How to Care for Your Watch Collection

A quality watch represents more than just a timekeeping device—it's often a significant investment, a meaningful gift, or a treasured heirloom. Whether you own a single everyday timepiece or a growing collection, proper care ensures your watches maintain their functionality and appearance for decades. This guide covers essential maintenance practices that every watch owner should know.

Daily Care Fundamentals

Good habits developed early prevent most common watch problems. These simple practices take minimal time but make significant differences over the life of your timepiece.

Cleaning Your Watch

Watches accumulate dirt, oils, and debris from daily wear. Regular cleaning keeps them looking sharp and prevents buildup that can affect function or cause skin irritation.

For routine cleaning, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the case, crystal, and bracelet. Microfibre cloths work excellently without risking scratches. Do this after each wear, particularly during summer months when sweat and sunscreen accelerate buildup.

For deeper cleaning of water-resistant watches, use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap. A soft toothbrush helps clean bracelet links and case crevices. Ensure the crown is fully screwed in or pushed down before any water contact. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Winding and Setting

Mechanical watches require regular winding to function. For hand-wound watches, wind daily at approximately the same time. Apply consistent, gentle pressure to the crown until you feel resistance—never force past this point.

Automatic watches wind themselves through wrist movement, but if unworn for more than a day or two, they'll stop. Before wearing a stopped automatic, give it 30-40 manual winds to provide initial power reserve, then let your natural movement maintain it.

When setting the time, always move hands clockwise unless specifically instructed otherwise by the manufacturer. Avoid setting the date between approximately 9 PM and 3 AM when the date mechanism is engaged—this can damage the movement.

Understanding Water Resistance

Water resistance ratings cause considerable confusion. These ratings are tested under laboratory conditions and don't directly translate to real-world activities.

• 30m/3ATM: Splash resistant only. Avoid submersion.
• 50m/5ATM: Suitable for swimming, not diving.
• 100m/10ATM: Swimming and snorkelling appropriate.
• 200m+: Suitable for recreational diving.

Proper Storage

How you store your watches when not wearing them affects their longevity and condition.

Individual Watch Storage

Each watch should rest on a cushion or in a padded compartment to prevent scratches. Watch boxes with individual compartments work well for small collections. Ensure watches don't touch each other, as even minor contact can cause surface scratches over time.

Environmental Considerations

Store watches away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and humidity. Magnetic fields from electronics, speakers, and laptops can affect mechanical movements—maintain distance when storing. A drawer or closet away from windows typically provides suitable conditions.

Watch Winders

Watch winders keep automatic watches running when unworn, eliminating the need to reset time and date. They're particularly useful for watches with complex complications. However, opinions differ on whether continuous running increases wear on movements. If you own a single automatic watch you wear regularly, a winder isn't necessary.

Strap and Bracelet Care

Leather Straps

Leather requires particular attention as it's the most vulnerable component to wear and environmental damage. Key practices include:

• Rotate between watches to allow leather to rest and air out
• Avoid water exposure—remove before washing hands if possible
• Keep away from perfumes, colognes, and lotions
• Allow straps to breathe in humid conditions
• Replace straps when showing significant wear rather than waiting for failure

Metal Bracelets

Metal bracelets are more durable but still require attention. Clean regularly with the method described earlier. Check for loose links or stretching periodically. Polished surfaces will accumulate scratches over time—this adds character to some watches but can be professionally refinished if desired.

Rubber and Silicone

These modern materials are durable and water-resistant but can degrade with exposure to oils, solvents, and UV light. Rinse after salt water exposure and store away from direct sunlight.

When to Service Your Watch

Mechanical watches require periodic servicing by qualified watchmakers. This involves disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly of the movement.

Service Intervals

Manufacturer recommendations typically suggest servicing every 3-5 years, though modern movements can often extend this interval. Signs that service is needed include:

• Significant timekeeping deviation (losing or gaining more than 10 seconds daily)
• Power reserve declining noticeably
• Rough feeling when winding
• Visible moisture under the crystal
• Functions not operating smoothly

Choosing a Watchmaker

For luxury or vintage watches, seek certified service centres or independent watchmakers with specific brand experience. Check credentials and ask about warranty on service work. Budget watches may cost more to service than replace, making authorised service less critical.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing inappropriate watches for activities: Don't wear a dress watch while gardening or a leather-strapped watch to the beach.
• Ignoring minor issues: Small problems become expensive repairs when left unaddressed.
• DIY repairs: Watch movements are precision instruments. Leave internal work to professionals.
• Storing near magnets: Keep watches away from phones, tablets, and speakers when not wearing.
• Using harsh chemicals: Never use solvents, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners on watches.

Final Thoughts

Caring for watches needn't be complicated or time-consuming. Regular cleaning, mindful wearing habits, proper storage, and periodic professional servicing will keep your timepieces running accurately and looking beautiful for generations. Think of maintenance as an investment in longevity—a few minutes of care today prevents expensive repairs tomorrow.

Whether your collection consists of a single cherished piece or dozens of diverse timepieces, the principles remain consistent. Treat your watches with respect, understand their limitations, and they'll serve you faithfully for years to come. A well-maintained watch isn't just a functional accessory—it's a companion that improves with age and the stories it accumulates along the way.