Nowadays, watches are more than just timekeepers. They are a fashion accessory, a store of value and the figurehead of the wearer. To ensure that they stay that way, they need to be cared for. The following article gives five tips for a long watch life.
The right storage - in the box or in the watch winder?
In online forums, many users discuss, sometimes controversially, whether a watch winder makes sense. The central question is: Is it harmful for a mechanical watch to remain unused for a long time?
Even though a modern watch winder can provide fascinating looks in the living room at home, it is not absolutely necessary. For people who use their timepiece regularly anyway, such a device is superfluous. However, the purchase can be worthwhile if the watch is put away regularly. This saves the annoying resetting of complications like the calendar.
Automatic watches do not need a watch winder. They will not be damaged if not used for a long time.
Winding the clock
Beginners in particular are afraid of damaging their sometimes expensive watch by mishandling it. In most cases, this fear is unfounded.
Turning the crown of an automatic watch for about 30-35 turns winds it. You can't do anything wrong with this. If you turn it more often, you won't break the timepiece. However, caution is advised for watches with manual winding. If these are wound, it should be omitted to turn the crown further. Otherwise, the worst-case scenario could result in irreparable damage.
Clean the watch properly
Like any object of daily use, watches need to be cleaned at regular intervals. Freeing it from dust and dirt promotes value retention and longevity. In this regard, it is sufficient to clean the watch with a microfiber cloth.
Attention:
Under no circumstances should too much pressure be applied to the watch when cleaning it. Even microfiber cloths can leave fine scratches on the case and other parts of the timepiece.
If the watch is waterproof at a depth of 100 m or more, it can be cleaned with a little water and washing-up liquid. When doing so, it is imperative to ensure that the crown is screwed down tightly and that no water can penetrate the movement. When cleaning with water, a microfiber cloth should not be used. Using your hands is sufficient.
Avoiding traces of wear
Like cars, watches are commodities. This is true even if they were purchased for the purpose of capital investment. No matter how conscientiously the watch is cared for, the first scratches will appear at some point. Nevertheless, their occurrence can at least be reduced thanks to a simple change in behavior. In doing so, it is important to pay attention to trivial things.
If you wear your watch on your right wrist, you should open and close doors with your left hand. The same applies to wearing the seat belt in the car. Of course, the watch should be taken off when doing heavy work such as DIY. Clothing with buttons and zippers also pose a risk to the external integrity of the timepiece.
Observe maintenance intervals
At some point the time comes: the watch is ripe for the first maintenance. When this is the case depends on the manufacturer and the model. The intervals range from approximately every 4 to every 10 years. At the latest when significant rate deviations occur, the watch should be in revision.
