Your watch is a reflection of your personal style and individuality. Symbol of sophistication and elegance, your watch signifies your investment in time – it pays homage to the depth of your personality. Preserving its inherent beauty, every watch is worthy of the attention and adoration of the wearer. While it is a tool of practicality, it is also a sign of one’s character and values – something to be treasured, admired, and passed on. But like with any accessory, your watch demands care and diligence. To assist you in your endless quest for lasting perfection, enlisted are ten proven tips to preserving your watch:
1. Limiting Sun Exposure
Your watch is crafted of delicate metal, plastic, and glass components that are sensitive to heat and harmful ultraviolet rays. Accordingly, care must be taken to protect your watch from the destructive effects of the sun’s rays. Keep your watch out of direct sunlight as much as possible as it can fade the color of your watch, damage its surface and components, and even cause the watch to malfunction due to battery depletion and its adverse effects on quartz movement.
A safe solution for your watch is to keep it in a nice storage unit when not in use. Just leaving it on the dresser, in the sun, is exactly the opposite of what you should be doing.
2. Magnets Can Damage Your Watch
Metallic and electronic components, like those found in watches, are susceptible to the damaging effects of magnets. Consequently, take caution when wearing your watch when near strong magnets, like those found in speakers and televisions. The magnetic field produced can create small fluctuations in the electrical current of your watch, damaging its mechanisms and often requiring expensive repairs. So, avoid setting your watch near such devices.
3. Keep You Watch Away from Harsh Chemicals
Like any other piece of fine jewelry, your watch is susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals, like those found in soap, household cleaners, and water. The distinct intricate components that comprise a watch are vulnerable to damage from any form of chemical, which can cause damage, discoloration, and corrosion. Thus, you should avoid exposing your watch to chemical-laden water, like that found in swimming pools, spas, etc. And try to maintain a healthy distance from any cleaning product.
4. Water Resistance Is Important
Not all watches are water-resistant. Some will be more durable in water than others. But regardless of what your watch’s degree of water resistance is, you should still take precautions. After all, water is damaging to any watch and can cause issues like damage to its mechanism and discoloration of the case. So, when swimming or engaging in any form of water activity, avoid exposing your watch unless it is certified for such activity. And if you find yourself in a situation where water may come in contact with your watch, immediately remove your watch and dry it.
5. Beware of Scratches
Cases made of metal, stainless steel, and other materials are susceptible to scratching and discoloration. To keep your watch in pristine condition, you should be mindful of how you handle your watch. Avoid wearing it while engaging in any activity that can cause damage, like hitting or throwing objects, walking or running into hard objects, etc. If you find that your watch has become scratched or damaged, immediately take it to a professional to have the surface buffed and polished.
6. Take Care of The Crystal
Crystal is the most fragile part of a watch. It is the most susceptible to scratches due to its shape and thin construction. If your watch is not protected with a sapphire crystal, you should take extra care in handling it to avoid causing any damage to the case and face. Additionally, you should consider purchasing a crystal protector to safeguard against accidental damage.
7. Trust Only Professionals
When it comes to servicing or repairs of your watch, trust only watchmaker-trained professionals. From shimming the crown to changing the battery, a skilled technician can be of great assistance in keeping your watch in top condition. So, invest in your watch’s health by finding a reputable professional to repair and service your watch.
8. Take Advantage of the Warranty
Every major watch manufacturer offers a limited warranty on its timepieces, which is honored by all authorized retailers. So, if you have any concerns about your watch, don’t hesitate to contact the retailer from which you purchased it. They will take care of your watch to ensure it continues to operate as promised by the manufacturer. This should eliminate any worry about your investment in time and ensure your timepiece continues to shine through its lifetime.
- Most modern watches come with many intricate and interdependent mechanisms. From chronograph to calendars and from minute repeaters to GMT functions, these mechanisms are interconnected in such a way that an influence on one part of the watch can produce significant alterations to the watch’s entire function. But understanding how your watch works and its components will help you in better understanding its needs. So read up on the guides for your watch and learn how to use its various functions properly. This should prevent you from messing with the defined set of your watch and maintain its optimal performance.
10. Regular Servicing Is Important
Your watch is a precision instrument that needs to be serviced to keep its functioning in tiptop shape. Most of us find it difficult to part with our watches, often not letting a watch go for servicing even after it has gone far beyond its reasonable warranty. But the truth is, after some time, the moving parts inside your watch can become roughened and need servicing to keep it operating smoothly. Even if the watch appears to work properly, taking it in for servicing will help you save a lot of money in the long run, as an amateur repair can prove to be very costly. Regular servicing at watch experts can help you reduce the risk of encountering complications later on.
Conclusion
For many, their watch is an everyday companion, something they wear to signify the milestones and memories in their life. So, ensuring its optimal performance and lasting quality is of utmost importance. Moreover, for many, the sentimental value of their timepiece goes beyond its function. Keeping these things in mind, these ten tips on how to take care of your watch are essential to upholding the longevity of your timepiece.
