Cleaning your watch can be a delicate and sometimes expensive operation.

Following these simple steps can save you money and have your watch looking great in just a few short minutes.

This article will only discuss cleaning the outside of the watch, NEVER open up your watch to attempt to clean the inside yourself. Always take your watch to a certified watch maker for internal repairs, never attempt them yourself.

To clean the outside of your watch, you are going to need the following items.

A small bowl of jewelry cleaning fluid which can be bought from most local jewelers.

Some people will advise warm soapy water, this can be used but great caution must be used with regards to the type of soap used as some contain chemicals that may react with the metals or coatings on your watch.

Next you need a non-abrasive cleaning cloth, again a local jeweler will have these either for sale or complimentary. Do not use an abrasive cloth as this has the potential to scratch the watch.

A bowl of clean water is next and a very soft non-abrasive tissue or cloth.

Finally a very soft bristle brush, again a local jewelry store should provide these with the cleaning fluid.

Bear in mind you can buy jewelry cleaner online very easily.

Ok here is the quick process.

Firstly, carefully dip the bracelet of the watch into the bowl of cleaning fluid, take care not to get the main part of the watch in the fluid. Hold the bracelet in the fluid for 20 seconds then remove.

Lay the watch on to the soft tissue, then carefully clean the bracelet with the soft bristle brush. Be sure to get in between the links as best you can.

Once you are happy with the appearance of the watch bracelet, carefully dip the bracelet into the bowl of clean water for no more than 5 seconds to remove any excess cleaning fluid and dirt.

Inspect the watch and if you are happy with the bracelet, proceed to dry it carefully using the tissue, dab rather than wipe to avoid getting the tissue caught in the links.

Next, carefully get a very very lightly damp corner of your polishing cloth dipped in cleaning fluid and wipe around the case of your watch. Ensure the corner of the cloth is very very lightly damp, squeeze any excess fluid out before cleaning case. Once this step is done, very very carefully brush around the case and dial of your watch. DO NOT let excess cleaning fluid dwell on the watch or get anywhere near the crown (winder on side of watch) or any other buttons. If any type of fluid gets into the watch, it will harm the movement. Even water resistant watches are not 100% proof and some cleaning fluids may contain chemicals that may damage the water resistant seal on the watch. Be very careful of this.

Once you are happy with the overall appearance of the watch, clean off any excess dirt or fluid with a lightly damp tissue as in the bracelet stage.

Next carefully get your jewelry polishing cloth and shine your watch to satisfaction.

If you follow these steps carefully your watch should look almost new and have regained some of its shine!

Any cleaning is best carried out by a professional and the above steps are not an advised alternative to professional cleaning.