Watch Care: Tips and Tricks

The watch is a classic accessory. Its primary purpose–telling time–helps keep us on track throughout the day. However, the right watch can take a person’s outfit and confidence to the next level. Many watches even get passed down through generations and can become prized family possessions. No matter what your watch means to you, it is crucial to take care of it. Cleaning and maintaining a watch increases its longevity and keeps it looking sharp. Many are particular about the condition of their smartphone and other accessories, and the same energy should be kept for a watch. As a luxury watch and Rolex Rolex dealer in Denver, we absolutely understand–a watch is an investment. You want to take care of it as best as you can!

Here are a few key steps we recommend all our clients follow when maintaining their watches:

Wind Your Watch

Winding a watch may seem like a simple step, but it is crucial for keeping it functioning properly. Occasionally winding your watch helps keep the lubricant inside the device moving and prevents it from drying. Automatic-wind watches do self-wind, however, it is recommended that you wind it more than it does on its own. Treat it as you would a manual-wind watch. Also, wind your watch above a soft surface. Winding can sometimes make you drop your watch, and it is better to drop it over a soft surface than a hard one.

Is it possible to wind your watch too much?

Martin’s of Glasgow says it perfectly:

If you have an automatic watch, it’s not possible to overwind it. If the watch has full power, the rotor inside the timepiece will simply stop spinning. Automatic watches are designed to stop powering the mainspring when it can’t be wound anymore. It’s not possible to over-wind an automatic timepiece.

If you have a manual timepiece, it’s important to keep your watch fully wound if you want to enjoy maximum power. Fully winding a manual watch won’t damage it – the parts are relatively tough and quite difficult to break. If you won’t be wearing your watch for a few days, keeping it fully wound will retain all the watch settings.

Clean Your Watch Regularly

Just as you want to get on a winding routine, develop a cleaning routine as well. Watches accumulate dirt and grime just like any other device, so stay on top of keeping it clean. Be cautious, though. There is a common misconception that you should soak your watch in a soap and water mixture. But, soap can seep into the gears and mechanics and cause damage. Instead, use a damp cloth to gently wipe the cloth around the watch while avoiding any leather. Doing so is enough to shake loose any dirt without causing damage. For more information on cleaning a watch, check out this article or ask one of our Denver watch and Rolex dealers.

Avoid Chemicals

Using chemicals to clean your watch is not recommended under any circumstances. Just like with soap, chemicals erode the insides of the watch and can cause serious damage over time. It may seem quick and convenient to just spray your watch with something and wipe it down. However, the smart move is to take your time with the cloth and water to ensure no damage is caused.

Avoid Sunlight

Sunlight can be damaging to your timepiece. Avoid leaving it exposed to extended amounts of sunlight, as it wears away at the strap, especially if it’s leather. It can damage the battery and gears as well.

Practice Safe Storage

It can be easy to take your watch off and throw it on a table or countertop at the end of the day. Although the likelihood is that it is safe from harm, there is always a chance that , a pet or child may knock it off the surface and damage it. Accidents happen, and a good way to minimize them is by safe storage. Many watches come in a box, so consider keeping that box and returning the watch to it every night before you go to bed. This keeps it safe from accidents, plus, you know exactly where it is at in the morning.

Service, Please

Even if your timepiece was not as expensive, you probably do not want to spend the money to replace it. So, trust the professionals if you come across an issue you are not able to figure out. As a watch and Rolex dealer in Denver, we would be happy to take a look at it ourselves or refer you to someone who could address the problem properly. Watches have complex inner workings and should not be tinkered with by amateurs. Plus, many repairs require the watch to be completely broken down and then put back together.

Browse Our Luxury Timepieces

Browse all Timepieces

Contact The Best Luxury Watch and Rolex Dealer in Denver

We have a selection of pre-owned luxury watches, as well as a bench jeweler on staff who can help with most cleanings and repairs. Book an appointment with us today!

Book Your Appointment