Manual Watch Cleaning Machine, updated 09.01.2026
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.