Case cleaning and polishing

[robert]

Hello all again,

Another question for any and all from this newbe...

I plan on cleaning and polishing my pocket watch cases, and need to know how, and if this is something that can take away their value?

I know cleaning antique furniture is a big NO NO...so I really don't know if the same mentality applies to watch cleaning.

Does one need a mechanical polisher? Or is there a cheaper method? Also, what type of polish do you use for various cases?

Thanks again,
Bob

[robert]

Hello all again,

Another question for any and all from this newbe...

I plan on cleaning and polishing my pocket watch cases, and need to know how, and if this is something that can take away their value?

I know cleaning antique furniture is a big NO NO...so I really don't know if the same mentality applies to watch cleaning.

Does one need a mechanical polisher? Or is there a cheaper method? Also, what type of polish do you use for various cases?

Thanks again,
Bob

[Jacke Chilson]

Hi cleaning watch cases is ok but there are different methods and very from case to case. The biggest factor is what the case is made of. For gp gf sp and rg because of the thiness of the matrial a polishing cloth available from most jewellers is all I use. For the tough solid nickle cases I use a buffing machine on a low setting and polish in only one direction. Silver and gold cases I would only use a cloth on. And would polish only untill it looked clean I like a little patinia on the silver.

[BUZZ BAZARNICKI]

NEVR-DULL!!! Works great on any metal...I then follow-up with a jewelers cloth and finally,to remove any residue,I wipe it down with a clean rag. (Old t-shirts cut-up into 12 inch squares approx. work real well.)

When finished with this simple process you'll be able to use it to shave with! http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/rolleyes.gif

NOTE: I'm sure others will agree with me on this...I have no problem keepin' my own private collection lookin' good...BUT,I get rather suspicious when I find a highly polished case for sale!!...It's too easy to hide flaws,ie.,brass showin' on a gold-filled case,etc...Always look carefully!!! CAVET EMPTOR!!!!! http://www.nawcc.org/ubb/eek.gif


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BUZZ BAZARNICKI
ANTIQUARIAN HOROLOGIST
HAMILTON SPECIALIST
MEMBER #120851 NAWCC
PAST V.P.CHAPTER # 52

[This message has been edited by BUZZ BAZARNICKI (edited 07-05-2001).]

[This message has been edited by BUZZ BAZARNICKI (edited 07-05-2001).]