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Luxury watches are cherished items that will last a lifetime. They make for great heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation, each with its own stories to tell. To ensure that your trusty companion doesn't give up on you after a few years, you must give it the proper care. In this article, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks on how to look after your watch to ensure it remains in excellent condition.
How to Look After Your Watch
Avoid Magnets
Magnetic fields can be a real headache for mechanical watches. They interfere with the timing and can cause the watch to stop altogether. You must avoid everyday things like speakers, refrigerators, and magnetic bag clasps. Even placing your watch on a tablet or laptop is a no-go because of the strong magnets inside.
If you notice that your watch is running slower or faster than usual, it could be because of a magnetic field.
Keep Your Watch Out of Direct Sunlight
Be careful not to leave it in the sun for too long; of course, you can wear it while walking and exploring on your holiday, but make sure you don’t leave it in direct sunlight. Strong sunlight can fade the colours on your watch and dry out the lubricants that keep it running smoothly.
Speaking of hot weather, older watches may not be waterproof and can fog up if exposed to sudden temperature changes. For example, if you go from a sauna to an air-conditioned room or vice versa, you risk damaging your watch with condensation.
Wind Your Watch Regularly
Regularly winding your watch helps to keep the watch running smoothly and accurately. Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, have a rotor that moves with the motion of the wearer's wrist, which winds the mainspring and powers the watch. However, if the watch is not worn regularly or is not sufficiently wound, the watch may stop working or lose accuracy.
Tips to Clean Your Watch Correctly
Remove the Bracelet or Strap
Use a spring bar tool to take the bracelet or strap of your watch. If this is your first time doing this, don't worry! You can ask your jeweller to show you how to do it. Taking off the bracelet or strap makes cleaning the watch and the strap much easier. By removing the strap, you can clean some of the dirtiest parts of your watch, like the inside of the lugs and the last link of the bracelet.
Don’t Use Soap
Unless your watch is extremely dirty, you can easily clean it with a cloth or brush dampened with water. But if your watch is dirty, you can take it to a jeweller for ultrasonic cleaning. This process doesn't cost much and will clean every spot of your watch.
Finish with a Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth is a soft and non-abrasive material that won't scratch the delicate surfaces of your watch. Microfiber cloths remove dust, fingerprints, or smudges without leaving lint or fibres behind. The cloths are highly absorbent, removing moisture from your watch without leaving streaks or watermarks. Overall, using a microfiber cloth is a safe and effective way to complete the cleaning process of your watch.
Cleaning Your Watch Strap
Every watch strap requires a specific type of cleaning. Rubber straps, for example, only need a wet cloth to clean them; it’s that easy!
Cleaning leather watch straps can be a little more tricky. It's best to avoid getting them wet, especially if untreated. If you need to clean them, just use a damp cloth and dry them immediately. Be careful not to let them absorb water because it can cause cracking. Buying a leather cleaner safe for your specific strap is a good idea since there are many kinds of leather. Always check the label before using any cleaning product on your watch strap.
If you have a fabric or textile strap, they come in all kinds of materials. If you need help cleaning it, check with the manufacturer. But most Nato-style straps can be either machine-washed or hand scrubbed with fabric detergent.
Servicing Your Watch
Regular servicing is essential to ensure your luxury watch functions correctly and to prevent long-term damage. You can compare this to servicing your car.
- How often to service your watch: Manufacturers generally recommend servicing your watch every 3-5 years, but this can vary depending on the watch model and usage. If your watch shows signs of damage or a change in performance, such as losing or gaining time, it may need to be serviced sooner.
- What to expect during a typical service: A typical service includes taking the watch apart and inspecting each component for damage or wear. It also includes cleaning and oiling the parts. The watch will be tested for accuracy and performance.
Insuring Your Watch
Maintaining and taking good care of your luxury watch is crucial, but unfortunately, you can never fully protect it from unexpected events such as theft or damage. That's why having watch insurance is essential. With JewelCover watch insurance, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuable investment is protected against unforeseen circumstances, whether at home or on the go. Get an instant quote today and ensure your luxury timepiece is secure.
