Fingerprints on watch hands

[bwhitesox]

I recently took my Franken Avenger to a local watchmaker to get a lello datewheel installed and they have left finger prints/smudges on one of the hands.

While not being all that noticable my question is will the acid in the fingerprint cause any erosion on the hands over a period of time.?

I would dearly love to get rid of the marks but not sure I can trust a watchmaker that leaves fingerprints on the hands a second time.

[FxrAndy]

I have effectivey cleaned my own prints off hands with a bit of Rodico on a bit of pegwood, by just gently drawing the rodico over the hands being carefull not to bend them that is.

[RWG Technical]

The acid will indeed etch the hands over time.

Rodico works ok, but it's difficult and risky to do with the hands in place. I prefer to clean the hands when they are removed from the movement and after the Rodico (to absorb the oil/acid) I polish them with a polishing cloth, the Rodico tends to leave slight marks behind.

RG

[bwhitesox]

Thanks guys will take the watch back in and pray for the best.

[freddy333]

the Rodico tends to leave slight marks behind.

I think the residue is from dirt/dust/grease that accumulates in the rodico material over time. I have the same problem, but it only happens with rodico that I have either used or left out for a few days. When I begin to see streaking, I switch to a new piece of rodico & it leaves no residue. I also keep the rodico on my work table under a cover to keep dust from settling onto it, which seems to help a bit.