How to Keep a Watch in Good Condition

Watches are much more than mere time-telling devices. Whether they are heirlooms passed down through generations, gifts marking special occasions, or personal investments, watches are often cherished possessions. Consequently, it becomes crucial to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Proper care and maintenance not only enhance the lifespan of a watch but also preserve its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your precious timepiece in top-notch condition.

1. Handling and Operation

Avoid Sudden Shocks: Always handle your watch with care. Avoid activities that might subject your watch to strong vibrations or shocks unless it’s specifically designed for such purposes (like a rugged sports watch). Activities like golf or hammering can particularly harm delicate internal mechanics.

Operate with Care: When adjusting the time or date, pull out the crown gently. Turn it smoothly without forcing it, especially for watches with screw-down crowns. Always push the crown back to its original position to ensure water resistance.

Avoid Overwinding: For manual watches, wind them regularly but avoid over-winding. Overwinding can strain the mainspring. Typically, 20-30 turns are sufficient but always refer to the manufacturer’s guidance.

2. Cleaning

Maintaining a watch’s functionality and preserving its aesthetic allure requires a rigorous yet gentle cleaning regimen. A sparkling exterior might be pleasing to the eye, but internal cleanliness ensures the watch operates seamlessly. Delve deeper into the art and science of watch cleaning:

1. Importance of Regular Cleaning:

Preventing Wear: Accumulated dirt and debris can cause minute abrasions on the watch’s surface over time. Regular cleaning minimizes this risk, preserving the watch’s finish.

Skin Health: Dust, grime, and sweat, when trapped beneath a watch, can irritate the skin. Routine cleaning ensures that you don’t just wear your watch comfortably but also healthily.

2. Materials Matter:

For Metal Bracelets and Cases: Mild soapy water and a soft-bristled brush can be used. Ensure that the watch’s crown is pushed in or screwed down during cleaning to prevent water ingress. Always rinse with fresh water after using soapy solutions.

For Leather Straps: Leather requires special attention. Using specialized leather cleaners or mild soapy water can help. It’s vital to avoid soaking the strap. After cleaning, allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can warp or fade the leather.

For Rubber or Silicone Straps: These are generally more resilient and can be cleaned with mild soapy water. A toothbrush can help reach grooves or textured surfaces.

3. The Crystal’s Clarity:

Microfiber Magic: Always use a soft microfiber cloth for the watch crystal. This ensures effective cleaning without scratching the surface.

Specialized Cleaning Solutions: For stubborn stains or smudges, especially on sapphire or mineral crystals, specialized cleaning solutions are available. These are gentle yet effective in restoring the crystal’s clarity.

4. The Intricacies of Movement Cleaning:

Professional Touch: Cleaning the watch’s internal movement isn’t a DIY task. It requires specialized tools, solvents, and expertise. During professional servicing, the movement is often disassembled, cleaned, re-lubricated, and then reassembled.

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Many professional watch service centers utilize ultrasonic cleaning for watch parts. In this process, parts are submerged in a cleaning solution and subjected to ultrasonic waves, which dislodge dirt and grime from even the most intricate components.

5. Drying Techniques:

Natural Air Drying: After any wet cleaning, it’s essential to let the watch air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause damage or discoloration.

Absorbent Cloths: Soft, absorbent cloths can be used to gently pat the watch dry, ensuring no moisture remains.

6. Cleaning Frequency:

Daily Wipe-down: If you wear your watch daily, a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth can keep it looking fresh and free from accumulated grime.

Deep Cleaning: Depending on your watch’s exposure to the elements and physical activity, a more thorough cleaning might be needed every few months. However, internal movement cleaning should be part of regular servicing, typically every 3-5 years.

7. Storing Clean:

Breathable Storage: Post-cleaning, if you intend to store your watch for a prolonged period, ensure it’s kept in a breathable environment. This ensures any trapped moisture can escape, preventing potential internal damage.

Avoid Chemical Storage: Always ensure that the storage environment is free from chemicals, as residues from cleaning agents or other substances can corrode or tarnish the watch over time.

3. Water Resistance

Check Seals & Gaskets: Over time, gaskets that ensure a watch’s water resistance may deteriorate. Regularly have them checked and replaced by professionals, especially if your watch gets frequently wet.

