So... what are some "limits" when it comes to watch repair and maintenance on a nice watch?
On my watches
- I've tweaked bracelets and bands
- I've changed batteries before
- I've done basic cleaning
- I've done questionable scratch removal
Question about cleaning... some people I've spoken with freak out at the idea that anything other than a cloth (ie: Soft toothbrush) is used on a watch or bracelet. I know Torquedog doesn't have qualms about using a soft brush, but are the scratch concerns serious or overblown? I use a cheap soft bristle electric toothbrush to clean some of my electronics on occasion. Never have I made scratches using it.
Cape cod wipes. I've seen some people get all upset about how it chemically removes a layer or something and say they're all "no no" to use on an opulent watch, all buffing done by the watch maker etc. Personally, steel is steel, whatever, but I can perhaps see an argument for much more precious metals. I have on occasion used a nail buffer to clean up some extremely scratched bracelets. Obviously I would not to nail buffer an opulent watch, but is there still a serious voice of concern for attempting to remove scratches yourself and the methodologies you should employ when working on a watch?
I probably wouldn't completely baby a watch or be brazenly careless with it. But I don't want to tell people what "work" I've had done on a watch and have people stare at me like I've announced I've accidentally run over their cat or anything.
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