A watch is never the same thing to two different people. It always tells a unique story. For some, it is a time-telling device. For others, it is a sentimental piece. No matter what a watch means to you, taking care of it will make it last long. Caring for your watch might sound simple, but it makes a huge difference. No matter what kind of watch you own, a well-maintained watch doesn’t only work well but also looks as good as new. This comprehensive guide by Just Watches will help you take care of your watch.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the most basic things when it comes to taking care of your watch is cleaning it regularly. A watch is your companion and goes through a lot throughout the day with you. And don’t forget that the dust, dirt, sweat and oils from your skin can build up on the watch, especially when it comes to the bracelet and case. Cleaning your watch will ensure that you don’t have to worry about all this.
Don’t be harsh with leather bands, rather use a damp cloth. Don’t use water on leather as it can damage the material or discolour it. You can use a dampened microfiber cloth with mild soap and water to remove dirt and oils from the metal bracelets. Rubber bands can easily be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
For watches with intricate movements or mechanisms, you can consider using a professional service during regular servicing intervals to make sure the precision of the movement isn’t affected.
Avoid Extreme Conditions
Even though watches are built to handle certain levels of temperature and moisture, extreme conditions can affect the performance of your watch:
- Prolonged exposure to any extreme condition can cause damage to the watch. So, make sure to keep your watch away from extreme cold or hot.
- Similarly, a strong magnetic field can affect the performance of mechanical watches. Keep your watches away from speakers, magnets, phones, and other devices that might cause interference.
- Most importantly, don’t forget to check the water resistance before swimming or showering. And if it is not a diving watch, the wisest thing you can do is take it off before getting wet.
Wind and Set Gently
If you own a watch with a crown for winding or setting the time, be patient and go easy on it. Set the time gently, and don’t turn the crown backward unless it is allowed. Stop winding your manual watch when you feel resistance. And even if you aren’t wearing your watch, it is advised to wind it once every 1-2 days to keep the movement running smoothly.
Get It Serviced
Like every machine, watches do great with regular servicing. If you have a quartz watch, replace the battery every few years. Mechanical or automatic watches need service every 3-5 years for optimal service.
Storing Your Watch
It is important to know that storing your watch well is crucial. If you are storing your watch properly, it means that you are already taking care of it. It affects the longevity of your watch. Improper storage will only lead to scratches, degradation of the material and in the worst case, movement malfunction. A few things you should keep in mind while storing your watch:
- It is best to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as it can cause damage or discoloration.
- Never ditch the watch box. It protects and also keeps the moisture out. Always invest in a good watch box because at Just Watches, we believe that watches are more than just time-telling devices.
- You can also invest in a watch winder for your favourite automatic watch as it will keep it running even when you’re not wearing it.
Know When to See a Pro
Keeping good care of your watch is cool but do you know what is cooler? Knowing when to see a pro! Because despite all the care, sometimes your watch might need expert help. Here’s when you should call a pro:
- If you see a foggy crystal, it means the water got inside. Get it fixed.
- Don’t forget that a broken strap or glass is best repaired by an expert.
- If your watch is making weird noises or has stopped ticking, you must know what time it is: check-up time.
Wear it and Enjoy
While all this will add longevity to your watch’s life, it is important to remember that at the end of the day, a watch is a celebration of style and story. The more your wear it, the more you’ll want to take care of it.
At Just Watches, we celebrate watches everyday. Visit Just Watches online store today to become a part of this celebration.