Keep It Timeless: How to Clean Your Luxury Watch Safely at Home

Published on January 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Luxury watches are made to last decades — sometimes generations. But even the toughest Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster picks up grime: skin oils, dust, saltwater residue, sunscreen, and everyday city dirt. Left alone, that buildup dulls the finish, clogs bracelet links, and can even compromise water-resistance seals over time.

The good news? A simple, careful routine at home keeps your watch looking sharp between professional services — without risking the materials or coatings that make luxury watches special.

Below is a safe, no-nonsense method used by collectors and watchmakers alike.

Before You Start: Know What You’re Cleaning

Different materials need different care. First, check these basics:

1. Water resistance

If your watch is water-resistant and the crown is fully screwed down, you can clean the case/bracelet with mild soapy water. If you’re unsure about water resistance (especially on older or recently purchased pre-owned watches), don’t submerge it.

2. Strap type

  • Steel / titanium bracelet: safe with water and a soft brush.

  • Leather strap: never soak. Clean gently with a barely damp cloth only.

  • Rubber / fabric straps: can be rinsed, then lightly scrubbed.

3. Crystal coatings (very important)

Many luxury watches (especially Omega, Breitling, IWC, Panerai, Tudor and some modern models) use anti-reflective (AR) coating on sapphire crystals. When AR sits on the outside of the crystal, it’s softer than sapphire and can show hairline swirls or wear if you rub too hard. Rolex typically uses AR mostly on the inside (often only on the Cyclops), so it’s better protected — but gentle cleaning is still the best rule.
Bottom line: always wipe the crystal with light pressure and a soft microfiber cloth.

4. Complications / pushers

Chronographs (Breitling Navitimer, Omega Speedmaster, Tudor Black Bay Chrono, etc.) often have pushers that should not be pressed underwater unless the model explicitly supports it.

What You Need (Simple Kit)

You don’t need fancy products. Just:

  • A soft microfiber cloth

  • A small bowl of lukewarm water

  • A drop of mild dish soap (no citrus or abrasive additives)

  • A soft toothbrush or ultra-soft detailing brush

  • Optional: wooden toothpick for bracelet crevices (never metal)

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Steel Bracelet Watch

1. Prepare the watch

  • Make sure the crown is screwed down.
  • If your watch has a rotating bezel (Rolex GMT / Sub / Tudor Pelagos / Omega Seamaster), rinse and brush around its edge to clear trapped grit.

2. Wipe first

Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dust. This prevents micro-scratches during wet cleaning.
Tip: wipe the crystal gently — no hard buffing.

3. Light soapy wash

  • Dip the brush in soapy water.
  • Gently scrub the case, bracelet links, clasp, and caseback.
  • Focus on hidden areas where dirt collects: around lugs, between links, and under the clasp.

4. Rinse carefully

Rinse under lukewarm running water (not hot). Keep the crown side angled down so water doesn’t linger around seals.

5. Dry thoroughly (no aggressive rubbing)

Pat dry with microfiber. Then let it air-dry for 10–15 minutes before wearing.
Important: don’t rub the crystal hard while drying — if your watch has external AR coating, aggressive rubbing can mark it. Use light pressure only.

Cleaning Leather Straps (Rolex Cellini, IWC Portugieser, Panerai Luminor on leather, etc.)

Leather and water do not mix.

Do this instead:

  1. Remove the strap if possible (or protect it with a dry cloth).

  2. Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with clean water.

  3. Wipe the case gently.

  4. Dry immediately.

For the strap itself: wipe with a dry cloth; if it smells or looks stained, a professional strap cleaner is safer than home soaking.

Cleaning Rubber Straps (Omega Seamaster rubber, Tudor FXD, Panerai rubber, Breitling Diver Pro)

Rubber is easy:

  1. Rinse with lukewarm water.

  2. Add mild soap.

  3. Lightly scrub with a soft brush.

  4. Rinse and dry gently.

What NOT to Do (even once)

These are the mistakes that ruin luxury watches:

  • Don’t rub aggressively — especially the crystal.
    Even sapphire can have an external anti-reflective coating. Hard rubbing or rough cloths can create fine swirls in that coating, which may look like scratches. Clean with light pressure and gentle strokes instead.

  • No toothpaste / baking soda / metal polish.
    They’re abrasive and will permanently change brushed or polished finishes.

  • No ultrasonic cleaners for the whole watch.
    Great for bracelets only when removed, but risky for cases (vibration can loosen seals).

  • Don’t “polish out” scratches at home.
    Luxury cases have precise edges and factory finishing. DIY polishing rounds lugs and kills value — especially on Rolex, IWC, and vintage Omega.

  • No hot water.
    Heat expands gaskets and can weaken water resistance.

How Often Should You Clean?

A good rhythm:

  • Quick wipe (microfiber): once a week

  • Light soap-and-brush clean: once a month

  • After beach / pool / sweat-heavy days: same day rinse and dry

When to Go Pro

Home cleaning keeps things fresh, but you should visit a professional if:

  • water resistance hasn’t been tested in 12–24 months

  • you see fog under the crystal

  • the bezel feels gritty or stiff even after cleaning

  • the bracelet has deep grime you can’t reach

Professional cleaning also includes gasket checks and safe refinishing when needed.

Explore Icons Worth Caring For

If cleaning your watch reminds you why you fell for it in the first place… you’re not alone. Aequator collectors tend to rotate pieces by mood, season, or occasion — and the right watch always feels like a fresh start.

You can explore our current curation here:
The Aequator Collection — Luxury Watches
https://www.theaequatorcollection.com/ourpieces

And if you’re hunting a specific brand, these collections are a great next step:

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