So I've got this old Seiko automatic watch from my grandpa that hadn't run in years. Figured it needed cleaning inside but man, watch parts are tiny! Last week I finally cracked open that mystery box called a "watch parts cleaning machine" - sounds fancy but it’s basically a tiny washing machine for gears.

My First Attempt Disaster

Dumped all the little screws and wheels straight into the machine basket like I was loading a dishwasher. Poured some cleaning fluid from a sketchy unlabeled bottle I found online. Hit the power button and whoosh - parts flew everywhere! Found tiny gears under my workbench three days later. Lesson learned: always use mesh bags for those microscopic bits unless you enjoy carpet treasure hunts.

The "Aha!" Moment Setup

After sweeping my floor like a detective, here’s what actually worked:

• Stole my wife’s mesh tea bags (don’t tell her) to hold different part types
• Used proper watch cleaning solution (the clear stuff smells like hospital)
• Set the timer to 10 minutes instead of winging it
• Put weights on the lid so vibrations wouldn’t make it dance off the table

The machine itself is simpler than it looks:

• Bottom tank holds the cleaning juice
• Rotating basket goes dunking like a ferris wheel
• Little motor spins it while parts splash around
• Ultrasonic thingy makes bubbles scrub everything

Hand-Cleaning Stuff Too Big Or Too Delicate

Not everything fits that basket though. For big pieces like rotors or bridges:

• Soaked them in a glass jar overnight
• Used soft toothbrush dipped in cleaning fluid
• Poked lint out of holes with sharpened pegwood
• Wiped greasy residue with pointed q-tips

Found the mainspring barrel covered in crud like old snot. Had to soak it three times before the grease looked like actual grease instead of boogers.

The Final Reveal

After all that?

It worked too well.

Forgot to oil any pivots right after cleaning. Put it back together dry like an idiot and heard grinding noises. Had to take the whole movement apart again! But now all gears shine like new dimes and it keeps time within 5 seconds. Still finding grease stains on my kitchen counter though.