Learning a few basics about owning a watch can help prolong the life of your timepiece. Reducing the risk of damage to a watch during wear and storage is simple, but extremely important in ensuring its survival.
The Instruction Manual
The first step in proper watch care and maintenance is reading the manual that came with it. This invaluable resource can help you establish proper maintenance techniques so your watch will keep ticking accurately. The manual will also assist with usage, warranty information, and manufacturer contact points.
Battery Replacement
A quartz watch will periodically require a new battery to help it stay functioning and accurate. Most manufacturers recommend this procedure be done by an authorized service professional. This is also a great opportunity for the technician to perform routine maintenance on the watch itself.
Winding
Be sure to remove a watch from your wrist before winding. Try to wind your watch at the same time daily to keep the movement in the best working order. To wind, gently turn the crown until you feel light resistance.
Water Resistance Maintenance
Follow your watch manufacturer's guidelines regarding the procedure and timing for verifying water resistance. A watch's water resistance needs to be periodically checked by a watch service professional to ensure it is performing to its full potential.
Storage
Take care of your watch by wrapping it in a dust-free protective cloth or placing it in a dedicated watch box when you are not wearing it. Scratches, cracks, and other damage acquired through improper storage can lead to a host of more severe problems. Automatic watches can benefit from a watch winder, which not only protects the physical integrity of the timepiece but maintains the movement, as well.
Avoid Magnetism, Extreme Temperatures & Physical Shocks or Jarring
Magnetism can harm an analog quartz watch, causing it to stop working temporarily or permanently. Generally digital quartz watches remain unaffected by magnetism, but digital-analog combination watches are affected. When automatic and mechanical watches become magnetized, they can begin to stop or speed up, thus requiring demagnetization by a professional.
Keep your watch protected from exposure to temperature extremes and sudden temperature changes. Excessive heat - such as in hot tubs, saunas or showers - or extreme cold can do irreversible damage to a timepiece. The different expansion rates of the various materials within a watch can produce gaps in between its components, allowing moisture into the case.
Try to protect your watch from jolts, bumps, and shocks to keep it working properly. As well, protect your mechanical and automatic watches by avoiding wear while playing sports with continuous arm motion, such as racquetball or golf.
Cleaning
Clean the case of your watch regularly with a soft, dry cloth, focusing on the back of the case and the crown area. These areas are especially prone to collecting skin oils and dirt. Warm water and mild soap can be used for water resistant watches. Be sure to dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
The leather strap of a watch can be cleaned using a soft, dry cloth. Try not to get a leather strap wet, as moisture can weaken even the highest-quality materials. Wear a strap a little looser on the wrist so circulating air can dry perspiration and spare the strap material the task of absorbing it.
A metal bracelet is perhaps the best option for a watch worn with great frequency, as it is more resistant to the damage caused by moisture such as sweat. Bracelets should be cleaned regularly to prevent build-up that can lead to material deterioration. Use mild soap and water (never chemicals) and a soft brush on the bracelet, avoiding the case if it is not water resistant. Be sure to dry the bracelet completely afterwards to prevent damage.
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