Wristwatches, one of the most stylish ways to keep up with the times, are not just accessories; they are also marvels of precision mechanical engineering. However, like any mechanical device, watches require regular maintenance and care. So, what should you pay attention to during the watch care process? Here are seven golden rules that will help extend the life of your watch.
Keep Your Watch Away from Magnetic Fields
A watch mechanism keeps time through the flawless operation of its small, delicate parts. This delicate structure is critical to the mechanism's accurate operation. However, magnetic fields, especially for mechanical watches, can negatively affect the operation of the internal gears. The effects of magnetic fields can prevent the watch from keeping accurate time and shorten its lifespan. To protect your watch, it's important to keep it away from devices such as phones, speakers, and microwaves. This will help you understand how your watch functions. Magnetic fields emitted by these devices can disrupt your watch's delicate balance and cause time loss. These simple steps can help ensure the smooth operation of the small parts within the watch mechanism.
Avoid Contact with Water If Not Water Resistant
Not every watch is waterproof. Even splashes from sweat, rain, or handwashing during daily use can damage the internal mechanism over time. If your watch is not waterproof, be careful to avoid contact with water. Exposing a watch to water can cause the internal mechanism to malfunction, which will shorten its lifespan. To protect your watch, avoid wearing it outdoors in rainy weather.
Have Mechanical Cleaning Done at Regular Intervals
Cleaning a mechanical watch is one of the most important processes for ensuring the longevity of your watch. Regular cleaning and oiling of the watch mechanism is essential for proper operation. A thorough cleaning and oiling by a professional service is generally recommended every 3-5 years. Mechanical watches are notable for their precision and intricacy, so professional cleaning preserves both the watch's appearance and functionality.
Wear or Wind Automatic Watches Regularly
Using an automatic watch allows the watch to run automatically. These watches keep the mechanism running by collecting energy from the wearer's arm movements. However, if left unworn for extended periods, the mechanism inside can malfunction. If you wear an automatic watch, wearing it regularly will keep it running. If you don't wear it constantly, you can use a watch winder to keep the mechanism running.
Protect Against Impacts
Watches are quite sensitive to hard impacts. Watches with sapphire crystal or thin cases, in particular, can become scratched or their mechanisms can malfunction with even the slightest impact. It's advisable to remove your watch when exercising or performing strenuous tasks. It's also a good idea to store your watch in a suitable case when not in use to protect it from impacts.
Store Your Wristwatch Properly
You should store watches you're not wearing in their boxes or a soft cloth. This increases the durability of your watches and ensures their longevity. This is especially important for valuable or vintage wristwatches. Factors such as dust, humidity, and sunlight can deform both the strap and the internal mechanism over time. You should pay attention to these factors when storing your watches. Ideal storage conditions are crucial for wristwatch care. Proper storage methods can help preserve the aesthetics and functionality of your watches.
You should pay attention to these factors when storing your watches. Storage conditions, especially for watches with different straps, ensure the longevity of both the mechanism and the strap material. For example, the different Apple Watch strap options available to Apple Watch users offer significant advantages in terms of both aesthetic appeal and comfort. By changing the strap, you can easily adapt your watch to different environments and preserve both your watch and its accessories for a long time by storing them in appropriate conditions.
Replace Batteries Timely
Unused batteries can leak over time, damaging the internal mechanism. This can negatively impact your watch's performance and lead to irreparable damage. Leaving your watch's battery unchanged for extended periods of time poses a significant risk, both aesthetically and technically. Over time, chemicals within the battery can seep into the watch mechanism, causing corrosion or other problems. Ignoring the battery's expiration date can cause your watch to lose its value. Be sure to have your watch serviced and replaced promptly, extending the life of this valuable accessory.
