How to Clean a Rolex Watch

A real Rolex enthusiast will wear their watch every single day, no matter the weather or the occasion. It makes sense. So much time, research, and money went into its purchase that it deserves to be worn every single day. However, constant wear can really make your Rolex quite dirty. Built-up dirt can cause significant damage, and while wear and tear is inevitable, there are things you can do to keep your watch in proper running condition. Although Rolex watches are some of the highest quality watches on the market, you have to keep them clean.

 

How to Clean a Rolex

1. Screw down the crown. They don’t call it the Oyster for nothing. With Rolexes, it’s imperative that the crown is completely screwed down to prevent water from getting into the watch case and messing up the movement.

2. Fill a small bowl with warm water and a dime-sized amount of soap. It’s best to use a mild soap since soaps with harsh or strong chemicals could damage the watch.

3. Scrub the watch with a soft bristled toothbrush. Dip the brush in the cleaning solution, and gently apply it to the watch. The toothbrush will clean in between the links as well as the lugs.

4. Rinse the watch under warm water. Likewise, make sure that all of the soap has been washed away from the watch.

5. Dry the watch using a microfiber cloth. The cloth will remove the water and soap without scratching the watch.

By following all of these steps, you’ll keep your watch clean while still preserving its high polish. This process takes no time at all and it’s a great way to get your Rolex looking like new again. It’s a good idea to complete this easy cleaning process every two months or so to prevent dirt and grime from caking up in the Rolex watch.

 

Other Rolex Care Tips

There are several other great tips to help keep your Rolex watch in great condition.

Wear it often. Doing so on a regular basis will help your Rolex keep accurate time, as the motion of your wrist winds the movement.

• Have your Rolex serviced every few years. A certified watchmaker will ensure the Rolex is working properly and can make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
• Avoid extended periods in the sunlight, since it can fade the colors on the dial and bezel. When you’re not wearing your Rolex, store it in a watch box, watch winder, or a safe place out of direct sunlight.
• Never attempt to open the Rolex watch by yourself. The tools you’d use to open it up can easily slip and scratch the case and caseback. Leave this task up to the professional watchmakers.
• To prevent dirt and grime from building up again, take a microfiber cloth and wipe off your Rolex each night.
• When applying lotion, cologne, perfume, etc., try to avoid contact with your watch. These substances can build up between the links of the watch.

Ultimately, it’s important to keep your watch looking its best. Since you’ll have so many eyes on your wrist, you wouldn’t want to show them a dirty Rolex, would you?

 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2014. It has since been updated for clarity.