Oct 12, 2026Buying Guides
Watch Cleaning and Polishing Supplies Guide: What Removes What on the Bench
Rodico putty, Selvyt cloths, Polywatch, dust blowers and fiberglass brushes: what each supply removes and the product name to send us for your bench cleaning task.
Watch cleaning supplies: matching bench tools to specific contamination
A clean movement and crystal are essential to quality watchmaking, yet cleaning errors cause frequent assembly setbacks. The most common mistake is treating all workshop debris with a single universal method. Bench contamination falls into distinct categories: loose airborne dust specks, oily fingerprints, dried lubricant around jewel sinks, surface oxidation on steel parts, and fine scratches on plastic crystals. Each problem demands a distinct physical mechanism—absorption, wiping, controlled dissolution, pneumatic displacement, or mechanical abrasion.
While ultrasonic solvent baths are standard for full overhauls, partial servicing and final casing rely on targeted dry supplies: putties, lint-free cloths, rubber blowers, acrylic polishing creams, and scratch brushes. When preparing a movement, identifying a movement before cleaning helps confirm jewel layout, while using properly fitted screwdrivers used during disassembly prevents metal burrs from contaminating plates. Choosing the correct supply protects delicate surface platings and keeps loose debris from migrating into sensitive wheel trains.
Dry-cleaning watch movements with Rodico 6033-30 sticky putty
For mechanical contact cleaning on movement plates, wheels, and jewels, watchmakers rely on dry-cleaning putty. In the Kocandy catalog, this consumable is listed as Bergeon Rodico 6033-30, supplied as a 40 g green sticky paste bar under Model No. 6033. The catalog lists this item under two titles—one for watch parts, wheels, and pivots, and a duplicate listing for watches and jewelry. Both represent the same green cleaning bar measuring approximately 6 cm in length.
Rodico tack-lifts particles and oil films without leaving chemical residue. Stated catalog uses include cleaning balance pivots, lifting fingerprints from plates, bridges, dials, and hands, drawing excess oil from watch jewels, and assisting in extracting broken pivots.
Never drag Rodico across delicate surfaces, and keep it away from assembled hairsprings. Instead, shape a pea-sized piece into a fine point, dab vertically, and lift. Regularly knead the putty so absorbed oils are folded inside, keeping fresh putty against components.
Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 dry cleaning putty used to lift debris from movement screws and washers.
Polishing cloths: comparing Selvyt 1208-A fabric and soft chamois microfiber
Wiping watch cases, case backs, bracelets, and crystals requires textiles that lift grease without scratching polished metal or shedding lint. The Kocandy catalog provides two distinct bench cloths:
The Selvyt 1208-A polishing cloth is made from specialized woven fabric. Unlike natural chamois leather, Selvyt cloths can be washed completely with water between uses, allowing them to outlast traditional leather. Containing no cleaning agents, the cloth leaves zero residue. It lifts fingerprints, grease marks, and loose dust from metals, glass, and gemstones while leaving tarnish intact on antiqued finishes. Packaging sleeve media indicates dimensions of 35 by 39 cm (weight 45 g), making it ideal for wrapping cases during assembly.
For localized wipe-downs, the soft chamois microfiber cloth offers a compact alternative. Catalogued as chamois leather fiber in individual sheets measuring 14 by 17 cm (weight 20 g), it suits quick crystal wipe-downs, eyeglasses, and final case polishing before packaging.
Folded Selvyt 1208-A reusable polishing cloth for watch cases and crystals.
Removing scratches on acrylic crystals with Polywatch cream
While mineral glass and sapphire crystals require diamond pastes, scratched acrylic and plastic crystals can be restored by hand using Polywatch cream.
Polywatch mildly dissolves and wears down the surface of plastic or acrylic watch glass. This softened material fills scratch gaps while smoothing rough edges, restoring clarity without crystal replacement. Catalog instructions specify applying the cream to the crystal and buffing firmly with cotton wool under pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. Deep scratches require multiple treatments.
