How to clean a watch and its bracelet

Check it can get wet

Look at the case back. A watch rated 100 m or more, with the crown screwed or pushed fully in, can be washed under the tap. Below that, or on an old watch whose gaskets have not been tested, use a damp cloth only. The water resistance guide explains the ratings.

Case and metal bracelet

For a deep clean, take the bracelet off and put it alone in an ultrasonic cleaner. Never put the watch itself in one.

1. Make sure the crown is screwed or pushed fully in.
2. Mix warm, not hot, water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid.
3. Scrub the bracelet, the clasp and the gaps between the lugs with a soft toothbrush. That is where grime collects.
4. Rinse under running water and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Straps

• Leather: never soak it. Wipe with a barely damp cloth and let it dry away from heat. Water and sweat are what age it, so swap to rubber in summer.
• Rubber: soap and water, like the bracelet.
• NATO and fabric: take it off and hand wash it, or put it through the washing machine in a laundry bag.

The crystal

Wipe it with a microfibre cloth. Light scratches on an acrylic crystal polish out with an acrylic polishing paste; sapphire crystals are too hard to scratch in daily wear, and too hard to polish at home if they do.

Never

• Alcohol, solvents or household cleaners on the case. They dry out the gaskets.
• Hot water, steam or a dishwasher.
• Polishing cloths on brushed steel. They leave shiny streaks.