There’s nothing like the feeling of putting on a freshly cleaned watch, it just wears better. But if you’ve ever glanced down and noticed smudges on the glass, buildup between the links, or a general dullness that wasn’t there before, you’re not imagining it. Even the most carefully worn luxury watch will start to collect sweat, skin oils, and everyday grime over time. Luxury watch cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn’t require a trip to the service center every time.
Whether you wear your Rolex every day or save your Cartier or Omega for special occasions, your watch deserves the same level of care it was built with. And while luxury watches may seem intimidating to clean, the truth is: with the right steps, you can absolutely do it at home, safely.
At Toronto Watch Exchange, we get asked all the time, “Can I clean my watch myself, or should I leave it to a pro?” The short answer? You can, and you should, but only if you do it right.
Because these timepieces aren’t just accessories. They’re mechanical works of art. And a little caution goes a long way in keeping them looking sharp and working perfectly. So let’s walk through exactly how to clean your watch at home, avoid common mistakes, and treat different materials, like stainless steel, gold, and leather, with the care they deserve.
Why Cleaning Your Watch at Home Is Worth It
Luxury watches are built to last, but they’re not built to stay clean forever. Sweat, dirt, lotion, and even air pollution can dull the finish of your watch over time. Left unchecked, it can corrode metal, clog up moving links, and affect performance.
Regular cleaning keeps your timepiece in top shape between professional services. It also feels great to slip on a clean watch, it wears better, looks sharper, and reflects the care you’ve put into owning it.
But keep this in mind: cleaning is not the same as servicing. Movement issues, damaged seals, or anything internal should always be handled by a professional.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Luxury Watch Safely
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got the right tools for safe luxury watch cleaning at home. No harsh chemicals, no old t-shirts, and definitely no kitchen scrubbers. Here’s what we recommend:
- Microfiber cloth (clean and soft, never used for anything else)
- Lukewarm water (not hot, not cold)
- Mild dish soap (like original Dawn, no perfumes or dyes)
- Soft-bristled toothbrush (a baby toothbrush works perfectly)
- Dry, lint-free cloth
- Optional: watch blower, masking tape (to protect delicate areas), or toothpick wrapped in cloth for tight crevices
That’s it. No need for fancy kits, just the right technique and a bit of patience.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Luxury Watch at Home
Understand Your Watch First
This simple step-by-step luxury watch cleaning routine can be done at home in under 15 minutes. The very first step before you even touch water is understanding your specific watch. Is it water-resistant? Does it have a screw-down crown? Is the strap leather or metal? These aren’t just technical details, they determine what method is safe to use.
If your watch has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant, then you’re in the clear to submerge it briefly during cleaning. But if there’s no screw-down crown, or if the watch is older or not rated for water resistance, avoid full submersion. Stick to a light rinse under the tap or a damp cloth. Not sure how old your Rolex is, or whether it’s safe to clean it under running water? You can check your Rolex serial number to verify its production year and specs before proceeding.
Remove the Strap if It’s Leather
Never get leather wet. A soaked leather strap warps, cracks, and loses its shape. Always remove the strap first before cleaning the case. You can clean the leather separately using a leather-safe conditioner and a soft dry cloth.
If you own high-end watches with alligator, ostrich, or calfskin straps, this step is even more important. These materials are more delicate than stainless steel and will not recover well from moisture exposure.
Pre-Clean With a Microfiber Cloth
Before you bring out the soap, give the watch a quick dry dusting. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the case, bracelet, caseback, and clasp. This removes any loose debris or grit that could otherwise scratch the surface when you begin cleaning more thoroughly.
Pay attention to the area under the lugs and around the crown. These are spots where sweat and dirt build up over time and can be missed in daily wear.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water, not hot, and add just a few drops of mild dish soap like Dawn. Swirl it around to create a light lather. The goal is not to soak the watch in soap but to have just enough solution to loosen grime and oils.
Avoid perfumed soaps, colored gels, or anything abrasive. They can leave residue behind or damage finishes.
Gently Scrub With a Soft-Bristled Brush
Dip your soft-bristled toothbrush into the soapy water and start gently brushing the bracelet and case. Use short, controlled motions. Do not apply pressure. The idea is to let the brush bristles work into the grooves and remove buildup, especially between links, behind the clasp, and around the crown.
Be very careful around bezels and crystals. If your watch has a precious metal case (especially gold or platinum), avoid vigorous scrubbing altogether. Over time, even soft brushes can create micro hairline scratches on soft metals. For gold, a gentle wipe may be all you need.
Rinse Carefully (Depending on Water Resistance)
If your watch has a screw-down crown and you’ve confirmed its water-resistance rating, you can gently rinse it under lukewarm running water to remove any remaining soap.
