How to Care for Your Watch

A little routine care keeps a watch running well and looking good for decades. None of it is complicated.

Respect the water resistance rating. A rating is only valid if the seals are intact, and gaskets age. Never operate the crown or pushers underwater unless the watch is designed for it, and make sure a screw-down crown is fully tightened before getting wet. If a watch has been exposed to saltwater, rinse it with fresh water afterward. Have the seals tested periodically, especially before relying on the watch for swimming or diving.

Keep it away from strong magnets. Phones, speakers, laptop clasps, and magnetic bag closures can magnetize a mechanical movement and make it run fast. If your watch suddenly gains noticeable time, a watchmaker can demagnetize it quickly and cheaply.

Avoid extreme heat, cold, and shocks. Leaving a watch in a hot car, wearing it in a sauna, or wearing it for impact-heavy sports can harm lubricants, seals, and delicate parts.

Clean it gently. Wipe the case with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Metal bracelets can be cleaned with a soft brush and mild soapy water if the watch is water resistant and the crown is secured. Leather straps do not like water, so keep them dry and let them rest between wears.

Store it sensibly. A dry place away from direct sunlight and strong magnets is ideal. If you own an automatic you do not wear often, a watch winder is optional; many mechanical watches are fine stopped and simply reset when you wear them again.

Plan for servicing. Mechanical watches generally benefit from a full service roughly every five to ten years, and sooner if they gain or lose a lot of time or the power reserve drops. Quartz watches mostly need a battery change, ideally by someone who will also check the seals. Keep a record of services and repairs; our collection tools let you log service history for each watch you own.

Treat your watch kindly and it will reward you with a long life, and likely hold its value better too.