How to Take Care of Your Timepiece: A Practical Guide

A watch, apart from telling time, is also a piece of art, a symbol of status, and a personal accessory that reflects your style and personality. A watch can be a valuable investment, a cherished heirloom, or a sentimental gift. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your watch and keep it in optimal condition.

However, taking care of your watch does not have to be complicated or expensive. There are some simple and effective steps that you can follow to maintain the quality and performance of your timepiece and save you from running to your nearest watch repair shop every other day. In this blog post, we will share with you some tips on how to take care of your watch, based on the advice of experts and collectors.

Clean Your Watch Regularly

One of the most basic and essential steps for watch care is to clean your watch regularly. Dirt, dust, sweat, and oil can accumulate on your watch, especially on the case, the bracelet, and the area between the case and the bezel. This can affect the appearance and the functionality of your watch, as well as cause corrosion and damage.

To clean your watch, you will need a soft cloth, a soft toothbrush, and some warm water. You can also use a mild soap or a watch cleaning solution if your watch is very dirty. However, before you start cleaning, you need to check the water resistance of your watch and make sure that the crown is properly screwed down. If your watch is not water resistant, you should avoid submerging it in water and only use a damp cloth to wipe it.

To clean the case and the bezel of your watch, you can use a soft cloth to gently rub the surface and remove any stains or spots. You can also use a soft toothbrush to reach the crevices and corners where dirt can accumulate. You can dip the toothbrush in warm water or soap solution and gently brush the areas that need more attention. Remember buffing of watches should only be done by experts, so we need to be very gentle. Be careful not to scratch the crystal or the case with the bristles of the toothbrush.

To clean the bracelet of your watch, you can use the same method as above, but you need to detach the bracelet from the case first. This will make it easier to access and clean the bracelet. You can use a spring bar tool or a small screwdriver to remove the bracelet from the case. Be careful not to lose the spring bars or the screws that hold the bracelet in place. You can also use a pin or a needle to push out the dirt and debris from the links of the bracelet.

To clean the leather strap of your watch, you need to be gentler and more careful, as leather is a delicate material that can be easily damaged by water or chemicals. You can use a soft cloth to wipe the strap and remove any dust or dirt. You can also use a leather cleaner or conditioner to moisturize and protect the leather. However, you should avoid soaking the leather strap in water or exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to crack or fade.

After cleaning your watch, you need to dry it thoroughly before wearing it or storing it. You can use a soft cloth or a hair dryer to dry your watch, but avoid using too much heat or pressure. You can also leave your watch in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to let it air dry.

Wind Your Watch Properly

Another important step for watch care is to wind your watch properly. Winding your watch ensures that it has enough power to run accurately and smoothly. Depending on the type of your watch, you may need to wind it manually or automatically.

If you have a manual watch, you need to wind it by hand every day or every few days, depending on the power reserve of your watch. To wind your watch, you need to unscrew the crown and turn it clockwise until you feel some resistance. You should not overwind your watch, as this can damage the mainspring or the movement. You should also wind your watch gently and slowly, and avoid shaking or jerking it.

If you have an automatic watch, it will wind itself by the motion of your wrist. However, if you do not wear your watch regularly, it may stop running or lose accuracy. To keep your watch running, you can either wear it for a few hours every day or use a watch winder to store it.

Wear Your Watch Appropriately

The third step for watch care is to wear your watch appropriately. This means that you should choose the right watch for the right occasion and avoid exposing your watch to extreme conditions or harmful substances. By wearing your watch appropriately, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear and prolong the lifespan of your watch.

By choosing the right watch for the right occasion we mean, if you are going to a formal event, you should wear a dress watch that matches your outfit and style. If you are going to a casual or sporty activity, you should wear a sports watch that is durable and functional.

Second is to avoid exposing your watch to extreme conditions or harmful substances. For example, you should avoid wearing your watch in very hot or cold temperatures, as this can affect the accuracy and the performance of your watch. You should also avoid wearing your watch near magnets, as this can interfere with the movement and the timekeeping of your watch. You should also avoid wearing your watch near chemicals, such as cleaning products, perfumes, or cosmetics, as this can damage the case, the crystal, or the strap of your watch. This also means not going for a luxury watch polishing all by yourself and trusting a professional to do it.

Store Your Watch Safely

The fourth step for watch care is to store your watch safely. This means that you should keep your watch in a secure and suitable place when you are not wearing it. By storing your watch safely, you can protect it from dust, moisture, scratches, or theft.

The best place to store your watch is in its original box or case, as this is designed to fit and protect your watch. You can also use a watch roll, a watch case, or a watch box to store your watch, as long as they are padded and lined with soft materials. You should also keep your watch away from direct sunlight, heat, or humidity, as this can cause fading, rusting, or mold.

If you have more than one watch, you should store them separately, as they can scratch or damage each other if they are in contact. You should also keep your watch in a safe and hidden place, such as a drawer, a closet, or a safe, to prevent it from being stolen or lost.

Service Your Watch Periodically

The fifth and final step for watch care is to service your watch periodically. This means that you should have your watch checked and repaired by a professional watchmaker or professional watch repair store every few years. By servicing your watch periodically, you can ensure that your watch is in good working order and fix any problems or issues that may arise.

Servicing your watch involves watch cleaning and polishing, lubricating, adjusting, and replacing the parts of your watch that may be worn or damaged. This can improve the accuracy, the performance, and the appearance of your watch. Servicing your watch can also prevent further damage or malfunction that may be costly or irreparable.

The frequency of servicing your watch depends on the type, the age, and the condition of your watch. Generally, you should service your watch every two to five years, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation and your own usage. However, you should also look out for signs that your watch needs servicing, such as losing or gaining time, stopping or skipping, making noises, or leaking water.

Taking care of your watch is not difficult or expensive, but it requires some attention and effort and the help of a professional watch service center like those offered by World of Watches. By following these five steps, you can keep your watch in optimal condition and enjoy it for a long time.