Watch Care Guide

Regular Wearing Habits

• • Automatic watches: Wear regularly to keep the movement wound. If not worn daily, use a watch winder to maintain power reserve.
• • Avoid impacts: Remove your watch during high-impact activities like sports, heavy lifting, or DIY projects to prevent damage to the movement.
• • Crown care: Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in or screwed down after setting time or date to maintain water resistance.
• • Magnetic fields: Keep watches away from strong magnets (speakers, phones, magnetic clasps) which can affect accuracy.

Temperature & Environment

• • Avoid extreme temperatures (below 0°C/32°F or above 60°C/140°F) which can affect lubricants and seals.
• • Don't leave watches in direct sunlight for extended periods—UV rays can fade dials and damage rubber gaskets.
• • Keep away from chemicals (perfumes, solvents, cleaning products) that can damage case finishes and straps.

Case & Bracelet Cleaning

Strap & Band Care

• Metal bracelets: Clean weekly with soap and water. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Polish occasionally with a jewelry cloth.
• Leather straps: Wipe with a dry cloth only. Apply leather conditioner every 2-3 months. Avoid water exposure—remove watch before washing hands.
• Rubber/silicone straps: Wash with soap and water. Rinse and dry completely. Check for cracks or degradation every 6 months.
• NATO/fabric straps: Hand wash with mild detergent. Air dry completely before wearing. Replace annually for hygiene.

Understanding Water Resistance Ratings

Maintaining Water Resistance

• • Never operate crown or pushers underwater—this breaks the seal and allows water ingress.
• • Rinse after saltwater exposure with fresh water to prevent corrosion of seals and case.
• • Pressure test annually if you regularly swim or dive with your watch (costs $10-30 at watch shops).
• • Replace gaskets every 2-3 years during servicing—rubber seals degrade over time even without use.
• • Avoid hot water and steam (showers, saunas, hot tubs)—heat causes seals to expand and contract, reducing effectiveness.

Short-Term Storage (Daily/Weekly)

• • Store in a watch box or soft pouch to prevent scratches and dust accumulation.
• • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources (radiators, windowsills).
• • For automatic watches, use a watch winder if not worn for more than 2-3 days to maintain power reserve.
• • Store leather-strapped watches flat to prevent strap deformation.

Long-Term Storage (Months/Years)

• • Quartz watches: Remove battery before storage to prevent corrosion from battery leakage. Store in a cool, dry place.
• • Automatic watches: Wind fully before storage. Store in a watch box with silica gel packets to control humidity.
• • Environment: Ideal storage conditions are 15-25°C (59-77°F) with 40-60% humidity.
• • Check periodically: Inspect stored watches every 3-6 months for signs of moisture, corrosion, or strap degradation.
• • Insurance documentation: Photograph watches and keep receipts/certificates in a separate location for insurance purposes.

Watch Winders (For Automatic Watches)

Watch winders keep automatic watches running when not worn, maintaining lubrication and preventing the need to reset time/date frequently.

• • When to use: For watches with complex complications (perpetual calendar, moon phase) or if you rotate between multiple automatics.
• • Settings: Set to manufacturer's recommended TPD (turns per day)—typically 650-900 TPD for most watches.
• • Direction: Use bidirectional winding unless manufacturer specifies clockwise or counterclockwise only.
• • Not always necessary: Simple time-only automatics can be manually wound when needed—winders are a convenience, not a requirement.

When to Replace

• • Standard quartz: Every 2-3 years, depending on battery type and watch functions.
• • Eco-Drive/Solar: Rechargeable cells last 10-20 years but may need replacement eventually.
• • Warning signs: Second hand jumping in 2-4 second intervals (low battery indicator), watch stopping, or dim display (digital watches).

Professional vs. DIY Replacement

Service Intervals

• Quartz watches: Service every 5-7 years. Includes movement cleaning, lubrication, gasket replacement, and battery change.
• Automatic/mechanical watches: Service every 3-5 years. Includes complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, regulation, and gasket replacement.
• Dive watches: Pressure test annually. Full service every 2-3 years if used regularly for diving.
• Vintage watches: Service every 2-3 years—older lubricants degrade faster.

What's Included in a Full Service

Service Costs

Note: Independent watchmakers often provide excellent service at lower cost. Brand service centers use only OEM parts and are required for warranty work.

Signs Your Watch Needs Service

• • Accuracy issues: Gaining or losing more than 10-15 seconds per day (mechanical) or any deviation (quartz).
• • Power reserve drop: Automatic watch stops running overnight when it used to last 40+ hours.
• • Moisture inside: Condensation under crystal—immediate service required to prevent rust.
• • Grinding or unusual sounds: Indicates worn gears or dried lubricant.
• • Difficulty winding or setting: Crown feels stiff or gritty.
• • Visible damage: Cracked crystal, loose crown, damaged case back.