Like any other device, you need to care for your automatic timepiece if you want it to look good and work correctly for years to come.

We have put together a few tips to help you take better care of your watch.

10 Ways to Better Care for Your Automatic Watch

  1. Service Your Automatic Watch Regularly

To keep your watch running smoothly, it needs to be serviced and cleaned regularly. This includes oiling and potentially replacing various parts. Servicing your watch every 3 to 5 years is recommended. However, this differs between brands so rather service your watch according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

  1. Avoid Dropping or Bumping the Timepiece

An automatic watch is made up of hundreds of parts, so any external shock can result in internal damage. Not dropping or bumping a watch can help you avoid unnecessary repairs. If the movement is damaged, this can result in a very costly repair, so it is best to be as careful as possible. Over and above this, you also want to avoid bumps to protect the appearance of the watch.

  1. Keep the Watch Away from Moisture

Mechanical devices and water should never mix. This doesn’t mean your watch can’t come into contact with water, it simply means you shouldn’t immerse it in water. Exposing the watch to rain for a prolonged period is also not recommended. Basically, limiting how often your watch is exposed to water will prevent rust. Even the steel bracelet can start rusting if it is not dried correctly. Have a cloth or leather strap? Moisture will reduce the strength of the material over time.

  1. Stay Away from Strong Magnets

Electronics and magnets are also not something that should come into constant contact with an automatic watch. If a watch is magnetised, it loses accuracy. It is not always possible to keep your watch away from electronics completely but limiting exposure can make a difference.

  1. Don’t Wind on the Wrist

If you don’t want to break the crown stem, don’t make a habit of winding your watch while it is on your wrist. Winding it this way places too much strain on the stem, which is why it is easier to break.

  1. Use Your Watch

Not using an automatic watch for long periods of time can cause the lubricants to coagulate. This causes inaccuracy or it will bring the watch to a standstill completely. There’s no need to wear one watch too often but find a way to rotate your collection evenly.

  1. Take Care When Changing the Strap

It is always nice to add a new strap to your favourite watch, but it is important to be careful when doing so. If you haven’t changed a strap before, it is really easy to scratch the watch. Rather get a professional to show you how to do it the first time, ensuring you do it correctly in the future. Keep in mind that you also need the right tools for separating the spring bar from the lugs. Using the incorrect tools makes scratches far more likely.

  1. Keep Manual Winding to a Minimum

Even though manual winding will power up your watch quickly, it is best not to do it too regularly. Remember, your automatic watch has self-winding capabilities, so it is not designed for manual winding. If you go the manual route, stick to 5 to 10 revolutions.

  1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Automatic watches aren’t designed for extreme heat or cold. By exposing the watch to extreme temperatures, the internal parts expand and contract, causing functionality issues. The temperatures will also cause oil and condensation-related issues.

  1. Don’t Use the Crowns or Pushers in Water

Using the crowns or pushers inside the watch will expose the internal parts to water, so avoid this at all costs. Even if your watch is water resistant, parts such as the crown protrude out, meaning water can pass through when pulled out.

When you correctly care for an automatic watch, it will last for years to come. When you aren’t wearing it, keep it in a watch box for extra protection.