1. Routine Maintenance:
• All watches require routine servicing. Consider maintaining mechanical watches every 3-5 years, although quartz watches often require less frequent servicing. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance interval guidelines.
• Diving Watches: If you possess a diving watch, ensure its water resistance is examined regularly to keep it underwater.
2. Safe Storage:
• All Watches: Keep your watch in an excellent, dry location away from direct sunlight when not in use. Use a watch box or case to protect your watch from dust and damage.
• Automatic Watches: If you don't wear your automatic watch every day, try utilising a watch winder. This keeps the movement going and keeps the lubricants from drying out.
3. Maintenance:
• All Watches: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth regularly to remove fingerprints, dirt, and sweat from your watch. Use a toothbrush and mild soap to clean between the links of metal bracelets.
• Leather Straps: Avoid getting your watch wet and clean it with a gently damp cloth if it has a leather strap. Leather is susceptible to dampness and sweat.
4. Avoid Extreme Weather:
• All Watches: Keep your watch away from severe temperatures, magnetic fields, and shocks. High temperatures can degrade lubricants and cause movement damage, while powerful magnets can degrade a watch's accuracy.
• Sports Watches: If you use your watch for sports or outdoor activities, ensure it is built to endure shocks, water, and dust.
5. Consistent Use:
• All Watches: Wearing your watch regularly helps keep it oiled and working smoothly. If you have many watches, consider rotating them so none idle for too long.
• Mechanical Watches: Regularly wind your mechanical watch to keep it functioning when not in use. Automatic watches incorporate themselves with wrist movement, whereas manual-wind watches must be worn regularly.
In addition to these suggestions, always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for your watch. If you detect any anomalies in the performance of your watch, such as incorrect timekeeping or water resistance difficulties, visit a professional watchmaker for evaluation and repairs. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your watch serves you well for many years.
