Last update May 7^th. 2016

Watchmaker's Cleaning Machine 

May 3^rd. 2016

Elma cleaning machines are German made, Super Elite model was made in late 1970s.

Through several generations it evolved into a fully automatic machine. 

This, a manual watch cleaning machine that has been a workhorse of the watch industry over many decades, nowadays still used by many a watchmaker.

The basket is three tier device capable of accepting and at the same time cleaning three completely disassembled movements.

Machine has three jars, one used with cleaning fluid, and two with rinse. The end of the cleaning cycle is accomplished in the heating chamber, which is equipped with the 200 W heating element. 

To control the process of cleaning, there is a built in 0-10 minute manually set timer, with alarm.

Typical basket holder and the compartmentalised baskets, out of a whole variety. 

As shown in the second image. 

I had no choice but go ahead and replace both, the basket and the mounting plate, for fear of them falling apart. 

No metal ones were available, so I had to purchase the new plastic replacements, shown in the second image.

For the very small parts there are small baskets with lids, which fit nicely inside of the standard height baskets.

For larger watch parts there is a deep basket which fits the basket holder replacing the standard basket elements, as shown in the second image.

This unit creates vibrations of about 30 Hz (Cycles/sec) thus producing a strong cleaning effect.

Unit shown was designed for holding and cleaning of three partially disassembled watch movements.

To prevent frothing it is necessary to place wave breakers in the jars. On the bottom of jars, two in each, placed diagonally so that they cannot in any way interfere with the rotation of the basket.

Vertical members standing in the corners, are opposing the current, creating tiny counter swirls in each corner of the jar.  

Used by mixing with water, tap or demineralised, in ratio of 1 part concentrate and 9 parts water.

Also usable in the ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning fully disassembled watches, watch cases, bracelets etc.

Normally used and kept in a small glass essence jar, a small quantity only, replaced quite frequently. 

Used for degreasing of the escapement parts, like balance spring, balance, pallet or escape wheel, if and when it becomes necessary.

For that purpose I am using a professional ultrasonic bath, 120W RMS, 480 W peak power @ 35 kHz, made in Germany by Bandelin. 

The 3 litre ultrasonic bath is equipped with a 140 W heater controlled by thermostat, a 15 minute timer, designed to be used continuous duty, achieved by switching the timer knob to infinite position, 

Test is performed using a piece of household aluminium foil, as is suggested by the manufacturer⁴. 

Test lasted only 60 seconds, with aluminium foil 10 �m in thickness and produced the result as shown.

For larger items there are stainless steel baskets, which are inserted inside bath.

To prevent it, right after cleaning of the watch parts, very thin layer of epilame coat is applied, to increase surface tension, and thus prevent oil from spreading. 

The best effect is produced if escapement parts are treated. 

Coating parts is accomplished by use of special bottle with two separate, interconnected compartments.

Bottle is then closed tightly, turned upside down, allowing epilame to enter and cover the basket soaking the parts in it. 

After 30-40 seconds bottle is turned right way up, small basket with parts is drained, then removed, bottle tightly closed, and parts well dried. 

Parts, now treated with the invisible layer of epilame are ready for assembly and for subsequent oiling. 

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