Watch Cleaning: Your Options Explained

We're often asked if we can "just give it a quick clean."

And we'd love to, if only it were that easy!

If we clean a watch properly, with care and using the appropriate methods, it takes a little longer than "quick".

So let's get some clarity on your options...

  1. Service the entire watch. More expensive and requires more time. Is required periodically for maintaining an older/mechanical watch.
  2. Clean different parts of the watch. Less than $50 (depending on what you need) and doesn't take long.
  3. DIY at home.

Keep reading for more details about each of these.

Service the entire watch

A service involves stripping the watch to pieces, cleaning the components, cleaning the case and (metal) band, addressing any wear and tear (by replacing old parts), reassembling everything, reoiling and regreasing the movement, and regulating the timekeeping.

As you can imagine, it's a big job.

On average, a service costs around $500* and can take up to 6 months**.

Cleaning different parts of the watch

We use special and specific equipment to clean different parts of the watch.

For example:

  • We can clean the case, band (if metal) and crown. Generally we do this if there is a significant build up of grime, that can't be scrubbed out easily. This service is $45* and can take 1-2 weeks**.
  • We can clean pushers if they've stopped working or are seized due to a build up of grime. We disassemble the watch, remove the pushers from the inside, clean them, and then reassemble the watch. This service is also $45* and can take 1-2 weeks**.
  • We can buff acrylic glasses, but we can't polish a scratched mineral glass. Why? Acrylic glasses are a soft plastic, so we can polish away a tiny layer to remove scratches. Mineral glass is much harder than acrylic, so while it resists scratches better, once it's scratched the only practical solution is to replace the glass. This service is from $70* and can take 1-2 weeks**.

A note about leather straps:

  • We do not offer a cleaning service for leather straps. At home, you could use a damp cloth to wipe it down. But a leather strap must be treated with care. If it gets wet, try to dry it out completely and quickly (pop it in the hot water cupboard). If the strap is badly tarnished or damaged, come down to the shop and we can fit a replacement for you.

DIY at home

You can do your own basic cleaning at home using warm soapy water, a damp cloth and an old toothbrush.

You'll be able to wipe it down and scrub away any grime or gunk.

But remember: a "water resistant" watch doesn't mean you can dunk it into a bowl of water! Leather straps don't like water either – see the bullet point above.

*Prices are correct as at July 2026, but are subject to change.
**Dependent on our workload

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