Caring for a Mechanical Watch

A mechanical watch is a small machine made of hundreds of tiny parts, and a little care goes a long way. Most of it is common sense.

Wind it correctly. A manual-wind watch should be wound gently each day, ideally at the same time, until you feel resistance; do not force the crown past that point. An automatic watch winds itself as you wear it, but if it has stopped, give it a few turns of the crown before setting the time.

Be careful when setting the date. Many watches have a window around late evening when the date mechanism is engaged, and changing the date during those hours can damage it. Move the hands to a safe time, such as early morning, before changing the date.

Keep it away from strong magnets. Magnetic fields from phones, speakers, laptop clasps, and bag closures can magnetize the hairspring and make the watch run fast. If your watch suddenly gains minutes per day, a watchmaker can demagnetize it quickly.

Avoid shocks and extreme temperatures. Sports such as golf or tennis can jar a movement, and leaving a watch in a hot car can thin the lubricants.

Keep it clean. Rinse a water-resistant watch in lukewarm fresh water after the beach, and wipe it with a soft cloth. Clean a metal bracelet gently with a soft brush and mild soap.

Plan for servicing. Many makers suggest a full service every several years, where the movement is cleaned, lubricated, and regulated and the seals are replaced. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation, and use a qualified watchmaker.

If you own more than one watch, a watch winder is optional. A watch that sits idle for a while will simply need to be wound and reset.