How to Take Care
of Your Watch
Simple habits that will keep your watch looking good and running as it should.
Cleaning
Water
Servicing
Storage
A watch is something you will likely wear day in and day out, on your commute, at your desk, out for dinner or even in the shower if you are not careful. So, it’s only natural that it will pick up the occasional scratch, fingerprint or bit of dust along the way.
Over time, these small marks of everyday life can dull its shine, and if left unchecked, they can even affect how well it keeps time.
The good news is that keeping your watch looking and performing its best doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be a horologist or visit a professional every few weeks. A few simple habits done consistently can go a long way toward protecting both its appearance and its mechanics.
Below, we’ll walk you through the everyday do’s and don’ts of watch care: from cleaning and storage to water exposure and everyday wear, so your watch stays as sharp as the day you got it.
Keep Your Watch Clean
Realistically, you are probably not going to clean your watch every day and that’s perfectly fine.
A quick wipe with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth once a week, or whenever it starts looking a little dull is usually enough to remove fingerprints, dust and everyday grime before they build up.
Metal Bracelets
Can be gently brushed to remove dirt from between the links.
Leather Straps
Best kept dry since moisture can cause cracking over time.
Rubber / Silicone
Generally the easiest to maintain and can simply be wiped clean.
What to Avoid
Tissues
Paper Towels
Alcohol based wipes
Harsh household cleaners
These can leave fine scratches or damage your watch’s finish. If your watch needs a deeper clean, or you are unsure what is suitable for its materials or water resistance rating, it is always best to have it professionally cleaned.
Understand Your Watch’s
Water Resistance
No watch is completely waterproof. Water resistance simply indicates how much water pressure a watch can handle under specific conditions.
Suitable for everyday splashes such as rain or hand washing.
Offers a little more protection but still isn’t generally recommended for swimming.
Often suitable for swimming, although recommendations can vary between brands and models.
✓ DO
- Check your watch’s water resistance rating.
- Remove your watch before showering.
- Have it inspected if you notice condensation.
× DON'T
- Press buttons while the watch is wet.
- Adjust the crown while the watch is wet.
- Expose your watch unnecessarily to heat, soap or shampoo.
Have your watch inspected as soon as possible. Water damage can worsen over time and become considerably more expensive to repair.
Know When It’s
Time for a Service
Different watches need different kinds of care, so it’s worth knowing what type of movement you have.
Quartz
Watch for:
- Loss of accuracy
- Watch stopping
Likely action:
Battery replacement
Automatic
Watch for:
- Unusual time loss
- Different winding feel
- Difficulty setting the time
Likely action:
Professional inspection or service
Solar
Watch for:
- Watch stopping after storage
- Reduced performance
First step:
Place it in a well-lit area for a period of time.
Putting Your
Watch Away
When you are not wearing your watch, keep it somewhere safe and protected. A dedicated spot helps prevent unnecessary knocks, scratches, and damage.
Good Places
- Watch box
- Soft pouch
- Dedicated tray
- Cool, dry place
- Away from sunlight
Not So Good
- Loose in a drawer
- Next to keys or coins
- Mixed with other jewellery
- Prolonged sunlight
- Damp environments
Your Watch Care Checklist
Clean regularly with a soft cloth.
Know what your watch can handle.
Avoid unnecessary water, chemicals and knocks.
Understand whether it is quartz, automatic or solar.
Don't wait for a small issue to become a larger one.
Keep it somewhere protected when you're not wearing it.
Taking care of your watch doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits, like keeping it clean, understanding its water resistance and staying on top of routine servicing, can go a long way towards keeping it looking and performing its best.
Whether it’s a watch you wear every day or one you save for special occasions, a little care now means you can enjoy it for many years to come.