Emergency Procedure:
Help! My Vintage Watch Just Went Through the Washing Machine!

This procedure should only be used in an emergency. If your vintage or antique watch has just gone through the washer or has been dropped in the water, then you should get it to a competent watchmaker as soon as possible (preferably within a few hours). But if you can't get to a watchmaker, then the following procedure can be used AT YOUR OWN RISK to minimize the corrosive action of water and detergent on the watch. Detergent water is high in phosphates and other corrosive chemicals which will cause irreparable damage to the watch if not dealt with immediately.

1. Look carefully in the washing machine and in the laundry for any parts that may have come off the watch. Hands, bezels, crowns and crystals often come off in the washer and if you can find them it is far easier and less expensive than trying to find replacements.
   
   
2. If possible remove any fabric or leather band or strap from the watch. Remove any chains or attached fobs.
   
   
3. Open the back and front of the watch. If you are unable to open the watch to expose the movement of the watch, then do not proceed any further. Rinse the movement with fresh water for 30 seconds. Drain and shake as much water as possible out of the watch. Do this over a paper towel and carefully watch for any parts that may be loose.
   
   
4. Place a small amount of denatured alcohol (just enough to cover) in a dish or small bowl. Do not use Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol... use only denatured alcohol. Immerse the watch completely in the denatured alcohol. Swish the watch around in the alcohol for no more than 10-15 seconds. Remove the watch from the alcohol, shake off the excess alcohol and place on a paper towel or clean, absorbant cloth. Again watch for any loose parts. Alcohol is extremely flammable and should never be used around an open flame or ignition source.
   
   
5. Use a household hair dryer set on the coolest setting to evaporate the rest of the alcohol from the watch. Be sure to keep the hair dryer 10-12 inches from the watch. You're just trying to move warm air over it... you're not trying to bake it. Turn the watch over and dry the other side. Let it remain on the paper towel for 30 minutes.
   
   
6. Carefully package the watch and any recovered parts and GET THEM TO YOUR WATCHMAKER as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER  WARNING DISCLAIMER  WARNING DISCLAIMER  WARNING  DISCLAIMER  WARNING

USE THIS PROCEDURE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Renaissance Watch Repair assumes no responsibility for any damage, either direct or incidental, caused by your use or mis-use of these instructions. Denatured alcohol is flammable and should be used with extreme caution, and should never be used around an open flame or ignition source. Alcohol may also damage the painted dial on a watch and can soften the shellac used to hold the jewels in place so do not leave the watch in the alcohol for more than 10-15 seconds.