If you are a watch collector or lover, you know that taking care of your favourite watch requires more than just an occasional cleaning. Maintaining a watch, especially if it is expensive, takes careful monitoring and upkeep.
When your timepiece is taken care of correctly, you can pass it down to your descendants as a family heirloom to be saved throughout generations.
Caring for a watch is not difficult, but it does take time and dedication. Here are 5 things you need to know when you are looking after your favourite watch.
5 Musts for Your Special Timepiece
1. Clean your watch often.
Unlike other pieces of jewelry where too much cleaning can tarnish the metal, watches can and should be cleaned as often as possible. A soft cloth can be used to wipe the band and the case, and you can even soak most watches in water to remove all dirt and grime
2. Have your watch serviced regularly.
Even though you may have a warranty, you should still have your watch serviced every couple of years to catch potential problems. If you have an automatic watch that you don’t use every day, you should also have a regular watch winder on call. Regular wear keeps your watch wound, but when it sits for extended periods, it will gradually lose power. You can read the best watch winders guide for more advice on this topic.
3. Stay away from magnetic devices.
Any time your watch goes near a magnet, it can adjust the accuracy. The magnetic field causes the escapement in your watch to act strangely or even stop completely. These magnetic fields are found in radios, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices, so stay clear of storing or setting your watches near anything that might have a magnetic field unless they are purposely designed with high anti-magnetic features
4. Don’t guess – know the water resistance of your watch.
Your watch has limits of how far it can go while submerged, called its water resistance. A water-resistant watch can be worn underwater for extended periods of time, but there are different levels of resistance. You should know these limits and the activities that are comparable with each. For instance, swimming in a shallow pool will create less pressure on the watch than if you are scuba diving
5. Take care to prevent damage.
It sounds like common sense, but many people don’t know that if you expose your watch to sunlight for an extended period of time, it can fade the color and shorten your watch’s battery life. Contact with chemicals like cleaning supplies, perfumes, and any oils can also damage your watch, especially if it has a leather band.
Let Your Timepiece Stand the Test of Time
By cleaning your watch regularly, having it serviced by a watch winder, and avoiding potentially damaging substances, you should be able to keep your timepiece in excellent shape. Passing on a special watch along with clear instructions for keeping it safe and well-maintained is a legacy that would make any family proud to keep.
