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Unlike mass-produced timepieces, luxury watches are finely tuned mechanical works of art. They deserve a level of attention that matches their complexity. This guide walks you through the essentials of watch care: from daily routines and servicing schedules to how to handle magnetism, moisture, travel, and different strap materials. With proper watch care and handling, your watch will run like new for years to come!
A luxury watch isn’t just an accessory; it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and precision.
Whether you wear a modern Rolex Submariner, a classic Cartier Tank, a highly complicated
Patek Philippe, or a futuristic Richard Mille, proper care ensures your watch remains accurate,
beautiful, and valuable for years, or even generations, to come.
Know Your Watch Type
The first step to caring for your watch is understanding how it works, and that highly depends on what kind of watch you own:
Mechanical watches:
Whether automatic or manual, mechanical watches run on a system of gears, springs, and
lubricated components that require regular motion and occasional servicing. There are two
main types: manual and automatic. Manual watches must be wound daily, while automatics
wind themselves through the motion of your wrist.
Quartz watches
Quartz watches are battery-powered and require minimal upkeep aside from a battery change
every two to three years.
Complications
If your timepiece features complications such as a perpetual calendar, moon phase, tourbillon,
or chronograph, extra care is required. These mechanisms are delicate and should only be
adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions, often avoiding certain times of
day when the gears are engaged.
Daily Cleaning and Handling
Even the most rugged luxury watch benefits from simple, consistent care. Here are some quick,
easy tips to upkeep your watch on the daily:
- Wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth at the end of each day to remove oils, dust, and
environmental residue. - If your watch is water-resistant, rinsing it gently with lukewarm water after exposure to
sweat, saltwater, or sunscreen can help preserve both the case and bracelet.
- For metal bracelets, use a mild soap and a soft toothbrush to reach between the links.
- Manual watches should always be wound gently until resistance is felt
Water Resistance
Many people don’t know that water resistance in watches is not a permanent feature. It
degrades over time as gaskets age and their seals wear down. It’s important to understand the
depth your watch is rated for as well. Just remember, regardless of rating, always screw down
the crown before exposing your watch to any water. Even dive watches can become
compromised if the crown isn’t secured. Here’s a quick guide for watch ratings by meter:
- A watch rated for 30m is typically safe for handwashing and rain, but shouldn’t be
submerged completely. - At 50m light swimming is acceptable (so long as you’re not Michael Phelps)
- By 100m swimming of all kinds as well as snorkeling is safe
- 200m+ are considered dive watches and can withstand much stronger pressure on their
internal mechanisms.
Daily Chemical Exposure
Luxury watches are susceptible to a number of everyday chemicals such as lotions, sunblock
and cologne/perfume. Even alcohol-based hand sanitizers can stain metals and damage leather
and rubber. As a rule of thumb, always apply any perfume, lotions or other skincare before
putting your watch on, and give them a few minutes to dry. When it comes to cleaning,
remember to remove your watch before using any harsh cleaning chemicals around the house.
Winding & Setting
Winding and setting instructions completely depend on the type of watch you own.
- Manual Watches: Always wind slowly and stop at the first sign of resistance. Any forced
winding can damage the movement - Automatic Watches: If you haven’t worn your automatic watch in a few days you’ll notice it
loses time. Automatics should be wound manually to restart their movement - Chronograph Watches: Avoid leaving them running constantly as this can cause
unnecessary wear.
Any watch with date settings: avoid setting the date, calendar or moon phase between 9PM
and 3AM. Called the “danger zone” for a reason, this time period is when the gears for the
complications are engaged in setting the date automatically. Changing it manually during this
time can damage the gears.
Strap & Bracelet Care
Strap and bracelet materials require their own specialty care: simple, but important!
- Leather Straps: Always keep dry and away from sweat, lotions and colognes. Store straps
flat to prevent warping. - Rubber Straps: Rinse after use, especially after swimming in saltwater or chlorine pools.
Keep rubber straps away from sunlight for an extended period of time as excessive UV light
can cause cracking. - Metal Bracelets: Routine cleaning using a mild soap and a soft brush. Dry with a microfiber
cloth thoroughly; trapped water can lead to corrosion over time.
What to AVOID
- Wearing during contact sports or activities involving sharp impact. Even shock-resistant
models can be damaged by unexpected trauma - Using ultrasonic cleaners at home. While effective for jewelry, they can dislodge internal
watch components. - Magnetic fields like laptops, wireless chargers and speakers