The yellowing of super cloned watches is often caused by ultraviolet radiation, high temperature, sweat/oil, and oxidation. Daily measures such as light protection, temperature control, cleaning, protection, and regular maintenance can significantly delay yellowing and maintain the appearance of the watch.
1、 First understand: the core reason for yellowing
The common materials of super clone watches (316L/904L steel, PVD coating, rubber/silicone, resin/plastic, luminous coating) turn yellow, which is essentially:
Photooxidation: Ultraviolet light breaks the polymer chains, generating chromophores that absorb blue light and appear yellow on Weibo.
Thermal aging: High temperature accelerates molecular chain breakage and oxidation, especially for bezel, watch strap, and crown.
Sweat/oil corrosion: Salt and sebum adhere for a long time, corroding coatings/rubber and accelerating yellowing.
Intrinsic aging of materials: Rubber, plastic, and resin naturally oxidize and turn yellow over time.
2、 Daily maintenance: prevent yellowing from the root (most crucial)
- Strictly avoid light and control temperature (the top priority for preventing yellowing)
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight (car windows, balconies, outdoor direct sunlight), as ultraviolet radiation is the biggest cause of yellowing.
Stay away from high temperature sources: sauna, hot springs, stove, car center console (in summer, the temperature inside the car exceeds 60 ℃).
Storage: Use a light proof watch box/bag, store in a cool and dry place, do not place on the windowsill/inside the car. - Timely cleaning: block sweat/oil erosion
Daily/after wearing: Gently wipe the watch case, strap, and bezel with a microfiber soft cloth (eyeglass cloth/watch wiping cloth) to remove sweat, dust, and oil.
Deep cleaning (weekly/after excessive sweating):
Steel watch strap/case: Warm water+a small amount of neutral detergent/hand sanitizer, gently brush the gaps with a soft bristled toothbrush, rinse with clean water, immediately dry with a dry cloth+thoroughly blow dry with cold air (do not use hot air).
Rubber/silicone strap: Clean the same steel strap and strictly prohibit the use of solvents such as alcohol, acetone, banana water, etc., as they can accelerate aging and yellowing.
PVD/Coating: Use only a dry cloth or clean water to gently wipe. Do not use polishing paste, abrasives, strong acids or alkalis as they may scratch/corrode the coating.
Dial/glass: Use only a dry cloth to gently wipe, do not use cleaning agents to avoid seeping into the movement. - Wear protection: reduce contact with irritants
When exercising, working out, or sweating, take off the watch and don’t let it soak in sweat.
Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfume, hair gel, sunscreen, alcohol, oil, chemicals, which will corrode materials and accelerate yellowing.
Reduce friction and bumps, and make the coating/rubber more prone to yellowing after wear. - Storage and idle maintenance
When idle: Clean and dry, put it in a dry meter box, which can hold 1-2 packs of silicone desiccant (do not directly touch the meter), and keep it dry.
Long term non wearing: Take it out once a month for ventilation and wiping to avoid being trapped in a humid environment. - Regular professional maintenance (delaying aging)
Send to a professional watch store every 1-2 years for waterproof testing, rubber ring replacement, movement maintenance, and appearance cleaning. Replace aging rubber rings/seals in a timely manner to prevent moisture from entering and accelerating yellowing.
Slight oxidation/yellowing of the coating: Professional polishing/refurbishment can be done by the master (PVD coating is not recommended to be polished frequently as it will wear thin).
3、 Yellowing: Mild repair (do not attempt randomly)
Slight yellowing (rubber/silicone/plastic): Use a mild plastic cleaner/toothpaste (non abrasive type) and a soft cloth to gently wipe, rinse with water, and wipe dry; Or use a specialized anti yellowing agent (follow the instructions, do not soak for too long).
Steel shell/coating oxidation: Use a K gold wiping cloth/magic cloth to gently wipe, or use pure rubber (without glass fiber) to gently wipe, do not use sandpaper or grinding paste.
Severe yellowing/coating peeling: Only professional refurbishment/recoating/replacement of parts, self disposal of easily damaged watches.
4、 Absolute taboo (don’t step on the pit)
❌ Cleaning with alcohol, acetone, banana water, strong acids and alkalis, and bleach can accelerate material aging, yellowing, and cracking.
❌ High temperature baking, exposure to sunlight, and blowing with a hot air gun can cause severe yellowing and damage to the movement.
❌ Frequent polishing of PVD/coating will remove the coating, expose the substrate, and make it more prone to yellowing.
❌ Long term lack of cleaning and maintenance can lead to irreversible yellowing caused by sweat/dirt accumulation.