Cleaning a metal watch strap

[SteveD]

I have a fairly expensive Seiko watch which has a chunky metal strap. Both are some 10 years old now and the strap is obviously rather dirty (gunge inside the links). Without risking damage to the strap I cannot remove it from the watch because special tools would be necessary. If I take the watch to a good jewellers, how would they clean the strap? Do they use ultrasound cleaners or just some chemical which I could use if I got the strap off?

[Gandy]

Just soak it in a glass of coke for a while. That'll do it. Drop and old dirty coin in a glass of coke and see how that comes up. It'll look like new

[bluedolphin]

some warm soapy water and a squirt of grease cutting wash up liquid and a soft bristle toothbrush and a toothpick ....should do the job. My 12 yer old Seiko comes up a treat ....

[Drewhound]

A jeweller would probably use an ultrasonic cleaner. My wife makes and repairs jewellery and has her own. It does do a better job on watches but whether that justifies the cost is a matter of opinion It is in my case because I don't pay ;-)