Acetone

Acetone is a volatile, organic, flammable liquid with a smell resembling that of ether. Used as a solvent (dissolvent). Acetone dissolves rubber and can be toxic in large quantities.

Sometimes used by watchmakers to dissolve glue/cements that have been used to hold components on small supports/jigs whilst they are being made/manipulated/polished. 


Alcohol

Inflammable, obtained by distilling fermented liquids. Alcohol dissolves oils, resins and shellac. Absolute alcohol, is a chemically pure alcohol. Often used in watchmaking for cleaning components. 


Epilame

Watch components are immersed in epilame then dried. The liquid then prevents oils on the parts from spreading.