Is there any "quick" way to clean a clock movement

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 10:56 am     Post subject: Is there any "quick" way to clean a clock movement

Hi, I know this will seem like a silly question, and there is no substitute for a proper professional clean / service but in a lot of circumstances a good service clean can cost more than the clock. Was wondering if there was something the movement could be sprayed with etc and then re oiled. I would certainly spend the money to have a valuable clock serviced but I have a few clocks that aren't of any real value but would like to be able to do something to them myself. Many thanks!

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:55 pm     Post subject:

I know some people just dunk the clock movement in cleaning solution, and swish it around (rather than dissassemble it). You then need to dry it quickly in an oven, then oil it.

The analogy I like is that "you can not clean your feet, without removing your socks".

It's your clock, so do with it as you please.

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:06 am     Post subject: What do you use as a "cleaning solution"?

Is there a special product or do you use kerosine or something? Many thanks for your reply

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2010 9:04 pm     Post subject:

1/2 cup (app) Household Ammonia (it's about 2 bucks a bottle, and lasts enough to do a dozen clocks)
top off container with hot water, then add a good squirt of Sunlight (or other dish soap - since these are good with grease fighting).

That's it. Don't soak the parts more than 10 mins.

http://horology.borglind.dk/articles/watchmakersoup.html