How do I care for my luxury watch properly? - 5 tips plus storage guide
A luxury watch needs the right care. But what exactly does care include?
Clean the case and the bracelet, if it is made of metal, regularly with a microfiber cloth and a little soapy water. Have them serviced and professionally cleaned, in the time recommended by the watch dealer. Avoid scratches by storing it correctly in a watch box and take the luxury watch to a specialist as soon as you notice that the mechanics could have suffered some damage over time.
Follow these 5 tips and you will enjoy your new watch for a long time.
Tip 1: Cleaning and care of the housing
A new watch is like a new car: to enjoy it for a long time, you should care for and maintain it regularly. The first step in caring for your watch is cleaning the case.
To do this, it is recommended that you first remove the wristband to get better access to the case. If you don't have the option to remove the strap, you can simply skip this step.
Then use a soft, lint-free cloth(microfiber cloth works best) and some soapy water to thoroughly wipe the case. Important: Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the case. If your watch is not waterproof, make sure that no moisture gets inside.
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Tip 2: Cleaning and care of the bracelet
In addition to the case, you should also regularly care for the strap of your watch to keep it in good condition.
For metal bracelets, as with the case, first wipe the bracelet thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and a little soapy water. Caution: Do not use sharp objects or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the bracelet.
If the bracelet is made of leather, for example, you should not let it get too wet, otherwise the leather can be damaged. In this case, simply wipe the bracelet with a damp cloth and then let it dry thoroughly. Don't forget to treat the leather bracelet regularly with a leather care product to keep it supple and resistant.
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Tip 3: Battery replacement and maintenance of your movement
Most quartz watches need a new battery every 1 to 2 years. If you have the right tools and some manual dexterity, you should be able to change the battery yourself. If you are unsure how to do this, you can also visit a jeweler or watch repair shop to have the battery professionally changed.
Depending on what movement your watch has, it is necessary to service the watch regularly. How often depends on various indicators. For example, if your watch has complex complications, such as a tourbillon or a chronograph, it can not hurt to perform more frequent maintenance. even if it is a Diver watch (and you also use it for this purpose), this will increase the frequency of maintenance.
A quartz movement, on the other hand, does not usually require regular maintenance. If you are unsure whether your watch requires maintenance, you can contact the manufacturer or a watch specialist.
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Tip 4: How you avoid scratches
One of the biggest concerns of watch wearers is scratches on the case and bracelet. Fortunately, you can take a few simple precautions to avoid scratches:
- Use a protective case or watch box when you are not wearing your watch. This will keep it protected from bumps and scratches.
- Do not wear your watch during sports or other activities where it can be easily damaged.
- Avoid storing your watch near sharp objects or magnetic fields.
- Do not use abrasive sponges or detergents when cleaning your watch.
If you follow these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of scratches on your watch. If your watch still has scratches that bother you, you can send it in for refurbishing, depending on the manufacturer.
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Tip 5: When should you consult a professional?
There are a few maintenance procedures you can do yourself to keep your watch in good condition. However, if you're unsure about how to do something or if your watch has special requirements, you should always consult a professional. Here are a few examples of when it's advisable to contact a professional:
- - If your watch has a mechanical movement and you are not sure how to maintain it.
- - If your watch has scratches that you can't remove yourself.
- - When your watch stops working properly and you don't know what the reason is.
- - If you want to have your watch professionally cleaned.
A jeweler or watch repair shop can help you with all of these concerns and get your watch back in top shape. Remember, it's always better to see a professional than to risk damaging your expensive watch.
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How to properly store your luxury watch!
Why is the correct storage of your watch important?
In addition to regular care, storing your watch is also important for its longevity. When you are not wearing your watch, you should store it in a safe place where it is protected from shocks, scratches, and other damage. Environmental conditions may also affect the condition of the watch. Temperatures that are too high or too low, humidity or direct sunlight can damage it and shorten its life.
What you should avoid
In order to enjoy your watch for a long time, there are a few things you should avoid:
- Avoid storing your watch near strong magnetic fields, such as near speakers or cell phones. This can interfere with the movement and cause errors in the time display.
- Protect your watch from high temperatures and direct sunlight, as these can damage the case and bracelet.
- Avoid storing your watch in damp or dirty environments, as moisture and dirt can affect the movement and lead to rust and corrosion.
To make it as simple as possible:
When you buy the watch, it is usually in a box. Be sure to keep it! Not only do the box and papers determine the value of the watch when you resell it, but you can also store your luxury watch in the box. Furthermore, your closet is a good place to store the box together with the watch. You can exclude magnetic fields, there is no sunlight and because it is practically always dark, your watches can rest comfortably at slightly below room temperature.
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Conclusion: The storage of your watch is as important as its care
To keep your watch in good condition for a long time, it is important that you take both the care and storage of your watch seriously. By cleaning and caring for your watch regularly and storing it in a safe place, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your watch.
Don't forget that taking good care of your watch and storing it properly will not only help it work longer, but also maintain its value. If you follow the tips above, you'll enjoy your watch for a long time.
Source cover image: Seiko | edited post
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
