Vintage Omega Case (Gold?) Cleaning

[RickTock]

I recently had a non-running '50s vintage ladies Omega watch come into my possession. I'm guessing the case is gold plated due to the '40 microns' reference inside the case back. Is that a fair assumption?

The case is a little crusty and I was wondering if it would be OK to soak it in L&R #109 Extra Fine Watch Cleaning Solution, followed by a rinse in L&R #3 Watch Rinse. I don't want to polish the watch, just want it clean and of course do no damage. I've popped the crystal out already, and won't be soaking that.

Thanks for your help.

[JohnR725]

6 hours ago, RickTock said:

OK to soak it in L&R #109 Extra Fine Watch Cleaning Solution,

There are two reasons why wouldn't use this for cleaning a watch case. First you really should be using a water-based cleaner this soap and water and toothbrush will do quite well. Second the definition of soak how long are you thinking of soaking it? The watch cleaning fluid has ammonia which is really nice for making things bright and shiny. But typically when cleaning watches you would want to go more than five minutes I typically go four minutes. Because the ammonia that makes things bright and shiny if left too long to start the etch brass your solution will turn green and brass things will be frosty. Goldplated watch cases typically have brass that they're made out of underneath and you don't want it to look frosted. Then the word soak in this definition is bad because the longer you're in the worse is going to get

then is another type of cleaner we've discussed it before they cleave even discussed DIY somewhere in the group and that would be a ionic cleaner. It really does a beautiful thing of making tarnished cases look bright and shiny without polishing I have a Link to a video that explains how it works.