Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is one of the most effective watch maintenance procedures available today. Using high-frequency sound waves (typically 40kHz) propagated through a specialised aqueous cleaning solution, ultrasonic cleaning removes contaminants — old lubricants, skin oils, salt, oxidation, and skin cells — from surfaces that manual cleaning simply cannot reach. For watch movements, this is essential: a single grain of dust or a fingerprint inside a watch movement can dramatically reduce its accuracy and longevity.

At DeChronos, ultrasonic cleaning is part of every full service (we use it to clean disassembled movement parts before reassembly) and is offered as a standalone service for watch cases, bracelets, and clasps. Our professional-grade ultrasonic baths use aqueous solutions specifically formulated for horological use — not the harsher solvents that can damage gaskets or strip anti-reflective coatings.

How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works

The process relies on cavitation — the formation and collapse of microscopic vapour bubbles in a liquid under high-frequency sound pressure. Each bubble collapse creates a tiny but intense jet of liquid that dislodges contaminants from surfaces. In a disassembled movement, this jet reaches:

• The spaces between gear teeth
• The recesses of the mainspring barrel
• The pivots and jewels of the going train
• The under-surfaces of bridges and cocks
• The intricate contours of the escapement

The cleaning solution is heated to 40-60°C to enhance cavitation and dissolve oils and grease. After cleaning, parts are rinsed in a separate bath with deionised water, dried under vacuum or in a controlled-temperature oven, and inspected under microscope before reassembly.

When to Ultrasonic Clean Your Watch

• As part of every full service/overhaul — ultrasonic is essential during overhaul
• Before a strap or bracelet service — clean bracelet before sizing
• After exposure to sweat, salt water, sand, or chemicals — particularly important for dive watches
• When your bracelet or case looks dull or grimy — visible dirt often hides in bracelet links, end-links, and clasp mechanisms
• As part of annual maintenance — we recommend a basic case-and-bracelet ultrasonic cleaning every 12 months
• Before a sale or resale — a freshly ultrasonic-cleaned watch presents far better
• After work in dusty or dirty environments — cleaning prevents grit from working into bracelet gaps

What We Ultrasonic Clean

• Watch bracelets — stainless steel, two-tone, gold, titanium
• Watch cases — exterior cleaning (interior cleaning requires disassembly)
• Movement parts — disassembled bridges, plates, wheels, springs (as part of overhaul)
• Clasps and deployant buckles — including inner mechanisms
• Bezel inserts — ceramic and aluminium bezel inserts
• Crowns and stem assemblies — under safe conditions
• End-links and bracelet pins — often the dirtiest parts of a watch

What We Do Not Ultrasonic Clean

• Sealed or vintage components — without prior assessment
• Anti-reflective coated crystals — unless using AR-safe solution
• Leather straps — these require specialised leather cleaning
• Luminous material — older radium lume can be hazardous
• Damaged or corroded parts — these need replacement, not cleaning

Our Equipment and Process

We use three bench-top ultrasonic cleaners ranging from 3L to 9L capacity, each calibrated for specific cleaning tasks. Movement cleaning uses a designated small bath to avoid cross-contamination; bracelet and case cleaning uses larger baths with stage-specific solutions (alkaline wash → rinse → deionised rinse → drying).

All cleaning solutions are aqueous, biodegradable, and specifically formulated for watchmaking. We do not use harsh solvents like acetone or trichloroethylene, which can damage gaskets, dials, and certain metal alloys.

Pricing

Ultrasonic cleaning starts from RM 80 for case and bracelet (standalone, no movement service). Cleaning as part of a full overhaul is included in the overhaul price. Stainless steel bracelet heavy-cleaning with bracelet disassembly starts from RM 150. Two-tone or gold bracelet cleaning from RM 200. Watch case exterior cleaning only from RM 50.

Turnaround time for standalone cleaning: same day to 1 working day. Most bracelet-only cleaning can be done while you wait.

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