You would expect a watch to be its cleanest immediately following a cleaning. So why would a watch begin rusting in the weeks following a cleaning and lubrication? Some watch enthusiasts shared their watch maintenance acumen below. Keep reading to help prevent post-cleaning rusting in your own watch.
Exposure to Moisture
A watch may rust two weeks after being cleaned due to exposure to moisture or humid environments. Even a small amount of moisture left in the watch during the cleaning process can lead to rust, especially if the watch is stored in a damp area.
The quality and type of lubricant used can also influence rust formation. If the lubricant isn't appropriately designed for watch machinery, it may not provide an effective barrier against oxidation. In some cases, substandard lubricants might even contain corrosive elements that encourage rust.
The material of the watch components plays a significant role too. Steel parts are particularly prone to rust. If a watch contains steel elements and isn't adequately protected during the cleaning and lubrication process, rust can develop quickly.
Interaction with Solvents and Chemicals
First and foremost, the quality of materials used in the watch may contribute to rust. Watches consist of various metals, including stainless steel, titanium, and gold. This difference in the materials may play a role in rust. There should be maintenance done on them. Poor quality materials can cause corrosion over time.
Secondly, watches can be used in any type of climate including rainy, sunny, and humid. The seals and gaskets in the watch are specifically designed to keep water out. If they are compromised while servicing the watch, the tiniest moisture can create a big problem inside the watch. This will lead to rust formation.
While cleaning the watch, it is very essential to ensure every nook and cranny is free of contaminants. The tiniest particles become magnet for moisture and eventually lead to rust. Dust may cause issues down the line.
The solvents and chemicals used during servicing and cleaning the watch might interact with the watch's materials and chemical reactions may occur over time. This contributes to the rust formation.
Not Dried Properly
Rust will form on a watch that has just been cleaned and lubricated two weeks ago if it was not dried properly. The most probable reason is that there was a bit of hydration left inside the watch which could have come from the cleaning solution or from the water vapor that was not vacuumed out. Another is the improper sealing so moisture went inside the watch.
These water droplets, no matter how small they are, have interacted with the metal inside the watch, thereby creating rust. Thus, it is very important to ensure that the watch is properly dried and sealed to prevent rusting.
Ralph Abundo
Inadequate Cleaning and Lubrication
The procedure of cleaning and lubricating a watch is delicate and requires accuracy. Contaminants like dirt, dust, or cleaning chemicals may be left on the watch if the procedure is not followed correctly. Such leftovers can attract moisture and hasten the growth of rust. Furthermore, inadequate lubrication can produce friction between metal components, resulting in wear and corrosion over time.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors' statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
