How do you clean the case of your AJ-003 watch ?
If you've just added a Type E collection watch to your wrist, there's a good chance you're wondering how to clean the AJ-003 case without causing any damage. It's a fair question: this steel case houses a dial cut from the actual aluminium bonnet of a Jaguar Type E, and the approach isn't quite the same as with a conventional watch. Here's what our watchmakers at Atelier Jalaper recommend, step by step, to keep this piece of history looking its best.
A simple process, as long as you protect the dial
To clean the case of your Type E watch, a slightly damp microfibre cloth is enough for most situations. If needed, a little mild soap and a soft-bristled brush will handle the rest. Keep the soap and brush to the case and bezel only. The sapphire crystal protecting the dial asks for nothing more than a dry wipe, to preserve the view of that genuine piece of automotive bodywork underneath.
What to gather before you start
Before you begin, take a moment to get everything together.
- A soft, lint-free microfibre cloth, for wiping the case without marking the brushed steel.
- Clean, cold water, to rinse without attacking the finish.
- A soft-bristled brush, useful for reaching the recesses around the asymmetric lugs.
- A neutral soap, without solvents or fragrance, used sparingly on the dirtiest areas.
Avoid anything containing alcohol, ammonia, or solvents. These products dull steel finishes over time and, if they reach the dial, can alter its patina in ways that can't be undone. A simple, unscented hand soap or Marseille soap works well.
Your AJ-003 dial deserves a word on its own. It comes from the bonnet of a 1962 Jaguar Type E Semi-Lightweight that won the Tour Auto 2020, and its patina varies from one piece to the next. No two watches in this collection look exactly alike. That patina is part of the object's history, not a flaw to correct. Leave it as it is, and focus all your cleaning on the case and bezel.
How to clean your Type E watch case, step by step
- Examine the watch under good light, to spot the dirtiest areas and any surface marks worth paying attention to.
- Remove the strap, so you can reach every part of the case without risk of damage during cleaning. You'll find the right method in our guide to cleaning the watch strap.
- Wipe once with a dry cloth, to lift dust and surface traces before introducing any water.
- Check that the crown is pushed fully in, to prevent any water from getting inside during the next steps.
- Prepare two bowls of clean, cold water, and dissolve a small amount of mild soap in one of them.
- Dip the brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the case, paying attention to the corners and the recesses around the lugs, without getting close to the dial.
- Rinse the brush in the second bowl, then rinse the case with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry immediately with a clean microfibre cloth, leaving no moisture behind, particularly around the mineral glass caseback that reveals the movement.
Everyday habits that protect the case over time
A periodic clean only goes so far. The everyday habits make the real difference in the long run. After each wear, a quick pass with a microfibre cloth removes perspiration before it works its way into the finish. Avoid prolonged immersion, even though your watch is designed for everyday use even though your watch is rated at 5 ATM, brief contact with water is fine, but extended exposure can wear down the gaskets over time. When you're not wearing it, store the watch somewhere dry and away from dust and knocks, ideally clear of other metal objects that could scratch it.
With these few habits in place, your Type E watch case will hold its finish for years without ever compromising what makes it worth caring for : that authentic fragment of the 1962 Jaguar Type E Semi-Lightweight on the dial. Our complete guide to the Type E collection also covers regulation, winding, and the other things worth knowing day to day.