A watch’s most important job is to tell the time reliably and accurately. Of course, a watch is also an accessory that you want to enjoy looking at. In order to maintain its functionality and aesthetics for as long as possible, a certain degree of care is required. In this article, we’ve compiled six tips to help you care for your watch.
1. Exercise caution when wearing
The easiest way to enjoy your watch for a long time is not to subject it to too much stress when wearing it. This not only helps you avoid unnecessary scratches and dents, but also avoids the risk of hard impacts and shocks that can lead to problems with mechanical movements. For example, dropping the watch could cause increased deviation or even disrupt the normal functioning of the watch. Quartz watches are generally less susceptible to external impacts and can withstand a blow more easily. That said, you should still avoid putting unnecessary stress on a quartz watch.
2. Proper storage
If you aren’t planning on wearing your watch for a longer period of time, you should consider storing it in a case. This protects the watch from dust, sunlight, and other environmental factors. You could also consider a watch winder for automatic watches. The winder’s movement ensures that the watch is continuously supplied with power so you don’t have to worry about resetting and winding your timepiece. This also keeps the lubricants inside the watch in motion, which prevents them from hardening over time. For more ways to store your watch, check out this article.
3. Professional cleaning
When you wear a watch, it’s hard to avoid fingerprints, dust, and sweat. These can damage the surface and/or seals of your watch. You should make a habit of wiping your timepiece clean with a soft microfiber cloth after you wear it. If the dirt is stubborn, you can slightly moisten the cloth. Whatever you do, however, avoid using cleaning products, as they are usually too harsh and do more harm than good. And don’t forget some TLC for your watch band! Metal bracelets are particularly easy to care for and can be cleaned just like your watch. Textile straps can usually be washed with lukewarm water. Rubber straps can also be easily cleaned with water. Leather straps require a bit more care. These should be wiped thoroughly after wear to remove any sweat, but also treated regularly with appropriate products like leather grease, etc.
4. Know the limitations of water resistance
Manufacturers usually indicate the water resistance of their watches in meters or feet. Although the figures may sound impressive, they are unfortunately somewhat misleading. What these specs actually mean is that the watches can withstand the pressure that exists at these depths. For example, if the watch is rated to 30 m (98 ft), it can withstand a pressure of 3 bar or ATM. At 100 m (328 ft), it’s 10 bar, at 200 m (656 ft) 20 bar, etc. A normal water tap can reach a pressure of 3 to 6 bar, and thus it poses a major risk for a watch that is only water-resistant to 30 m. Therefore, bear in mind the following:
- Up to 30 m (3 bar): The watch is protected against splashes of water such as rain or washing hands.
- Up to 50 m (5 bar): The watch is suitable for showering, but should not be held directly under the water jet.
- Up to 100 m (10 bar): The watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
- 200 m (20 bar) and more: The watch meets the requirements of a diving watch and can be used for longer dives at greater depths.
5. What if the crystal gets scratched?
The watch glass serves a very important function: It should reliably protect the dial and hands from external influences, but also be as invisible as possible. It’s also the largest and most exposed surface area of the watch. This makes the crystal especially prone to scratches, especially on watches that have Hesalite or Plexiglas. Fortunately, you can fix superficial scratches on Hesalite yourself. All you need is some polishing paste, which you can buy in specialist shops or online. First, make sure there is no dust on the glass to avoid further scratches. Then dab a little paste onto a cotton pad and spread it on the scratch. A flawless surface will appear once more. Things are a little different with sapphire glass. There is no way around contacting a professional in this case, but thankfully, it takes a lot more to scratch a sapphire crystal. This is why most luxury watches are fitted with this type of glass; it is incredibly durable.
6. Care for the movement
Let’s now turn to the inner workings of your watch. Of course, the movement also requires a certain amount of care. As mentioned above, you should try to avoid shocks and impacts. But there are other dangers looming. Magnetic fields, for example, are often underestimated. In our modern world, we are virtually surrounded by magnets; they’re in mobile phones and tablets, refrigerator doors, and speakers. Induction hobs and electric toothbrushes also generate magnetic fields. If a watch is exposed to these fields for extended periods, the balance spring can become magnetized. This disrupts the synchronization of the balance wheel. The result: deviation. Therefore, try to keep your watch away from magnetic fields as much as possible. Even if you faithfully follow every care tip out there, your luxury watch will still require regular servicing. Watchmakers refer to this as a overhaul and recommend having one carried out every four to six years. Here, the watch is completely disassembled, the individual parts are professionally cleaned, faulty parts are replaced, and then everything is reassembled. The overhaul includes a functional test of the winding mechanism, i.e., the crown and power reserve, as well as the escapement. The hands and gear train are likewise tested, seals are checked, the balance is adjusted, and the bearings and shafts are re-lubricated.
Conclusion
If you follow all of these tips, chances are good that you can enjoy your watch for many years to come. Perhaps your watch will even become a family heirloom that will last for generations. With proper care, a mechanical watch can last forever.
