How to clean a watch

Regular cleaning is more than cosmetic; it preserves gasket integrity, protects finishes and keeps the movement running as designed. Follow this workshop-grade routine to refresh your Longines timepiece safely at home—whether it wears stainless steel, titanium, leather or rubber.

Why regular cleaning matters

Daily wear leaves behind perspiration salts, fine dust and airborne pollutants. As residue accumulates in bracelet joints and around caseback gaskets, it can abrade metal, reduce water-resistance and dull the crisp facets that make a Swiss watch sparkle. A monthly deep clean for water-resistant models—and a quick rinse after salty or sweaty activities—maintains both performance and appearance.

Identify your watch and choose the right method

Watch type (guide only)	Typical water-resistance	Strap / bracelet	Recommended routine	Immersion in soapy water?
Diver-style sports watch	100 – 300 m	Steel or rubber	Monthly deep clean; rinse after seawater and dry	Yes
Everyday water-resistant watch	30 – 60 m	Steel, leather or textile	Monthly surface clean; avoid soaking leather	Steel: Yes / Leather: No / Textile: generally yes, but rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward and allow to dry completely
Dress piece	30 m	Leather	Weekly microfiber wipe; quarterly leather nourish	No
Vintage or precious-material watch	Often < 30 m or unknown	Rubber, leather or textile	Light wipe only; consult service centre before any soaking	Consult professional

Watch type (guide only)	Typical water-resistance	Strap / bracelet	Recommended routine	Immersion in soapy water?
Diver-style sports watch	100 – 300 m	Steel or rubber	Monthly deep clean; rinse after seawater and dry	Yes
Everyday water-resistant watch	30 – 60 m	Steel, leather or textile	Monthly surface clean; avoid soaking leather	Steel: Yes / Leather: No / Textile: generally yes, but rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward and allow to dry completely
Dress piece	30 m	Leather	Weekly microfiber wipe; quarterly leather nourish	No
Vintage or precious-material watch	Often < 30 m or unknown	Rubber, leather or textile	Light wipe only; consult service centre before any soaking	Consult professional

Always check rated resistance first. Ratings apply only if the crown is fully secured and the crystal is free of damage. If your watch hasn’t passed a pressure test within two years, limit care to surface methods.

How to clean a watch step by step

Tools and materials

Essential items	Helpful extras
Soft microfiber cloth	Silicone-free watch-cleaning putty
Bowl of lukewarm water	Air-puffer bulb (camera-lens style)
Drop of pH-neutral dish soap	Leather balm for straps
Soft-bristle toothbrush (child size)	Wood toothpick for bezel crevices
Absorbent cotton pads or towel	Low-tack tape to mask bezel inserts

Deep-cleaning a stainless-steel or titanium watch

Before starting, confirm that your watch is water-resistant to the depth required for immersion.

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a single drop of neutral dish soap.
Submerge the head and bracelet for one minute, swishing gently to loosen dirt.
Lift onto the towel and brush away from the case with the damp toothbrush, concentrating on clasp, bezel flutes and end-link recesses.
Rinse under a gentle stream of cool water, crown pointing down so water doesn’t pool around the stem. Ensure the crown is securely screwed down or fully pushed in, as cleaning may have loosened it.
Pat dry with microfiber, then use the air-puffer to expel moisture from crevices.
Buff along the grain—never in circles—to avoid micro-swirls on polished facets.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use jewellery cleaner on steel?

Most solutions contain ammonia or acids that tarnish brushed finishes. Stick to mild dish soap and water.

How often should I clean my watch?

Sports models benefit from a monthly wash; dress pieces on leather need weekly cloth wipes and quarterly conditioning.

Does cleaning affect warranty?

External care does not void warranty, but water damage from an unsecured crown is considered misuse.

When is professional cleaning mandatory?

Seek a Longines certified watchmaker if you notice condensation, gritty pushers or uncertain gasket age—especially on vintage timepieces.

A disciplined cleaning ritual keeps your Longines watch performing as flawlessly as it looks. By matching technique to water-resistance and strap material—and by using the gentlest tools—you extend service intervals and preserve showroom aesthetics. Treat cleaning as part of the horological craft, and your watch will continue to reward you with decades of refined precision.