But if your watch does not have a screw-down crown or you’re unsure of its resistance, do not submerge it. Instead, rinse your toothbrush in clean water and use it to wipe off the suds. Then wipe everything down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
This is especially critical for older luxury watches, chronographs, or dress watches that may not have modern water seals.
Dry Thoroughly and Finish With Microfiber
Once rinsed, let the watch air-dry for a few minutes. You can also use a small watch blower or even gently blow air into the crevices to help it along.
Then, take a fresh microfiber cloth and carefully dry the watch. Use slow, patting motions. Avoid rubbing, especially on polished surfaces, to prevent swirl marks. For high-polish gold or platinum, just a light blot is often better than buffing.
Check that all moisture is gone from between links and around the clasp. Trapped water can lead to corrosion over time, especially in marine or humid environments.
Cleaning Tips for Different Watch Brands
Rolex
Most modern Rolex watches are built tough. Even durable models like the Rolex Submariner benefit from regular luxury watch cleaning, especially around the bezel and clasp. Submariners, Datejusts, and Oyster Perpetuals all feature the Oyster case, which is highly water-resistant. Still, double-check your crown is fully screwed in before rinsing. That said, always double-check your specific model’s water resistance and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For the most accurate care guidance, you can refer to Rolex’s official watch cleaning and maintenance advice directly.
Omega
Many Omega models, especially the Seamaster and Speedmaster, are fine for rinsing as long as you’ve confirmed water resistance. Avoid soaking vintage models.
Cartier
Cartier dress models like the Tank or Ballon Bleu are more delicate. Clean with a microfiber cloth only and avoid any water contact unless it’s a newer, sealed version.
Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these, we recommend sticking with cloth-only cleaning unless you know the model is water-safe. These pieces are better off getting professionally cleaned if needed.
How Often Should You Clean Your Watch?
If you wear your watch daily, clean it about once a month. If it’s in rotation or stored most of the time, every 2–3 months is enough.
You can also give it a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth at the end of the day to keep sweat and residue from building up, especially during warmer months.
Keeping your watch clean isn’t just about looks, it also protects its value. If you’re ever thinking about upgrading or selling your luxury watch, a well-maintained, spotless timepiece will always attract better offers. At Toronto Watch Exchange, we’re here to help you get the most when you decide to sell your luxury watch.
Tips for Specific Cleaning Luxury Watch Types
Stainless Steel Sports Watches
These are typically the easiest to clean. Make sure the crown is secured, and feel free to give the bracelet a deeper clean using the toothbrush. Just don’t use polishes or anything abrasive on the brushed or satin finishes.
Gold or Platinum Dress Watches
Clean very gently, avoid any scrubbing. Do not rub or buff polished surfaces. These metals are soft and scratch easily. It’s best to use only microfiber and avoid water exposure altogether unless necessary.
Watches With Chronograph Pushers
Never operate the pushers under water, and avoid full submersion unless you’re sure of the water resistance rating. These parts are more sensitive to moisture intrusion.
Leather Strap Watches
Clean the case only after removing the strap. Condition the strap with a leather-safe product and avoid storing it in humid environments.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Clean a Luxury Watch
The reason so many owners are hesitant to clean their watches themselves is because they’ve heard the horror stories, someone soaked a vintage piece in water, or someone used toothpaste and scratched the dial. These mistakes are avoidable.
- Submerging a non-water-resistant watch
- Forgetting to close or check the screw-down crown
- Scrubbing too hard with an abrasive brush
- Using household cleaners, alcohol, or vinegar
- Rubbing precious metals like gold too aggressively and creating micro hairlines
- Wetting leather straps
- Using paper towels or rough cloths that scratch the surface
Each of these can lead to costly damage, and more importantly, reduce the value and lifespan of the watch. The goal here isn’t to over-polish, it’s to safely remove dirt and residue while preserving the original condition. If you are still unsure of how to approach luxury watch cleaning or just want peace of mind, we’re happy to help.
Take Your Time, Be Cautious, and Keep It Simple
You don’t need to overthink it. A soft cloth, a little soap, and gentle hands are all it takes. But if something feels off, if the crown doesn’t seem tight, if you’re unsure about your model, or if it’s a rare piece, pause. It’s always better to play it safe than to risk internal damage or surface wear.
Want a Pro to Handle Your Luxury Watch Cleaning?
Some watches just need a professional touch. If your watch hasn’t been serviced in years, or if it has a buildup you can’t remove on your own, bring it to us. At Toronto Watch Exchange, we work on everything from daily-wear Rolexes to rare collector pieces. We know how to clean and restore without compromising the original finish.
You’re always welcome to stop in, ask questions, or let us take a look. Because every watch tells a story, and it deserves to keep telling it, looking its best.