How to Properly Clean a Rolex Dial (Without Ruining It)
Until recently, I assumed every watch repair specialist knew how to clean a dial correctly. I was wrong. A customer requested a full refund, claiming the print on the dial she purchased wasn’t durable. At first, I was puzzled - after all, it was a genuine Rolex dial, and I had done nothing to alter it.
When I asked for photos, I was shocked: the dial’s print was almost completely gone!
What Happened?
I called her “Rolex dealer” to understand how this could happen. On the phone was an older gentleman—not an authorized Rolex dealer (always verify credentials; many claim to be “authorized” when they’re not), not even a watchmaker - just someone who installs batteries at a local mall.
The reason? He used alcohol to “clean” an authentic Rolex dial!
Alcohol dissolves the clear protective coating on the dial, taking most of the print with it. This is a catastrophic mistake that cannot be reversed. After this, the only option is to refinish the dial.
How to Clean a Watch Dial (The Right Way)
First, do not attempt this yourself. Rolex dials are expensive and delicate—this is not something you want to experiment on. Leave it to professionals. Here’s how I approach it (for informational purposes only):
1. Start with a Watchmaker’s Blower
A gentle blower removes loose dust without damaging the dial. Avoid cheap blowers — they can break and scratch the surface. I learned this the hard way: a $5 blower tip came off and damaged a $700 dial. And never use compressed air — it’s far too strong and can cause serious harm.
2. Use Rodico Putty for Stubborn Particles
Rodico is a specialized watchmaker’s cleaning compound, similar to soft putty. Warm and pliable Rodico works wonders for dust, debris, and even fingerprints. Avoid cheap alternatives — they can damage the dial and aren’t worth the risk. Handle it with extreme care — I once made the mistake of pressing too aggressively with Rodico, which not only removed an hour marker but also left a scratch on the dial with it.
3. For Remaining Debris
Sometimes particles won’t budge. Pressing Rodico harder only makes it worse. In these cases, I use a wooden toothpick to gently lift the debris, then pick it up with Rodico. The key is to go extremely gently — one wrong move and you’ll leave a scratch.
Final Advice
Never use liquids on a dial. Doing so will destroy the protective coating and printed text. Always use a magnifying glass, you need to see what you are doing. If in doubt, consult a professional watchmaker.