Having acquired your prized possession, the next step is to understand how to maintain and protect your watch to prevent any damage. One prevalent misconception in this intricate industry is the assumption that purchasing a watch ensures an automatic lifelong partnership. In reality, akin to any good partnership, sustaining this connection requires some effort.
Whether it involves treating the crown with the respect it deserves rather than using it like a fidget spinner, or making sure your treasured timepiece doesn’t accumulate dust when left in direct sunlight, adhere to the guidelines below. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your partnership with your watch endures for a lifetime.
Click here to read our article on how to clean a Rolex.
Whilst it goes without saying you should keep your newly acquired prized possession clean, there are different methods for certain materials. For instance, a watch adorned with a leather strap shouldn’t be exposed to water to avoid potential damage, and the delicate surface of a gold watch requires careful handling to prevent scratches. Tailor your cleaning approach based on the unique characteristics of your timepiece to ensure its longevity and pristine appearance. If unsure, it is best to visit your local watch specialist who can advise you.
If you are cleaning a watch made from stainless steel or rubber, the following steps can be followed:
Initial Wipe Down: Start by using a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime from your watch. Opt for a microfiber or chamois cloth for a gentler touch. Always ensure your winding crown is screwed down properly.
Temperature Caution: Ensure the water is lukewarm to avoid damaging your timepiece. Avoid hot water, as it can harm metal components and compromise water-resistant watches.
Gentle Soaking and Brushing: Soak the watch bracelet in a mix of lukewarm water and soap. Use a soft toothbrush to delicately remove grime, oil, and dirt. Avoid immersing the watch face. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue, and pat dry with a cloth.
When cleaning a precious metal timepiece, be cautious about the type of brush you use, as a brush intended for stainless steel may scratch the shiny gold finish. While a soft brush is suitable for steel or titanium watches, opt for an ultra-soft brush, microfiber cloth, or even use your hands when cleaning timepieces made of precious metals to prevent any unintended scratches.
Magnetic fields pose a risk to the delicate balance spring at the core of a mechanical watch, potentially disrupting its function or causing it to stop entirely. Avoid placing your watch near strong magnets found in items such as stereo speakers, refrigerators (especially those adorned with magnets), or magnetic clasps on bags.
Refrain from resting your watch on electronic devices like phones or iPads, as they contain strong magnets. Magnetic flip-cases can also have an immediate impact. Exposure to magnets can cause your watch to gain or lose time, with the risk of malfunction occurring at around 60 gauss. To provide context, a fridge door magnet typically measures about 50 gauss. Fortunately, magnetic damage is easily reversible. Most reputable watch shops have the necessary demagnetizing equipment, and the process is quick, taking just a matter of seconds.
Consider the impact factors that could potentially harm your watch’s movement when choosing the right timepiece for the occasion. While it’s evident that dropping your watch is a risk, other activities such as playing golf or cycling over rough surfaces may also pose threats. Manufacturer guidance on shock resistance varies, and some watches offer better protection than others. As a general rule, err on the side of caution to ensure the longevity of your timepiece.
While it’s perfectly fine to wear your new watch on holiday, avoid leaving it exposed to prolonged sunlight. Strong sunlight can fade the colours on your watch, potentially damage the strap, and dry out the lubricants that ensure smooth operation. Additionally, be mindful of the temperature limits of your watch; consult the manufacturer’s manual for specifics.
Older watches, whose water resistance can’t be guaranteed, may fog up if subjected to rapid temperature changes (such as going from a cold environment to a steamy bathroom), leading to potential condensation and water damage.
Every watch comes with a water-resistance rating, typically indicated by atmospheric pressure or water depth. To simplify, a 3 ATM/30m rating means it’s splash-proof, 5 ATM/50m indicates suitability for swimming and showering (although it’s advisable not to wear your watch in the shower due to potential damage from hot water and soap). A 10 ATM/100m rating is suitable for snorkelling and water sports, while 20 ATM/200m and above is safe for scuba diving. If your watch encounters salt water, rinse it afterward to prevent corrosive effects.
As watches age, the rubber seal protecting the movement becomes less reliable. Avoid using complications like the chronograph underwater, as pressing the pusher can compromise the seal, leading to water damage. Furthermore, keep leather straps dry to maintain their integrity.
Just like a car’s engine needs regular use to prevent parts from seizing up, a watch’s movement requires periodic attention. Make it a habit to give your watch some care every few weeks. If you own a hand-wound watch, give it a gentle wind, being mindful not to overwind (though most modern watches have protective mechanisms). For automatic watches, consider using a watch winder for about 30 minutes a day to maintain the components without causing excessive wear. The easiest solution, especially if you’re fortunate to have a collection of watches, is to wear them all from time to time.
Avoid setting the date within three hours of midnight to prevent potential issues with your watch’s date mechanism. To safely set the date, make it a practice to do so when the hour hand is positioned along the bottom half of the dial, following the instructions for setting the time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Pull the crown out to its first position for the majority of mechanical watches with a date function.
Turn the crown gently to adjust the date. If your watch features a day-of-the-week display, you can typically set it via the crown in this position by turning it in the opposite direction.
Push the crown back in when you’ve finished setting the date.
The mechanism works in a way that, as midnight approaches, the date disc prepares for the change, sometimes not clicking over until a few minutes past the hour. For watches like those with the common ETA 2824-2 movement, the date changes gradually. Higher-end watches may have an instantaneous date change at midnight.
It’s important to recognize that various types of watches demand distinct levels of upkeep. For instance, a quartz timepiece requires less maintenance compared to a mechanical watch, which can be either manual wound or automatic. The battery of a quartz watch should be replaced every 2-3 years, while a mechanical watch necessitates servicing every 3-5 years, depending on usage.
For those who wear their watches daily, it is advisable to schedule servicing every 3-5 years. This routine maintenance helps to preserve the optimal condition of the watch’s movement, as daily usage places additional stress on the mechanism, leading to gradual wear and tear. The servicing process involves a comprehensive cleaning of the watch’s components, lubrication of the movement, examination for any worn-out parts, and adjustments as needed to ensure accurate timekeeping.
If you’re looking for a brand new timepiece, BQ Watches has you covered. We carry all of the popular models in our carefully curated inventory from all the top luxury brands. Whether you need a watch for every day, or for a more special occasion, we have a timepiece for you.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
