How To Clean Every Watch Bracelet Type

A dirty bracelet ruins a good watch. Whether it’s a solid gold Day-Date, a Royal Oak, or a ceramic diver on rubber, grime builds up fast. Skin cells, sweat, sunscreen and food residue gather between the links and under the clasp. Over time, they dull the finish and make the watch feel cheap.

Each bracelet material behaves differently. Some scratch. Some stretch. Others stain or absorb odours. Cleaning your bracelet is straightforward with the right tools, the right process, and a basic understanding of what you’re handling.

Know Your Materials

Stainless Steel
Durable and versatile, stainless steel appears on everything from Seiko to Rolex. It handles soap and water well but can still trap oil and dirt between links. Brushed surfaces need gentle cleaning to maintain the texture. Polished surfaces mark easily and need soft cloths to preserve their shine.

Gold (Yellow, Rose, White)
Gold is soft and more prone to micro-scratches. Use a non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid aggressive brushing and never polish without professional tools. Always dry gold bracelets with a clean microfibre cloth to avoid water spots and lint.

Titanium
Lighter than steel, titanium is often found on tool watches and sports chronographs. It scratches more easily but resists corrosion. Matte-finished bracelets, like those on the Tudor Pelagos or Grand Seiko models, need extra care. Use light pressure and avoid abrasive cloths or polishes.

Ceramic
Scratch-resistant but brittle, ceramic is used by brands like Rado, Zenith and Hublot. It resists oils and UV damage but can chip if dropped. Clean with a soft brush and ceramic-safe cleaner. Avoid soaking or ultrasonic methods.

Understand the Link Style

Oyster Link
Popularised by Rolex, the Oyster is strong and simple. Wide, flat surfaces make it easy to clean, but dirt collects around the clasp and end-links. Brushed links need light cleaning to avoid disrupting the grain.

Jubilee Link
Flexible and comfortable, but with many small surfaces that collect grime. The five-piece link design needs brushing between each row to remove buildup.

President Link
Semi-circular and polished, the President bracelet appears on Rolex Day-Dates. Fingerprints show easily, and gaps between links attract debris. Use gentle cleaner and polish with a microfibre cloth only.

H-Link / Flat Link
Seen on vintage Omegas and modern Seikos, these bracelets are flatter and easier to clean but tend to hide dirt at the pivot points. Brush with care to maintain the finish.

Integrated Bracelet
Found on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus and Tissot PRX, integrated bracelets are tight-fitting and taper into the case. Dirt builds up under the lugs and between narrow links. Use a soft brush with long, thin bristles.

Beads of Rice / Milanese Mesh
Elegant but demanding. Mesh traps skin, dust and residue deep within. Use compressed air or a soft brush, and avoid soaking or ultrasonic cleaners. These bracelets require regular upkeep to stay clean.

The Cleaning Process

Step 1: Remove the bracelet if possible
Separating the bracelet from the case protects the watch head and makes cleaning more precise. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, leave it attached and proceed cautiously.

Step 2: Choose the right cleaner
Use a natural, pH-balanced cleaner like Heist Watch & Jewellery Cleaner. It is safe for gold, steel, titanium and ceramic. Do not use household soaps or anything containing ammonia.

Step 3: Brush with purpose
Use a soft-bristled brush to reach between the links, under the clasp and around end-links. Brush along the grain for brushed links. Avoid stiff-bristle brushes, which may scratch soft metals.

Step 4: Rinse with care
Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or rinse briefly under warm water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly if using soap or cleaner. Avoid hot water, and do not submerge bracelets with leather or fabric parts.

Step 5: Dry thoroughly
Use a clean microfibre cloth to absorb moisture. Pat gently, especially around spring bars and pinholes. Avoid using paper towel, which leaves lint and can scratch finishes.

Step 6: Optional – use compressed air
For tight link structures like Jubilee or Milanese mesh, a short blast of compressed air removes moisture and grit from between the components.