Kocandy supplies Polywatch in two listings: a two-piece pack under Model SP00000034 containing two 5 g tubes (item weight 30 g), and a single 5 g tube listing. Note that Polywatch is stated strictly for plastic and acrylic crystals, such as vintage plexiglass and Swatches. It is not stated for mineral glass or synthetic sapphire crystals.
Two 5 g tubes of Polywatch scratch remover cream for acrylic crystals (Model SP00000034).
Localized rust and oxidation removal with the Bergeon 2834-C fiberglass brush
When steel cases or parts develop stubborn rust, surface corrosion, or battery leakage residue, soft cloths and putties lack the cutting power to remove oxidized metal. In these situations, watchmakers use a mechanical scratch brush.
Model Bergeon 2834-C features a Ø10 mm Bakelite holder with metal ferrules housing a Ø4 mm fiberglass brush (length 12 cm, weight 27 g). The brush core extends as bristles wear down and is fully replaceable with refills.
The glass fibers act as fine scrapers, stripping rust from steel case recesses, cleaning quartz battery contacts, and touching up brushed case finishes. However, bench discipline is critical: glass fibers shed microscopic, brittle shards during use. Never use a fiberglass scratch brush over open movements, balances, or gear trains. Perform brushing away from uncased calibers, and immediately clear debris with a blower and putty.
Contactless dust removal with rubber squeeze blowers
Before casing any movement, airborne dust specks must be cleared from dials, hands, and the inner crystal. Touching finished dials with tweezers or cloths risks scratching lacquer or transferring oil. For non-contact cleaning, a rubber dust blower is essential.
Model SP000003 is molded from natural rubber, measuring approximately 52 mm in diameter by 117 mm in length. Its soft body provides continuous air blasts through an ultra-fine stainless steel nozzle. The base features a one-way inlet valve, ensuring air enters only through the bottom intake so bench debris is never drawn back through the nozzle.
Hold the nozzle at an oblique angle to the target surface. A few controlled squeezes sweep loose lint off movement bridges and clear static-bound dust from dial markers without touching fragile components.
Rubber dust blower ball with stainless steel nozzle (Model SP000003, Dia 52 mm x 117 mm).
The combined bench kit: Rodico putty and dust blower bundle
For watchmakers outfitting a bench or replacing core consumables, Model WT-RODICOBALL-SY-BLUE combines contact cleaning and pneumatic cleaning in one bundle.
This kit contains one blue rubber dust blower (Dia 52 mm x Length 117 mm with a stainless steel nozzle and one-way valve) plus one bar of green Rodico cleaning putty (total weight 130 g).
Together, these tools handle the standard two-step cleaning routine before casing:
- Contact cleaning: Rodico putty dabs lift oil smudges, fingerprint grease, excess jewel lubricant, and metal dust from plate bevels.
- Pneumatic clearance: The rubber blower clears floating lint and airborne dust from dials and crystals without physical contact.
Cleaning supply reference and catalog specifications
Selecting the correct supply requires matching workshop tasks to stated materials, models, and package sizes. The table below lists all nine cleaning and polishing supplies from the Kocandy catalog with their specifications and stated uses.
Product | Type | Stated material | Stated use | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 Putty (Parts listing) | Cleaning putty bar | Sticky Paste / Putty (Green) | Cleaning balance pivots, lifting fingerprints, removing excess jewel oil, holding parts | |
Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 Putty (Jewelry listing) | Cleaning putty bar | Sticky Paste / Putty (Green) | Cleaning balance pivots, lifting fingerprints, removing excess jewel oil, watch and jewelry cleaning | |
Cleaning Kit (Rodico Putty & Blower) | Combined bench cleaning kit | Rubber and Putty | Two-step cleaning: lifting oil, grease, and fingerprints plus directional air blowing | |
Selvyt 1208-A Polishing Cloth | Reusable polishing cloth | Fabric (washable) | Cleaning metals, glass, gemstones; removing fingerprints, grease, and dust; safe on tarnish | |
Soft Chamois Microfiber Cloth | Individually packed cloth | Chamois Leather Fiber | Watch repair, polishing, and eyeglasses cleaning; 14 x 17 cm individual sheet | |
Polywatch Scratch Remover (2 Pcs) | Acrylic crystal polishing cream | Glue / Polishing cream | Removing scratches from plastic and acrylic watch crystals; 2 tubes x 5 g | |
Polywatch Scratch Remover (1 Tube) | Acrylic crystal polishing cream | Glue / Polishing cream | Removing scratches from plastic and acrylic watch crystals; 1 tube x 5 g | |
Rubber Dust Blower Ball | Directional air blower | Rubber with stainless steel nipple | Contactless dust removal for watches, glasses, and camera lenses | |
Bergeon 2834-C Fiberglass Brush | Pen-shaped scratch brush | Fiber Glass and Bakelite | Mechanical scratch removal and spot-cleaning in tight spots; Ø4 mm refillable tip |
Contamination guide: what to use on movement parts, cases, and crystals
Using an unsuitable cleaning method risks scratching dial lacquer or leaving residue on watch jewels. The contamination matrix below outlines recommended supplies and craft methods for standard workshop cleaning scenarios.
