At a glance
- Get familiar with upkeep for watches, including cleaning methods, tips on water resistance, and storage options.
- Uncover the reality of watch upkeep myths, like the worry of over-winding and the false belief that high-end timepieces need zero maintenance.
- Seek out short-term and long-term watch storage tips.
Watches come in various types, each with a unique mechanism and maintenance needs. This guide helps you understand the different types of watches and how to clean them effectively.
A Guide to Watch Maintenance
There are many kinds of watches, each with its own system and upkeep needs. This guide clarifies how to keep watches clean effectively.
Watches do more than just tell time; they showcase your style. Whether you are the proud owner of a Stone & Browne watch or amass an assortment of them, so proper attention and upkeep is crucial. It ensures your timepiece stays in top-notch shape for many years. Here's a detailed guide to assist you in keeping your watch in perfect tick-tock order.
Clean Regularly
A watch can gather dust, grime, and sweat, tarnishing its looks and performance. Lightly dab your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear. Use warm water and a gentle brush for metallic links and water-resistant casings, ensuring to remove any dirt build-up and dry afterwards adequately.
Water Resistance
Not all watches can withstand water the same way. Make sure to see what the maker says about how your watch handles water. Keep the crown of the Stone & Browne watch properly sealed if it's going to get wet. It's built to resist water up to 5 ATM.
Servicing
Watches, like other precision tools, need regular servicing to perform well. Plan to get your watch checked by a professional every 3–5 years. They'll clean it, oil it, and see if anything needs fixing.
Storage
If you're not using your watch, put it somewhere dry and not too hot or cold. Be careful around really high or low temperatures, magnets, and chemicals. They can affect how accurate your watch is and how it looks.
Handling
Be gentle with your watch. Any kind of sudden damage - it might hurt the inner workings or the glass face.
Battery Replacement
Expect a 1-2 year battery life in the watch. When it needs a new one, go to a pro. You want to keep the watch water-tight.
Strap Care
Leather straps and metal links need different things. Keep leather clean and dry, and use leather conditioner now and then to stop cracks. Clean metal with soapy water, and just use a damp cloth for rubber straps.
Crystal Care
The watch face or crystal can get scratched. Although sapphire crystal glass resists scratches, it's not invincible. If it gets a mark, an expert can usually buff it out or put a new one in.
Know Your Watch
Get to know your watch well. How does it work? How should you care for it? A Stone & Browne watch comes with a manual - it's full of helpful tips for your exact model.
Dispelling Watch Care Myths
We're now going to tackle some popular watch-care misconceptions.
Watches Don't Need Constant Cleaning
People think watches don't need regular cleaning. But, watches require frequent cleaning to look good and work well. Dust, sweat, and oils build up, needing a delicate wipe with a soft cloth or, if the watch resists water, careful cleaning with soapy water.
Water Resistance Lasts Forever
Water resistance isn't permanent. Gaskets can degrade over time, making the watch less water-resistant. It's important to have these parts checked and replaced during regular servicing.
Quartz Watches Don't Require Servicing
Quartz watches also need occasional check-ups to function and last longer. This includes changing the battery and resealing to keep water resistance, even though they're serviced less frequently than mechanical watches.
Watch Winders are Good for All Watches
Watch winders help keep automatic watches ready. But, all watches don't need them. Constant movement can make the lubrication wear out quickly. So it's often better to let a watch rest when you're not wearing it.
No Need to Maintain Deluxe Watches
Even though they're high quality, deluxe watches need the same care as other watches. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and check-ups by professionals are important to keep their worth and working condition.
Vintage Watches Break Easily with Regular Use
Yes, vintage watches need care, but they aren't as breakable as some think. Treat them right; keep them away from water and crazy temperatures, and they'll keep time correctly.
Check out Stone & Browne if you want to buy snazzy men's and women's watches.
Storing Your Watch: Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions
When your watch isn't on your wrist, like during nighttime or when you're changing timepieces, you need simple, short-term storage.
- A snug, cushioned watch pouch or roll is fantastic for a safe, scratch-free spot for your watch. Ideal for protection on your nightstand or inside a drawer.
- Keep your watch in a steady, mid-temperature area. Super cold can affect oils, influencing movement, whilst super heat can damage delicate parts.
- Usual items like smartphones, tablets, and laptops could magnetise your watch, affecting its timekeeping. Store your watch far from such gadgets.
- If your watch has a self-winding mechanism, parking it face up or face down can affect its accuracy. Discover a comfy spot that keeps your watch ticking accurately.
Long-Term Storage
If you tuck a watch away, for either collection or sentimental reasons, safeguarding it becomes key.
- Wind up a mechanical watch fully prior to stashing it. It helps spread the oils and lubricants equally within to keep it ticking.
- A unique watch box or safe is good for keeping things tidy and safe from dust, moisture, and light. Opt for a bolt-down safe for extra safety.
- Water puts precision tools at risk. Use silica gel packets or dehumidifiers for a dry surrounding, particularly in humid areas such as basements and attics.
- A pre-storage service is wise if hoarding a watch for some years. It tackles potential hitches before they become bigger worries.
- If a quartz watch has been tucked away over a year, get rid of batteries to dodge spillage and wear.
- To secure priceless watches, a bank safety box adds more security layers, ensuring an easy mind.
Stick to these instructions, and your watch, be it a regular one or a precious heirloom, will be kept in the best situation.
These tips will keep your Stone & Browne's men's, women's, or unisex watches looking and working great. A watch is not just a tool; it's a treasure and an investment. If you're looking for a women's watch online or excited about new unisex watches, check out Stone & Browne's site. You'll find durability and beauty mixed in the collection. Right storage makes your watch treasured for many years.