Watch Care Guide

How to Care for Your Watch and Keep It Looking and Working Its Best

A watch is both a practical timepiece and, often, a sentimental or valuable item. With proper care, most watches will last for many years — even decades. This guide explains how to look after your watch, avoid common problems, and know when professional servicing is needed.

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Everyday Watch Care

Avoid Knocks and Drops

The most common cause of damage to watches is impact. Even a small knock can:

• Dislodge hands or hour markers

• Scratch the dial or crystal

• Damage the movement

Remove your watch when doing physical work, sports, or household tasks.

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Keep Watches Away from Magnets

Magnetic fields can affect timekeeping accuracy, especially in mechanical watches.
Avoid placing your watch near:

• Mobile phones

• Laptop speakers

• Magnetic clasps

• Induction hobs

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Water Resistance: What You Need to Know

Many watches are described as “water-resistant”, not waterproof.

Important Tips:

• Never press buttons or adjust the crown underwater

• Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in

• Water resistance degrades over time as seals age

If your watch has been exposed to water and shows condensation under the glass, stop using it and have it checked immediately.

For detailed water resistance information, see our Watch Water Resistance Guide 👉.

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Caring for Mechanical & Automatic Watches

Mechanical watches require more careful handling:

• Avoid sudden shocks

• Keep them away from magnets

• Have them serviced every 3–5 years

If something becomes loose inside a mechanical or skeleton watch, stop wearing it and take it to a professional as soon as possible.

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Caring for Quartz Watches

Quartz watches are generally robust, but still need care:

• Replace batteries promptly to avoid leakage

• Avoid leaving a dead battery inside the watch

• Have seals checked during battery replacement

A routine battery change is a good time for a jeweller to spot early issues.

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Cleaning Your Watch

Metal Bracelets & Cases

• Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth

• Use lukewarm water and mild soap (if water-resistant)

• Dry thoroughly

Leather Straps

• Keep dry

• Avoid perfumes, creams, and sanitiser

• Store away from direct sunlight

Leather straps naturally wear over time and may need replacing periodically.

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Storage Tips

• Store watches separately to prevent scratching

• Keep them away from direct heat and sunlight

• Use a watch box or soft pouch

If storing a watch long-term, remove the battery (for quartz watches).

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When to Seek Professional Help

Take your watch to a professional if:

• Hands or numbers come loose

• The watch gains or loses time

• There is condensation under the glass

• The crown or buttons feel loose

• The watch stops unexpectedly

Early attention can prevent expensive repairs later.

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Watch Servicing & Repairs

Regular servicing helps:

• Maintain accuracy

• Extend the life of the movement

• Preserve the appearance of the watch

Professional servicing is always recommended over DIY fixes.

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Material-Specific Care

Some watches need extra attention depending on the materials used in their construction. Following these tips will help preserve the appearance and longevity of your watch.

Metal Cases & Bracelets

• Stainless steel and other metals can be cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth.

• For water-resistant watches, you can use lukewarm water and mild soap to gently clean the bracelet, then dry thoroughly.

• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including cleaning sprays, perfumes, and lotions, which can cause discoloration or damage.

Gold, Rose Gold, and Plated Finishes

• Watches with gold, rose gold, or other plated finishes require careful handling to avoid scratching or wearing off the plating.

• Avoid constant contact with hard surfaces or abrasive materials.

• Clean gently with a soft cloth and avoid strong cleaning agents.

Leather Straps

• Keep leather straps dry and avoid exposure to water, steam, or high humidity.

• Avoid direct contact with perfumes, lotions, or hand sanitizers.

• Leather will naturally age and may need replacement over time.

Rubber or Silicone Straps

• Rubber and silicone straps are generally durable but can degrade with prolonged exposure to sunlight or harsh chemicals.

• Wash occasionally with mild soap and water and dry completely.

Ceramic & Tungsten

• Ceramic and tungsten are hard materials but can chip or crack if dropped or hit against hard surfaces.

• Clean with a soft, damp cloth; avoid abrasive materials.

Crystals & Glass

• Mineral glass and sapphire crystals are scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof.

• Avoid striking the glass against hard objects, and clean with a soft microfiber cloth.

Ion-Plated or Coated Finishes

• Watches with ion-plated finishes (e.g., black, gold, rose gold) can show wear if in constant contact with surfaces or abrasive materials.

• Avoid scratching and clean gently with a soft cloth.

By following these material-specific care tips, you can help ensure your watch remains beautiful and functional for many years.

Quick Reference: Watch Material Care 🕒✨

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Frequently Asked Questions About Watch Care

How often should a watch be serviced?
Mechanical and automatic watches should usually be serviced every 3–5 years. Quartz watches need less frequent servicing but should still be checked regularly, especially during battery replacement.

Can I wear my watch every day?
Yes, most watches are designed for daily wear. However, removing your watch during physical work, sports, or household tasks can help prevent knocks and damage.

Is my watch waterproof?
Most watches are water-resistant, not waterproof. Water resistance decreases over time as seals age, so it’s important to have it checked periodically.

What should I do if there is condensation inside my watch?
Stop wearing the watch immediately and take it to a professional repairer. Moisture inside the case can cause serious damage if left untreated.

Can magnets damage my watch?
Yes. Magnetic fields can affect timekeeping accuracy, especially in mechanical watches. Avoid placing your watch near strong magnets or electronic devices.

How should I clean my watch at home?
Use a soft, lint-free cloth for regular cleaning. Metal bracelets can be gently cleaned with mild soap and water if the watch is water-resistant. Leather straps should be kept dry.

Should I remove the battery if I’m not wearing my watch?
If a quartz watch is being stored long-term, removing the battery is recommended to prevent leakage and damage.

When should I take my watch to a professional?
Seek professional help if the watch stops unexpectedly, gains or loses time, has loose hands or numbers, shows condensation, or feels loose when adjusting the crown.

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Final Thoughts

A well-cared-for watch can last a lifetime. By handling it carefully, servicing it regularly, and addressing small issues early, you’ll protect both its function and its value.

If you’re ever unsure, a professional watch repairer can advise you and keep your watch in excellent condition.