I tend to be quite lazy.
Therefore, I prefer to use maintenance-free items for everyday use.
In terms of low maintenance, the Seiko Spirit watch I bought about two years ago was the best watch for me.
The battery charges using light, so there's no need to replace it.
And since the time is adjusted by radio waves, there's virtually no need to worry about it going out of sync.
Furthermore, because it's made of titanium, it's antibacterial, rust-resistant, sturdy, and lightweight.
Its simple, unadorned appearance has a refined beauty, and I personally really like using it.
SEIKO SPIRIT (SBTM217) User Review: A sophisticated and simple titanium wristwatch.
However, if you wear them for a long time, dust and grime will naturally accumulate, and they will become dirty.
It doesn't have an automatic cleaning function, so you have to clean that part yourself.
This article is about how a used toothbrush is very useful for cleaning metal-band watches.
This sentence is the conclusion, so everything else is superfluous.
How to clean a metal belt
The easiest method is to use an ultrasonic cleaner designed for cleaning eyeglasses and similar items.
If you put it in a washing machine and run it through several times, most of the fine dirt should come off.
However, do not use ultrasonic cleaning on the watch's main body.
Even slight vibrations can cause misalignment of parts in the machine, leading to malfunctions.
You will need to remove only the belt portion using a special screwdriver or similar tool and then place it in the cleaning machine.
In my case, I don't even own an ultrasonic cleaner, and it's too much of a hassle to take the belt off just for that.
The ultrasonic cleaner itself is fine, as you can buy one for around 3,000 to 5,000 yen, but for someone as lazy as me, disassembling it and removing the belt is extremely stressful.
Amidst all this, I heard that cleaning with a toothbrush is extremely easy, so I decided to give it a try.
Toothbrushes designed to clean between teeth were perfect for cleaning dirt from the uneven surfaces and recessed areas of the metal belt.
You can usually remove most noticeable stains by scrubbing under running tap water, without using any detergents.
This watch has a basic water-resistant function, so it will not malfunction if it is exposed to running water.
Precautions when cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush
There is only one thing to keep in mind when cleaning a metal belt with a toothbrush.
This means avoiding using a brand new toothbrush.
New toothbrushes are stiff, so they can potentially cause fine scratches on metal surfaces.
Even if the watch band is made of titanium or stainless steel, scrubbing it vigorously with a brand new, stiff brush can cause fine scratches.
A well-worn, softened toothbrush is just about right, so if you come across one like that, I think it's a good idea to keep it instead of throwing it away.
summary
When you wear a wristwatch for a long time, dirt will inevitably accumulate on the inside.
It may be a bit of a hassle, but I think it's a good idea to clean whenever you feel like it.
A used, old toothbrush will suffice for this purpose.