Watch Care Tips

Posted on Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 in Watch Repair, Watches.


mens pre-owned rolex watch

Like fine jewelry, most quality watches will last a lifetime given they’re properly cared for. Whether mechanical or quartz, here are some tips to make sure you can enjoy your favorite timepiece for years to come.

  • Avoid storing your watch on cold surfaces, as sharp changes in temperature can adversely affect the watch’s performance.
  • With mechanical watches, be sure to remove the watch before winding it. If you wind the watch while you’re wearing it, you’re more likely to create unwanted pressure on the stem and risk having it bend or break.
  • When winding your hand-wound mechanical watch, it’s best to do it slowly, in a clockwise direction, and only up until you feel an increase in tension. Over-winding your watch can damage the spring mechanism. We also recommend winding your watch in the morning and avoid doing so during the hours of 9pm and 3am. This is the time period when the date mechanism is in action, so winding the watch during this time can cause mechanical problems.
  • When cleaning your watch, it’s best to use a soft, dry cloth. If the dry cloth doesn’t remove all of the dirt and grime from the watch, you may want to consider cleaning your watch using a soft toothbrush and solution of warm water and dish soap. Just make sure to not get any water near the face and back of the watch if the watch is not water resistant.
  • If your crystal is broken or scratched, have it replaced. If you don’t replace the crystal, you risk letting dirt and moisture get into the watch.
  • With quartz watches, it’s best to replace the battery within a few months of it dying. Batteries tend to leak and can ruin your watch if they do. That’s why it’s also a good idea to have the battery removed if you’re not planning on wearing/using your watch for a long period of time.
  • If possible, avoid standing over hard surfaces, like hardwood floors or cement, when putting your watch on. If you accidentally drop your watch while putting it on, you’re going to be a lot happier when it lands on carpet or another soft surface rather than having it fall on a hard floor.
  • Get your watch serviced when it needs it. Also known as an overhaul, a watch servicing requires the dismantling and cleaning of the watch’s components, replacement of worn components, lubrication of the movement components, and water test if appropriate. When your watch starts running slow or fast, doesn’t stay wound, or stops working altogether, it’s likely a sign that your watch needs an overhaul. When this happens, take your watch to a trusted watch repair specialist to have them preform all of the necessary maintenance and repair work.
  • Avoid leaving your watch near any objects that generate magnetic fields, such as refrigerators or speakers, for long periods of time. Failing to do so may affect the time accuracy of your watch.
  • Be wary of water. Some watches have different levels of water resistance (if at all), meaning some can only handle small amounts of water and others can be worn while deep sea diving. But it’s important to note that your watch’s seals and gaskets will wear overtime, so the water resistance of your watch will not last forever. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your watch’s water resistance tested annually if you plan on ever having your watch come into contact with water.
  • When not wearing your watch, make sure to store it in a safe, secure place. We recommend storing it face-up so the crystal doesn’t get scratched.
  • Keep your watch away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat. High temperatures and excessive sunlight exposure can shorten the watch’s battery life, discolor the watch, and damage the gaskets.
  • When the time comes for your watch to be repaired or have its battery replaced, take it to an authorized watch repair specialist. We’ve seen too many cases where a customer brings in a watch they tried repairing themselves or replacing the battery in only to cause more damage.