What to remove | Recommended supply | Method (craft) |
|---|---|---|
Excess oil on cap jewels and jewel holes | Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 sticky putty | Shape putty into a sharp point; touch jewel aperture vertically to absorb surplus lubricant without smearing |
Fingerprint smudges on plates, bridges, or dials | Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 sticky putty | Dab gently with clean putty surface; roll lightly without lateral dragging across painted lettering |
Broken balance pivot fragments in jewels | Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 sticky putty | Press a small bead of putty over the jewel hole to embed and extract broken steel pivot shards |
Surface fingerprints and grease on cases and crystals | Selvyt 1208-A or Chamois microfiber cloth | Wrap watch case or crystal in cloth and buff with moderate finger pressure; wash Selvyt periodically in water |
Fine surface scratches on acrylic or plastic crystals | Polywatch scratch removal cream | Dispense pea-sized dab onto acrylic crystal; buff firmly with cotton wool for 2 to 3 minutes under pressure |
Rust spots on steel case flanks or battery contacts | Bergeon 2834-C fiberglass scratch brush | Extend fiberglass tip 2 to 3 mm; scrape corroded zone isolated from movements; vacuum or blow debris away |
Airborne lint and dust specks on dials before casing | Rubber dust blower (SP000003 or Kit) | Direct stainless steel nozzle at an oblique angle 2 to 3 cm from dial surface; deliver short, controlled air bursts |
General bench setup for casing and movement service | Cleaning Kit (WT-RODICOBALL-SY-BLUE) | Use putty for tactile oil and smudge lifting; use rubber blower for final non-contact dust clearing before closing |
How to quote your cleaning supplies and contact Kocandy
When submitting an inquiry for cleaning supplies, quoting specific catalog identifiers ensures an accurate match. Because Kocandy lists no prices on the website, our team confirms availability, pack sizes, and dispatch options directly through our messaging desk.
Quote these identifiers in your message:
- Cleaning putties: Model No. 6033 or Bergeon Rodico 6033-30 (40 g green bar).
- Polishing cloths: Selvyt 1208-A fabric (35 x 39 cm washable cloth) or soft chamois microfiber sheets (14 x 17 cm individually packed).
- Acrylic crystal polish: Model SP00000034 for the 2-piece Polywatch pack (2 x 5 g tubes) or the single 5 g tube listing.
- Scratch brush pens: Model Bergeon 2834-C fiberglass scratch brush (Ø10 mm holder, Ø4 mm tip).
- Dust blowers and kits: Model SP000003 for the standalone rubber blower (Dia 52 mm x Length 117 mm) or Model WT-RODICOBALL-SY-BLUE for the combined putty and blower kit.
Disclaimer: Kocandy is not affiliated with, authorised by, or a dealer for any watch brand or tool maker mentioned on this site, including Seiko, Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Breitling, Panerai, Hublot, ETA, Bergeon, Selvyt, or Polywatch. All brand references and model numbers reproduce catalog descriptions for identification purposes only, and compatibility language is restricted to catalog stated-for specifications.
Reach out through the Kocandy contact page. Our team reviews all bench inquiries and replies within one working day. If your required consumable, size, or refill is not listed anywhere above, send your details anyway—we check against our catalog.
