Manual Watch Cleaning Machine, updated 26.04.2026
Workshop > Projects
A project to build a 3D-printed hand crank with 1:3 planetary gear for a hand-operated watch-parts washing machine. Below some Gemini converted images of old original machines. I found those machines in old catalogues from the 1950's.
On the left a FAVORITE Hand-operating watch and clock machine, simultaneous rotative and vertical movements, light metal construction, 5 partitioned and interchangeable baskets. Simultaneous cleaning of 4-6 watches. With 1 jar.
In the middel same machine plus device for cleaning clocks without previously dismantling. With 1 jar.
On the right the ELMA
On the left a maybe DIY cleaner based on a breast drill. In the middle a current hand operated cleaner called "Chronoclean"
Constructed in Fusion 360 and printed on a Prusa MK3+ using a 0.4 mm nozzle and 0.2 mm layer height. The drive uses a planetary gear with a 1:3 ratio. The glass and parts basket are taken from my original Elma Standard. The next step is to source a low-budget glass and design a custom parts basket. The goal is a low-cost, hand-operated watch parts cleaning machine for hobbyists who only occasionally need to clean watch components.
A short video here: 3D printed hand driven watch part washing machine.
As the prototype worked fine, I still wanted to build a low-budget machine because all the basket parts and professional jars cost a lot of money. I looked for a 1-liter glass jar, which I found for 2.55 Euro. The 3D-printed parts amount to 205 grams of filament, about 6.15 Euro. I also used 4 dowel pins, 6 washers, 3 retaining rings, 4 screws M4 × 12, and a metal knob.
Now the original basket can go back into the ELMA Standard, which I may be able to sell, as the first cleaning tests are very promising. I bought my ELMA second-hand in 2016, and it works well, but as a hobbyist I do not use it enough and it takes up a lot of space.
Following the recommendation, I immerse the washing basket and rotate it a few times to drive out any air bubbles, then let it soak for 3–4 minutes. I then rotate it briskly for 2–3 minutes, alternating in both directions, followed by a 2-minute pause. After that, I rotate it briskly for another minute, then lift it out while continuing to rotate and spin off the excess liquid.
This sequence seems to work very well with Elma Red at a 1:9 dilution. Afterwards, I immerse the basket in isopropanol for 3 minutes, rotating it briskly for 2–3 minutes during the rinse.
Below is a before-and-after image. The result is convincing, isn’t it?