Watches matter. It is often one of the first things that someone notices when they approach you. A good watch should last a while when well taken care of, and you shouldn’t have to keep replacing watches unless you want to. Here are a few pointers to keep your timeless watch pieces:
• Get a qualified professional for regular servicing.
• Don’t wind your watch on your wrist. As much as most of us are guilty of doing this, myself included, usually adjust our watches while still on our wrists. However, winding it on your wrist puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on one part of the case mechanism. Always take it off if you have to wind your watch.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. It’s no question that you shouldn’t be wearing your watch at a place like the sauna. Sudden temperatures can cause thermal shock and can permanently damage.
• Always put your watch on last.
• Avoid spraying perfume directly on your watch. The wrists are key points to apply perfume and cologne but as you do, avoid spraying it directly at your watch. Also avoid spraying perfume on your wrist in the place where your watch sits. For the ladies, avoid applying hairspray while wearing your watch.
• Clean your watch. Watches are usually exposed to a lot of dirt during the day. Wipe over with a soft cloth after each use or if you can’t do it every day; take the time to clean it down every week to clean the dirt that builds up at the case and straps. Do not immerse your watch in hot water, it can damage the gaskets.
• Store your watch in the box provided when you bought it. Don’t throw it away. If you didn’t buy it with a box, then make sure to store it in a cool dry place. Damp conditions can damage watches, especially leather straps.
• If you have a rubber or soft plastic strap you can shorten it by cutting off the excess from the long end of the strap with a sharp pair of scissors
• Do not expose straps to gases or chemicals e.g. perfume/fragrance, detergents, insecticides etc.
• Remove water-resistant watches before showering. Soap reduces the surface tension of water and allows it to attack watch seals very effectively. And if condensation appears on the inside of the glass, take your watch to a watchmaker immediately.
• If you have to wear a watch while swimming, get a diving watch. Also, be careful of the diving restrictions on the watch. Some of them have a 30m diving resistance. Water resistance is not permanent. Over the course of time, the gaskets of the case may become worn and reduce the water resistance of the watch. Watches without water resistant markings are splash proof and are not suitable for swimming.
• After swimming in the sea or in a pool with chlorine, rinse the water resistant watch under running tap water and wipe to dry immediately.
• Due to the composition of various materials used in watch straps, straps may harden or discolor after extensive use. So for leather straps, change the strap of a watch that is worn daily every one to one and a half years.
• There are limits. Even if your watch is shockproof and certain watches have shock absorbing devices, there is always a limit. Do not expose your watch to sudden shocks, dropping or vibration. It can cause mechanical failure.
For more details on how to look after your watch visit www.watcharama.com/care.html