Avoid Hot Water: Even if your watch is water-resistant, avoid exposing it to hot water or steam, like in saunas. The heat can compromise the integrity of the seals.

Limitations: Remember that ‘water-resistant’ doesn’t mean ‘waterproof’. Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines regarding water exposure.

4. Storage

Storage isn’t just about putting something away; for watches, it’s an intricate art that marries the need to protect functionality while preserving aesthetic integrity. Especially for horological enthusiasts, understanding the nuances of proper watch storage is paramount. Here’s a comprehensive deep dive into optimizing watch storage:

1. The Ideal Environment:

Humidity Control: Watches, particularly vintage ones, can be sensitive to extreme humidity levels. Ideally, store watches in an environment with a relative humidity level of around 50%. Too dry an environment can affect the lubrication of the movement, while excessive humidity can lead to condensation or rust.

Temperature Stability: Drastic temperature fluctuations can be detrimental. Store watches in a cool, consistent environment, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can damage the watch or fade its color.

2. The Role of Watch Boxes:

Cushioned Compartments: Premium watch boxes come with padded compartments. These ensure that each watch sits snugly without movement, reducing the risk of scratches or impact damage.

Material Matters: The interior lining of a watch box, usually made of soft fabric like velvet or suede, provides a gentle surface that prevents micro-abrasions.

Aesthetic and Functional: Beyond protection, a beautifully crafted watch box serves as a display case, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate their collection at a glance.

3. Watch Winders for Automatic Watches:

Functionality: Automatic watches rely on movement for their power. When not worn regularly, a watch winder keeps the movement active, ensuring the watch keeps time accurately and the internal lubricants are distributed evenly.

Settings and Specifications: Not all watch winders are the same. It’s essential to ensure that the winder’s rotations per day (RPD) align with the watch’s requirements. Too much or too little can affect the watch’s longevity.

4. Individual Protection:

Pouches and Cloths: For those who travel or wish to keep particular watches separately, soft pouches or wrapped in specialized watch cloths can offer protection from dust and scratches.

Original Packaging: Especially for luxury or collectible watches, retaining and using the original box and packaging can be beneficial. Not only do they offer tailored protection, but they also can enhance the watch’s resale value.

5. Rotation Strategy:

Even Wear: If you own multiple watches, rotating which one you wear ensures that no single watch experiences excessive wear and tear. Plus, mechanical and automatic watches benefit from regular use.

Rest and Activity: Allowing a watch to ‘rest’ can be beneficial. For instance, if an automatic watch has been exposed to potential magnetic fields, giving it a break can help it regain its accuracy.

6. Avoiding External Threats:

Steer Clear of Magnets: Modern life is filled with magnetic sources, from laptops to speakers. Over time, exposure can affect a watch’s accuracy. Dedicated watch storage areas should be distanced from such devices.

Chemical-Free Zone: Perfumes, solvents, and other chemicals can degrade a watch’s materials over time. Ensure storage areas are free from such substances.

7. Special Storage for Divers and Sports Watches:

Pressure Testing: If you own a diver’s watch and haven’t worn it in a while, it’s good practice to get it pressure tested before diving. Store these watches in an easily accessible place, reminding you to check their integrity periodically.

Impact Protection: Sports watches, designed for rugged use, still benefit from protective storage. Impact-resistant cases or compartments can further safeguard them.

5. Avoid Extremes

Temperature: Drastic temperature changes can affect the lubricants inside the watch. Always avoid direct sunlight exposure for prolonged periods or extremely cold conditions.

Chemicals: Perfumes, solvents, and detergents can damage a watch’s seals, case, and strap. Always apply perfumes and lotions before wearing the watch, allowing them to dry first.

6. Maintenance and Service

Regular Service: Just like cars need regular servicing, watches require periodic maintenance. Depending on the make and model, get your watch serviced every 3-5 years. This involves cleaning, oiling, and part replacements if necessary.

Battery Replacement: For quartz watches, replace the battery every 1-2 years. A dead battery left inside can leak and damage the watch.

Avoid DIY: Unless you’re trained in horology, avoid trying to fix watch issues on your own. Always consult professionals for repairs or servicing.

