Luxury watches are designed to last, but only if you take proper care of them. With the right care, your luxury watch can become a treasured heirloom that you can pass down to your children or grandchildren.
A watch is made up of so many small components, all of which keep your timepiece working as it should. However, shock and moisture are just some of the things that could cause one of these parts to stop working.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of our top tips for keeping your luxury watch in the best working order.
How to Get Your Luxury Watch to Last a Lifetime
1. Watch That Sunlight
A luxury watch and direct sunlight don’t play well together. Too much sun exposure can cause any painted parts to deteriorate more quickly. It can also dry out the components that need lubrication to work correctly. Keeping your watch in a cool area will keep it looking good and ticking for many more years.
2. Take Water Resistance Classifications Seriously
Many of today’s watches are water resistant but this doesn’t mean you should push it to the limit. Remember, these are standardised resistance classifications, so it’s not exact. Just because a watch has a rating of 3 ATM or 30m doesn’t mean you can dive with it up to a depth of 30m. In fact, this rating indicates that a watch can withstand some occasional splashes.
Plus, you should keep in mind that older watches don’t always have the same parts as newer watches – a protective rubber seal is a key part in this scenario.
3. Avoid Magnets
Magnets can interfere with the timing of mechanical watches so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible, particularly when you’re wearing your watch. Understandably, you won’t be able to avoid magnets completely when wearing your watch but you can take steps such as not placing your watch on top of any devices that do contain them. If your watch is exposed to magnets, you can get a professional to demagnetise it.
4. Be Careful with the Crown
The crown of your timepiece is directly connected to the movement inside, which means if it gets damaged, it could harm the internal components of your watch too. Never rest your watch on the crown and whenever possible, rather get a professional to wind it for you. Basically, you don’t want to place any unnecessary pressure on the crown if you can help it.
And speaking of the crown, make a point of winding your watch regularly. If you don’t wear your watch every week, make a point of winding it at least once a month.
5. Keep It Clean
This might sound like an obvious tip but it’s something people tend to put off because it seems like a hassle. However, once dirt and grime build up, they can quickly damage the internal components of your timepiece. You can generally get away with cleaning a water-resistant watch with a damp cloth but stay away from any soaps. And if you simply don’t have the time to clean your luxury watches, take them to a professional for a deep and thorough cleaning.
6. Don’t Forget the Strap
When you’re dealing with luxury watches, you don’t want to have to replace the strap, which is why strap care is also essential. If you’re dealing with a fabric strap, a gentle fabric cleaner can keep it clean. As for leather straps, keep them away from water – a damp cloth and a little air drying is all you need. Bracelet straps are some of the easiest to clean because you can use water and a soft brush.
Have a Professional on Call
Need help with luxury watch repairs, maintenance or cleaning in Glasgow? Our expert team of horologists can assist. Contact Martin at martin@martinsjewellers.co.uk or Gail, at gail@martinsjewellers.co.uk, for any assistance.