Sweat and dirt build up in bracelet links and around the bezel faster than you think. A five-minute clean every few weeks keeps a watch looking new and stops rust. Here is how Seiko says to do it.
By part
| Part | How to clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Case and crystal | Wipe with a soft cloth | Running tap water, crown pulled out |
| Metal bracelet | Rinse and brush the links with a soft toothbrush, dry well | Wetting a non-water-resistant watch head |
| Rubber / polyurethane strap | Rinse in water, dry with a cloth | Stiff or cracked straps: replace them |
| Leather strap | Blot sweat with a dry cloth | Water, swimming, rubbing |
Step by step for a water-resistant steel watch
- Screw the crown fully down. Seiko says never wash a watch with the crown pulled out.
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap.
- Brush the bracelet links and the edge of the bezel with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse by dipping in a bowl of clean water, not under a running tap.
- Dry with a soft cloth, paying attention to the link gaps.
Not water resistant, or a vintage watch with unknown gaskets? Take the bracelet off and clean it separately, and only wipe the watch head.
After the sea
Seiko says to rinse a watch in clean fresh water after seawater and dry it carefully. Salt left in the bezel and links causes rust and stiffness.
Rust and loose pins
Seiko warns that rust can loosen bracelet pins. If a pin sticks out, stop wearing the watch and get it repaired. For a gritty bezel, see how to clean a dive bezel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my watch under the tap?
Seiko says not to pour running water directly from a faucet onto the watch. Use a soft cloth, or soak a water-resistant watch in a bowl.
How do I clean a metal bracelet?
Seiko suggests rinsing and brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, keeping water away from the watch head if it isn’t water resistant.
How do I clean a leather strap?
Blot moisture and sweat with a dry cloth rather than rubbing, and keep it out of water.
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