With proper maintenance, your watch will last a lifetime. Here are a few simple tips for helping your everyday wristwear live up to its heirloom potential, whether you’re facing extreme temperatures or just a little wear and tear.

Clean It

Keeping your watch clean on the outside lessens the chance it will get dirty on the inside. Wipe off your watch periodically to remove dust, dirt, moisture and perspiration. This will maintain the look of the watch and contribute to its preservation.

Cleaning a non-water resistant watch: 

Avoid exposure to any moisture. Simply wipe the watch with a dry soft cloth.

Cleaning a water-resistant watch: 

Use a soft damp cloth to clean the head of the watch and then wipe off with a dry soft cloth. Metal bracelets can be cleaned by using mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush.

Keep Up a Regular Maintenance Schedule

In addition to routine maintenance, a complete movement overhaul is recommended every three to five years to keep your watch in pristine condition.

Protect Your Strap

Exposure to moisture, high humidity, direct intense light, cosmetics or oily products will cause the strap to deteriorate prematurely, as well as stain or discolor the natural product. Dry your strap immediately with a soft absorbent cloth after exposure to any of these elements.

Beware of Moisture

Not all watches are designed to be water-resistant; in addition, there are various degrees of water-resistance. It is important to remember that water resistance is not a permanent condition and it must be tested and renewed periodically. Gaskets and seals used to seal the watch deteriorate over time and will be in need of replacement.

It is recommended that you have your watch tested every 12 to 18 months for water resistance. However, if there is ever condensation under the crystal or signs of oxidation on the dial, bring your watch to a service center as soon as possible for repair.

Swimming with your watch: 

If your watch is designed for water activities, be sure the crown is pushed down or screwed in tightly before wearing it in water. While in a moisture environment, do not operate or adjust the crown and/or push buttons, as water can seep into the case.

After contact with chlorinated or salt water, immediately clean the watch with fresh water and dry with a soft cloth. If the watch has a rotating bezel, be sure to rotate the bezel while cleaning to dislodge any debris (sand or salt).

Wind and Set It

Mechanical manual (hand-wound): 

Wind your watch fully at the same time each day. Be careful not to force the crown. When it stops, or you feel resistance, stop winding. Forcing the crown can damage the setting mechanism.

Mechanical automatic: 

For optimal performance, the automatic watch is to be worn every day and ‘be active.’ To power up an automatic timepiece, give the crown about 20 to 40 turns and put the watch on your wrist. If the watch has a screw-down crown, be sure to secure it after the watch has been wound and set to ensure the water tight integrity of the watch.

If the automatic watch is worn daily, wind it once every two weeks. Wind the watch twice a week if it is not worn daily.

Setting the date: 

We strongly advise that the date never be set between 9pm and 3am, as doing so can damage the movement’s gears and pinions. Be sure to adjust the date outside of this time period.

Watch That Battery

The average life of a quartz watch battery is 2 to 3 years. The life of the battery is dependent on a number of factors: age and condition of the movement, and the type of watch—analog/chronograph or digital. The more functions a watch has, the frequency of battery replacement will increase. When a battery can no longer power the watch, have it changed promptly. Otherwise, you run the risk of the battery leaking and causing damage to the mechanism.

It is important to have batteries changed only by an expert service team.

Avoid Risky Behavior

Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperature changes and temperatures above 140 °F and below 32 °F can affect timekeeping and water resistance, and are harmful to most watches.

Magnetic Fields: 

Mechanical watches exposed to anything containing a magnet can and will cause these watches to run incorrectly. The watch may run fast, slow or even stop.

Avoid placing your watch on or near permanent magnets, as found in speakers, computers, magnetic hooks on refrigerators, etc. One of the most common culprits is the cell phone.

Remember, magnetism is usually a cumulative effect—meaning the problem will get worse over time. The fix generally is a simple one. Bring your watch to a service expert to have it demagnetized—the whole process can take a matter of minutes. If the watch is severely magnetized, then a complete maintenance of the movement will be recommended.

Impacts: 

Sudden shocks or impacts to your watch may result in possible damage to the case, movement, crystal, dial and hands, as well as void your warranty. When the unfortunate happens, the watch may no longer function as desired and will require service.

There are times when the impact is such that there is no physical evidence on the outside of the case indicating the watch has experienced a shock. Only your watch service center with trained expert watchmakers can diagnose the cause and advise you on a course of action to correct the problem.

Chemicals: 

Avoid direct contact with chemicals such as cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, solvents etc., as they may damage the case, gaskets, leather strap and or bracelet.