t drop your watch.
You don’t need a lot of soap at all to get a nice cleaning. Err on the side of less. Use the toothbrush to gently scrub your watch, paying special attention to the hard-to-reach areas and the spaces within your metal bracelet.
You can rinse the whole watch with lukewarm water and dry it with a watch cloth like the Everest version or a soft microfiber cloth used to wipe down instruments such as computer screens. Your watch will sparkle nicely.
One of the best things about Rolex watches is the 904L steel used retains a very sharp look even if you have accumulated some scratches or even dings. Don’t worry about them at all. If you want your finish restored to its original luster, just be patient and wait for the time when your watch is due for service, which is about every 5 years or 10 for some modern Rolex movement recommendations.
Don’t be tempted by cleaning cloths dipped in abrasives or try to refinish your bracelet with a ScotchBrite pad following a YouTube tutorial. Your self-care may turn out fine, but why not just live with the imperfections and allow a trained professional with the right equipment to carefully restore your factory finish?
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