10 Rules for Proper Watch Care

Owning a luxury watch is a great pleasure, and it's only natural that you'd want it to last. But adding years to the life of a fine timepiece depends largely on how you care about it.

While mechanical watches are generally robust and reliable, there are various ways to wear them down, aside from the obvious, such as dropping them or knocking them too hard against a door. 

So, if you want to keep your luxury watch in top-notch condition, here are some definite dos.

10 Things to Never Do With Your Luxury Watch

1. Never leave the crown open

Moisture is one of the most significant threats to a watch's movement. It loves to get into the movement and turn them into rust. The crown, when closed, prevents that from happening. The crown is used to set the time and date, and on many watches, you must unscrew the crown to set the date. If that is the case, please ensure you do it in a dry surrounding and don't forget to screw the crown back.

If you ever leave the crown unscrewed, dirt and moisture will enter and hamper the efficiency of the movement. Once the moisture gets in, the watch gets hot, and condensation will form on the inside of the crystal. 

2. Don't overwind your watch

On the flip side is over-tightening the crown. If you do so, you may damage the threads and jam the thing altogether. Another thing that can happen is premature perishing of the rubber gaskets and seals designed to keep the watch watertight. It's true that they work under pressure, but they definitely don't need too much pressure to work.

The general rule is finger tight, meaning you should tighten it, but not very securely. Usually, when you pick up a watch after a long time, you might have to wind it down manually, and this is where you should be extra careful. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the winding frequency.

3. Don't keep your watch dirty

While it is not necessary to give your watch a weekly wax and polish, it is recommended that you do so once every few months. Wipe a soft-bristled, damp toothbrush on the watch to remove any build-up debris.

Do this cleaning on the moving parts, like the bracelet links, as dirt gets most in between them. You can also wipe the case back once in a while since oils and dirt from the skin can accumulate there.

4. Don't set the chronograph when it's running

Setting a watch while you're wearing it is a common mistake. Special types of chronographs called flybacks have features that allow them to reset while the watch is running, which is perfect for timing sequential laps.

But resetting the button during operation is a big no-no if your chronograph is not a flyback. While modern chronographs have mechanisms that block to prevent damage, the vintage models don't. Moreover, as having the block implies applying more pressure to make the pusher work, it is best to avoid it altogether.

5. Avoid changing the date at midnight

Watches with a quick date mechanism have a deadly flaw—try setting that quick date when the date is already trying to change itself around midnight, and you'll see how it results in untold woe. The period between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. is usually considered the Red Zone, and it's best to avoid changing the date or calendar functions during that period.

The date feature on most mechanical watches engages before midnight and remains so until just after midnight, so it's advised not to set a quickset date a few hours before or after. The safest way to ensure you're out of the red zone is to set the time at 6pm/am.

6. Don't wear your watch bracelet loose

No matter how silly it sounds, this is exactly what we advise you to do. Wearing a watch loose with the bracelet hanging almost to the floor may be very 'in,' but you should wear it comfortably tight on the wrist to avoid premature bracelet wear.

Wear the bracelet tight enough so you can move your wrist an inch or so, but not much. If your hand goes blue, you may have gone too far the other way.

7. Don't keep your watch near magnetic fields

Apart from water, mechanical watches have another foe: magnetism. Magnetism can cause the watch movement to run too slow, too fast, or stop altogether. You must visit a watchmaker to recalibrate the movement on such an occasion.

Some of you like to keep the watches in a box, which is good. But please ensure that they are not near tablets, computers, smartphones, or the magnetic closures on speakers, handbags, etc. There are specific antimagnetic watches from brands like Rolex and Omega that remain unaffected by magnetic fields. But if you're unsure if your watch is antimagnetic, it is best to keep it tucked in a watch box when not wearing it.

8. Avoid keeping dead batteries in your watch

What do you do when your quartz watch battery dies? Well, most of us feel guilty for letting the watch sit in the drawer for ages instead of dealing with it. If so, please change your approach. When a dead battery is left inside a watch for too long, it leaks acid into it, leading to irreparable or costly damage.

So, the next time you find your watch stopped, change the battery as soon as possible. Even quartz Rolex is not immune to this acidic instance.

9. Don't skip watch repair & servicing

Do you service your car every few months or oil and tune it up? Luxury watches need similar servicing, too. It is recommended to get your watch checked every few years to ensure it is still water-resistant and the gaskets inside are still tight. With regular wear and tear, the lubricants in luxury watches can dry up, or the watch may have scratches, debris, etc.

Most manufacturers recommend watch repair and servicing every 3 to 5 years to ensure optimal performance. Leave the watch repair to an authorised watch service centre for professional services. A mechanical watch, whether manual-wound or automatic, should last forever. But proper care is needed to ensure that it does.

10. Don't overlook your dream watch

A luxury watch is an asset, and you must treat it like one. You'd obviously want to wear your cherished timepiece on various occasions or use it regularly, but exposing your watch to extreme temperature changes or massive shocks can cause damage.

While day-to-day temperature changes won't have a detrimental effect, you should, by all means, avoid wearing your watch to a sauna or inside an ice bath. In addition, avoid wearing it during activities like playing sports to prevent accidental damage. While luxury watches do have some shock resistance, powerful impacts can damage the crystal, case, bracelet, and movement.

SUMMARY

Luxury watches are made with high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship, ensuring they last a lifetime and beyond. However, many watch lovers make mistakes that impact the condition of the timepiece, leading to permanent damage.

By handling your watch with a little respect and adhering to the abovementioned rules, you can preserve its functionality and value. If you suspect it is damaged from within or the functionality is compromised in any way, take your watch to a professional within 24-48 hours for the best chance of saving the movement.

Remember, it's not just about maintaining a watch – but preserving a legacy.