How to Clean a Crystal Watch

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Jewelry lovers cherish watches adorned with crystal faces because of their elegant finish. Often purchased for special occasions, such watches generally come with high price tags, so most people want to keep them for as long as possible. That requires taking maintenance steps to keep them clean and scratch-free.

Step 1

Remove the crystal face from the watch. Some cases may be easily snapped open, yet those without a clear opening point will require you to insert the flat edge of a screwdriver into the edge of the casing itself. If you own a specialty or customized crystal watch, consult the company website or the directions pamphlet that came with the watch to ensure that you are following all cleaning protocol.
Step 2

Gently push the crystal face out of the case of the watch from the inside.
Step 3

Dip cleaning cloth into cleaning solution (brass or glass cleaner) and rub the crystal face in circular motions. Use the remaining dry cloth to buffer off any remaining cleaning solution.
Step 4

Check the crystal face under a bright light bulb to ensure that the scratches which remain are not fractures (which would necessitate the purchase of a new face). Place the crystal face under a stream of gently running water and use a piece of very fine water-resistant sandpaper to rub the surface of the face. (Thick sandpaper will cause scratches.)
Step 5

Use the cleaning solution cloth to polish the face again to remove any remaining surface scratches. Run the dry cleaning cloth around the edge of the face to remove any dirt.
Step 6

Use a small drop of of crystal cement to dampen the edge before returning the crystal face to the setting.

2
2 cleaning cloths (unused or washed) Water Glass cleaning or brass cleaning solution Very fine waterproof sandpaper Bright lamp Crystal cement
2 cleaning cloths (unused or washed)
Water
Glass cleaning or brass cleaning solution
Very fine waterproof sandpaper
Bright lamp
Crystal cement