A well cared for watch can easily last for a lifetime while maintaining peak performance. As luxury watch experts, we’ll show you 6 ways to take care of your watch so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
1. Read The Manual
Our top tip for taking care of your watch is to read your watch’s manual. This l is filled with important information such as how to properly set the watch, recommended service schedules and how to safely clean the watch. Some manuals may also contain your watch’s warranty.
By familiarizing yourself with the manual, you can find the answers to questions you may have about general operation and maintenance.
Lost your manual? Don't worry. Some brands have their manuals online and some allow you to request new one.
2. Receive Regular Servicing
Getting your watch regularly serviced by a certified watchmaker is key. When you get your watch serviced, the watchmaker will fully assess every single component of the watch and make any necessary repairs.
Why Get Your Watch Serviced?
It is important because the hundreds of parts that make your watch function wear down over time and need to be replaced by a professional. Just like a car, your watch’s movement needs fresh oil to function, which the watchmaker will apply during the servicing.
How Often To Get Your Watch Serviced?
Depending on your specific watch, it is recommended to get your watch professionally serviced every 5 to 10 years for optimal performance.
Make sure that the watchmaker you work with is certified to work with your watch’s brand, as each watch manufacturer is unique and requires specific skills and industry tools. You can always contact your watch’s brand to have them recommended a qualified watchmaker in your area.
3. Avoid DIY Repairs
No matter how tempting it may be, never try to repair the watch yourself. Even if something may seem like a simple fix, such as replacing a quartz battery, you can be exposing your watch to unnecessary and costly damages.
Most brands make it hard to open the watch’s case without the proper skills and tools in order to prevent unauthorized openings. As you attempt to open the case, you might scratch or dent the watch.
Even if you are able to open the case, you will likely be breaking your warranty. When the case is open the movement can easily get exposed to dust, moisture and other unwelcome particles that can cause damage.
Even just a single drop of water can significantly damage the movement. Furthermore, once a case is opened, only a skilled watchmaker will be able to properly seal the watch to prevent water from entering, leading to more unnecessary damage.
4. Secure Storage
Another of our top ways to take care of your watch is to make sure that you have proper watch storage. Keeping your timepieces safely stored will prevent unnecessary environmental damages. For example, direct sunlight can wear down the color of your watch’s dial and leather strap.
Always store your watches in a dry and room temperature area as moisture can seep into the watch, damaging the dial and rusting the movement. You can store your watch in the box it came in and if you have several watches, you may want to consider getting a case designed to safely store multiple watches.
5. Know Your Water Resistance
Knowing your watch’s water resistance is crucial. No watch is completely waterproof, certain watches provide different degrees of water resistance.
If you take a dress watch for a swim, water will likely get into various parts of the watch, irreversibly damaging it. Diving watches on the other hand are designed with minimal openings for water to get through.
A watch with 50 meters of water resistance is suitable for swimming, while a watch with 300 meters of water resistance can be used for diving.
No matter what kind of watch you have, always make sure that its crown is completely screwed down to prevent any water from entering the watch. Never risk any trips into the water with your watch unless you are completely sure of its water resistance.
Watches, especially vintage timepieces, lose their water resistance over time. You can bring your watch to a professional watchmaker who can use a pressure testing machine to determine exactly how water resistant it is. The watchmaker can also service your watch’s gasket and seals to prevent water damage if necessary.
6. Daily Care
We’re wrapping up our list of the top ways to take care of your watch with daily care tips. There are several things you can to regularly to keep your watch looking and working at its best:
- Always make sure that your watch’s crown is pushed down and tightly screwed in to prevent water and dust from entering.
- Use a soft cloth to clean your watch’s case, crystal and bracelet to gently remove dirt and grime.
- Let perfume, cologne and any lotions completely dry before putting your watch as these substances can damage a leather strap.
- If your watch has a leather strap, be sure to get it regularly replaced as they wear down with age. This way, you can avoid having a deteriorated strap suddenly break during use.
- If your watch has a date display, never adjust the date between 3 and 9 o’clock.
- If you have multiple watches, be sure to wind your unworn watches a few times a year to ensure that all its parts are moving and so that the oil does not coagulate.
- Avoid extreme temperatures which can strain your timepiece and alter its performance.
At myGemma we take pride in our watch expertise. When it comes to finding authentic luxury watches at affordable prices, myGemma can’t be beat. With up to 80% off retail prices, buying the watches of your dreams is easier than ever.
We always provide fantastic deals on your favorite luxury watch brands and excellent customer service. With our A+ rating from the BBB, you can shop with confidence. We also provide easy monthly payments with our partner Affirm and a convenient 14-day return policy.