7. Straps and Bracelets

Clean Leather Straps: Leather straps can accumulate sweat and dirt, leading to odor or deterioration. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them air dry. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the leather.

Metal Bracelets: For metal bracelets, occasional cleaning with warm soapy water and a brush can keep them shining. Ensure thorough rinsing.

Alternate Straps: If you frequently change straps, be gentle to avoid damaging the lugs or spring bars.

8. Crystal Care

Avoid Scratches: Watch crystals, whether acrylic, mineral, or sapphire, can scratch. Avoid abrasive surfaces and treat them with care.

Polishing: Acrylic crystals can be polished to remove minor scratches. For deeper scratches or cracks, replacement might be necessary.

9. Movement Considerations

Automatic Watches: If you don’t wear your automatic watch regularly, consider investing in a watch winder. This keeps the movement running, ensuring lubricants remain evenly distributed.

Mechanical Watches: If not in use, it’s good practice to wind your mechanical watch every few weeks.

10. Invest in Insurance

A watch is more than just an instrument to tell time; it often embodies personal sentiment, historical significance, and substantial monetary value. With the growing appreciation for horology and the increasing market for vintage and luxury watches, the need to ensure these valuable timepieces becomes paramount. This section delves deep into why and how you should invest in watch insurance.

1. The True Value of a Watch:

Monetary Worth: The world of luxury watches often sees timepieces that cost more than cars or even homes. With vintage watches, the value can be appreciated significantly over the years. Insuring them ensures you’re covered against potential financial losses.

Sentimental Value: While insurance can’t compensate for sentimental attachment, it does provide peace of mind, knowing that if your treasured heirloom gets lost or damaged, its monetary value can be recovered.

2. Risks Watches Face:

Theft: High-end watches are prime targets for thieves. Whether it’s at home, during travel, or even off your wrist, the threat is ever-present.

Accidental Damage: Watches can get dropped, bumped, or exposed to elements that may cause significant damage.

Natural Disasters: Fires, floods, earthquakes, and other unforeseen natural calamities can result in the loss or damage of watches.

3. Tailored Watch Insurance Policies:

Specific Coverage: Unlike generic personal property insurance, specialized watch insurance caters to the unique needs of watch owners. It offers coverage that understands the intricacies and value fluctuations in the horological world.

Global Coverage: Many luxury watch owners are globetrotters. Specific watch insurance policies offer worldwide protection, whether you’re wearing the timepiece, carrying it, or leaving it in a hotel safe.

4. Appraisals & Valuations:

Regular Appraisals: The market for certain watches can be volatile. Rare models or those with historical significance can see sharp increases in value. Regular appraisals ensure your insurance coverage matches the watch’s current market value.

Documentation: Always retain original purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, and any servicing records. These not only verify ownership but also assist in determining the watch’s accurate value.

5. The Claims Process:

Clarity: Before settling on an insurance policy, understand the claims process. Ensure it’s straightforward and transparent. Knowing the procedure reduces stress during already taxing times of loss or damage.

Replacement vs. Cash: Some policies might offer a direct replacement through associated dealers, while others might provide a cash settlement. It’s essential to know and be comfortable with the proposed solution.

6. Premium Considerations:

Adjustable Premiums: Premiums can often be adjusted based on storage security, usage frequency, and other factors. A watch kept in a bank vault will typically have a lower premium than one worn daily.

Bundling Options: Many insurance providers offer discounts for insuring multiple watches or bundling the coverage with other insurances like home or travel.

7. Periodic Policy Review:

Changing Market Dynamics: The watch industry sees trends, limited edition releases, and market fluctuations. It’s wise to review your insurance policy periodically to ensure it remains relevant to the current market situation.

Lifestyle Changes: If you move homes, and countries, or even alter your watch-wearing habits, these can influence the risk factors and, consequently, your insurance requirements.

Conclusion

A watch, in many ways, mirrors life’s fleeting moments. It encapsulates time’s relentless march, while also standing as a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. Taking care of this marvel, thus, becomes not just a responsibility but a privilege. Through regular maintenance, careful handling, and a deep appreciation for its mechanics, your watch can serve as a timeless companion, marking countless memories and milestones. After all, the intricate dance of gears, springs, and hands, isn’t a reflection of life’s intricate beauty.