Watch Care

Mechanical watches, in particular, are tiny machines that perform remarkable feats. Like cars, it is important that they are properly maintained on a regular basis. In order for you to enjoy your watch as much as possible, we have compiled some tips on how to watch it.

• Cleaning your watch

There are many small cracks and notches to clean your watch, where dirt and oil can accumulate, from the bracelet connections to the area that joins the case and the rim.

Clean your watch periodically with a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft, soft brush. In the case of water-resistant watches, you can remove any dirt with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners as they may corrode the sealing rings on the crown and back of the case. If the crystal is cloudy inside, take your watch to a watchmaker immediately.

• The strap

Like any natural product, a leather strap has a limited lifespan. Even high quality leather straps can withstand the pressure of temperature fluctuations, humidity, sweating and heavy use when "participating" in sports for a certain period of time, about 3 to 6 months. If you give your leather strap a lot of care and attention and it is renewed from time to time, you will keep your watch as new as possible. Bracelets require less maintenance, as they can be polished.

• Setting your watch

Before using a watch, always make sure to hold it with one hand, pulling the crown gently (for a wristwatch, until you feel resistance, for an automatic watch, about 30 full turns of the crown).

Only move the date (ie do not turn it back) and never do it between 10 p.m. and 2 p.m.

• Wear your watch regularly

• Keep your watch waterproof

Most modern watches are made with a specific water resistance and it is important to know the unique measure for your watch. However, vintage watches may not be water resistant, or they may lose their water resistance over time. If your watch is not water resistant, it may be able to withstand accidental contact with water from washing your hands. However, the best rule of thumb is to avoid water exposure. If your watch has a leather strap, you should also avoid dipping it as water can damage and weaken the skin.

Water resistance is measured in static or stationary state. As the watch moves in the water, as from the swimming movement, pressure from the speed is added. Although you can swim in a surface level swimming pool, the watch can experience forces equal to 3 BAR (ATM). Diving in a swimming pool can put pressure on the clock that exceeds 3 BAR (ATM).

1 BAR (ATM) is equivalent to a water pressure of 33 feet. Always leave a safety margin when exposing your watch to moisture. You should never "push the limit" of the degree of resistance to water. For example, if the back of your watch says “Water resistant to 10 ATMs, you should expose the watch to 7 or 8 pressure ATMs. This will allow a margin of safety and is especially important as the watch ages and the flanges dry out.

See more about waterproofing here.

• Avoid heat and humidity

While many watches are made to withstand the elements, it is best to avoid exposing them to excessive heat or humidity. Do not leave your watch exposed to direct sunlight. Heat can shorten battery life and sunlight can fade the color of the watch face or the leather of the strap. Humidity conditions, even those in your bathroom, can damage your watch and increase the chance of rust. Any drastic changes in temperature or humidity could be detrimental to the ability of your watches to function properly.

• Avoid chemicals and perfumes

You should also keep your watch away from chemicals such as cleaning products, colognes or perfumes, and even substances such as lotions. They can get trapped in these tiny cracks in your watch, causing dirt and debris. If you have a leather strap, these types of substances can weaken the skin or even cause it to tear. Make sure you take off your watch before applying cologne, perfume or lotion. After application, make sure your skin is dry before placing your watch.

• Avoid magnets

Try to keep your watch away from magnets, from small magnets such as bag fasteners to large magnets such as airport detectors. Any type of magnet can seriously damage your watch and cause costly repairs. If your watch starts to slow down or stop after being exposed to a magnet, take it to a specialist repair shop.

The one thing you should never do is turn on your watch. Opening your watch can cause further damage by exposing its internal function to moisture or dust. If your watch malfunctions or stops working, you should take it to a specialist.

• Save your watch

Store your watch securely in a case or drawer. The most valuable items should be stored in a safe place.

Modern watches with battery mechanism, have a way of saving energy. If you wear your watch at intervals and not continuously, you can pull the crown to the time setting position.

This reduces power consumption to a minimum and increases battery life. To avoid deterioration from storing the watches indoors, during storage, it is enough to take them out every two months. For automatic clocks with additional calendar functions, a rotating case is recommended.

Keep in mind that for battery watches, if they are stored for a long time without changing the battery, once it has run out, the acid may leak from the empty battery and cause serious damage to the camera. For this reason, it is important that batteries that have completed their cycle are replaced as soon as possible.