Keeping Time: A Guide to Caring for Your Favorite Watches

Whether it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations or a gift to celebrate a major milestone, a fine watch is more than just a tool to tell time—it is a piece of art and a companion through life’s adventures. As a jeweler, I often see beautiful timepieces that just need a little extra love to keep them ticking for decades. Caring for a watch doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few mindful habits can make a difference in its longevity and value.

General Care for Every Timepiece

Maintaining the exterior of your watch is the first step in protecting the mechanics inside. Here are a few universal tips for every watch owner:

• Freshwater Rinse: After a day at the beach or a dip in the pool, always rinse your watch with freshwater. Saltwater and chlorine can be abrasive to the finish and gaskets over time.
• Watch the Temperature: Avoid extreme, rapid temperature changes or exposure to steam, such as in hot tubs or showers. High heat can warp the gaskets that provide water resistance.
• Crystal Clarity: Only use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe your watch crystal. Paper towels or even your shirt can scratch certain crystals or damage anti-reflective coatings.
• Keep it Clean: Use mild soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean metal bracelets.
• Avoid the “Shock”: It’s best to remove your watch before heading to the gym, doing yard work, or playing high-impact sports. The less you expose the internal movement to sudden shocks, the better it will perform.
• Valuable Paperwork: Always keep your original box and papers. As watches become collectible, having the original materials significantly increases their market value.

Understanding Your Movement

Different watches require different levels of attention based on how they are powered.

Manual Wind Watches

To ensure the best accuracy and lubrication, try to wind your watch at the same time every day. Most importantly, do not overwind—stop as soon as you feel the “resistance wall.”

Automatic (Self-Winding) Watches

These watches are designed for active lives. They benefit from daily wear, as the natural movement of your arm keeps them powered.

• Magnetism: Keep your watch away from tablets, cell phones, and computers. The magnetism produced by these devices can decrease your watch’s accuracy.
• Winder Wisdom: Use a watch winder only if you wear the watch semi-frequently. Running a watch 24/7 on a winder can actually wear out components faster than necessary.

Quartz Watches

A common myth is that pulling out the stem “saves the battery.” In reality, this leaves the watch open to dust and moisture, which can lead to internal damage or battery corrosion. It is never worth risking the movement just to save a few months of battery life.

The “Oil Change” for Your Wrist

Just like a car needs an oil change every few thousand miles, a mechanical watch (whether automatic or manual) should be professionally serviced every 5 to 7 years. Regular maintenance ensures that the lubricants stay fresh and the delicate parts continue to move in perfect harmony.

By following these simple steps, you aren’t just maintaining a watch; you’re preserving a piece of history that can be enjoyed for generations to come.