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. Here are a few key steps you can take to maintain your time-telling device.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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