Elma Watch Cleaning Machine

[Tiktok]

2 hours ago, Mark said:

That one doesn't have the transducer - but very true what you said.

I had two varimatics with the ultrasonic units but I prefer my elma super elite - it's manual but never have a problem with it, plus I get to keep the watch in the jars for much longer should I want to.

Sorry, I thought all the "vari matic" ones had ultrasonic and the none ultrasonic ones were called "watch matic" or something else.

I looked at buying one a couple of weeks ago and rang this company below about getting the ultrasonics repaired, he has a fully updated refurbished one for sale at £2200, he quoted me the £1600 to refurb one.

http://www.delphelectronics.co.uk/pre-owned-machines.htm

[SteveFitzwater]

There is a company in the US that will do a solid state conversion to your L&R ultrasonic unit for $600 us dollars, with the conversion, that would be ~400 in UK, the shipping might be costly

 

[Mark]

3 hours ago, Tiktok said:

Sorry, I thought all the "vari matic" ones had ultrasonic and the none ultrasonic ones were called "watch matic" or something else.

I looked at buying one a couple of weeks ago and rang this company below about getting the ultrasonics repaired, he has a fully updated refurbished one for sale at £2200, he quoted me the £1600 to refurb one.

http://www.delphelectronics.co.uk/pre-owned-machines.htm

That's Graham Baxter - he's a very good chap. His workshop is just down the road from me.

The L&R shown in the OP definitely does not have a transducer (Big metal cylinder where the basket will be attached). But it can be converted to ultrasonic with the addition of a unit which sits under the main machine, and the transducer which is fitted to the head.

[oldhippy]

1 hour ago, Mark said:

That's Graham Baxter - he's a very good chap. His workshop is just down the road from me.

The L&R shown in the OP definitely does not have a transducer (Big metal cylinder where the basket will be attached). But it can be converted to ultrasonic with the addition of a unit which sits under the main machine, and the transducer which is fitted to the head.

That's right Mark.

[Tiktok]

5 hours ago, Mark said:

That's Graham Baxter - he's a very good chap. His workshop is just down the road from me.

The L&R shown in the OP definitely does not have a transducer (Big metal cylinder where the basket will be attached). But it can be converted to ultrasonic with the addition of a unit which sits under the main machine, and the transducer which is fitted to the head.

Yeah, that's him Grayham Baxter, he really knows his stuff, I was talking to him for ages on the phone. He was really helpful.

 

 

[maclerche]

On 14. nov. 2014 at 0:54 PM, SSTEEL said:

How do I get this pin out?

[Kraai]

in the gap at the point of the arrow there is an excentric shim with a tiny screw.

[maclerche]

Here at me it looks like a pin more than a screw, as I do not see any slot!
Maybe I am wrong? I will do another try...

 

 

[oldhippy]

A nice looking machine at a good starting price. There's a few others as well just down the list, worth a look.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Watch-cleaning-machine-/301949206939?hash=item464d93419b:g:foEAAOSwKfVXK1NC

Edited May 6, 2016 by oldhippy

[Peterburke340]

I know they don't come up very often but am looking to buy an Elma RM90 watch cleaning machine if anyone has one or knows of one for sale. I am uk based.

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[clockboy]

I think Mark uses a Elma so it should be OK. Also I believe parts are still available for this machine. I use a  L&R which is very good so may I suggest you don't restrict yourself to the Elma only. 

[oldhippy]

I  have seen them on ebay quite often so that's the only place I know that your likely to pick one up. 

 

 

 

 

 

[SSTEEL]

I have one which I fully restored, superb machine for the money.  There is a seller on ebay that sells new ones under a different name, modern, and exactly the same.

[Peterburke340]

Hi SSteel
Could you give me a bit more info if possible regarding the name of your machine and the eBay link if possible
Thanks
Peter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SSTEEL]

Search the forums, you will find my restoration thread.  I believe mine is an Elma Super Elite.  Same as this one..

ELMA WATCH CLEANING MACHINE.

The seller on ebay I referred to appears to no longer sell the new blue type.

 

[clockboy]

I was told by the guy who restored my "L&R  Vari-Matic" that it ultra sonic cleans in all three baskets while washing. The new watch cleaning machines (£3000 +) only ultra sonic the first basket & many Elma machines wash only.

[Peterburke340]

This is the style of machine I'm ideally after



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[clockboy]

WOW. Out of my pocket thats for sure.  A full report on how it performs will be drooled over by many on this forum. 

[oldhippy]

I have just looked up the price of a Elma RM90 after seeing clockboys comment. You will have to have very high-volume of watch cleaning repairs in order for you to get your money back in a reasonable amount of time.    

[clockboy]

That was my point the R90 is now obsolete and was been replaced by the "Elmasolve RM" which retails at £3k +.

You have got to do lots and lots of repairs to get any sort of return for that sort of outlay.  If you can find a pre-owned one and source replacement parts then it might be a viable option. However if my info is correct they are also not as efficient as the the old L & R machines. 

 

 

 

[oldhippy]

I had the same as you "L&R  Vari-Matic" it was one hell of a cleaner, excellent results every time, when I retired I sold it.I wish I hadn't.   

[maclerche]

On 28/1/2017 at 10:04 PM, Peterburke340 said:

 

I know they don't come up very often but am looking to buy an Elma RM90 watch cleaning machine if anyone has one or knows of one for sale. I am uk based.

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Elma RM90 is on my wish list as well. Some of these machines have problems with the wire to the motor. You may be lucky and find one and maybe you can fix it ... It's such a machine with this mistake im looking for!

RM 90 19$ repair >>>

More about this problem >>>

I've occasionally seen this elma at online auctions, I have seen them there at very fair price

An old auction >>>

Another old auction >>>

 

I hope you get one some day... good luck

 

 

[teegee]

Interesting machine!

L&R vari-matics seem impossible to obtain these days, unless you don't mind paying USD 2k..

[oldhippy]

20 minutes ago, teegee said:

Interesting machine!

L&R vari-matics seem impossible to obtain these days, unless you don't mind paying USD 2k..

Expensive yes but one hell of a cleaning machine and all automatic, you can set the timing for each jar for how long you want it to be in the cleaning jar and for both rinse jars and heater and spin off. There is even a part which enables you to clean many watches at the same time. I used a few machines in my days and this one is certainly the tops.

[Peterburke340]

I managed to get one off a retired watchmaker. It's in perfect condition too
It is quiet , efficient and quick!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk