How to clean your pocket watch

[TimeHandedDown]

I am wondering what are the best ways to clean your pocket watch case? Aside from the "get the silver polish out" and jewlers cloths what other methods work. There are different kinds of metals so what is best for each. I don't believe you can put gold filled items in an ultrasonic cleaner can you? Same goes for coin silver I think! Again I am new to the hobby and a novice so any help on the matter is greatly appreciated! Rob

[HenryB]

On the old watches cases, once I have the movement and dial removed, I just put it the sink, immerse it in warm water with a mild detergent, and get the soft brissle nylon toothbrush out and go too work.

For stubborn grime in the crevices, a wooden toothpick will get the dirt and not scratch the case.

Be sure and dry the case throughly (I even finish the drying off with the wife's hairdryer) to prevent any drying.

I do not use the polish, as I like the keep the patina.