Watch care made easy: how to keep your luxury watch in top shape for the long term
Watch care made easy
How to keep your luxury watch in top shape
Luxury watches are not just technical masterpieces - they are also an expression of style, value and personality. Whether you own a Rolex, Omega or an elegant automatic watch from Seiko: With the right care, your watch will not only remain visually appealing, but will also function precisely for decades.
In this blog article, we will show you practical tips that you can use to optimize the service life and value retention of your watch.
Regular cleaning - but the right way
Over time, dust, sweat and skin oils settle on the link bracelet, case and crown. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and ensures that the watch retains its shine.
This is how it works:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth for the housing.
- Metal bracelets can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water.
- Leather watch straps should only be treated with a special leather cleaner - never soak them!
Waterproof does not mean maintenance-free
Many watches are labeled "waterproof". However, seals age and pressure ratios can change.
Important notes:
- Have the water resistance checked every 1-2 years - especially for diving watches.
- Avoid showering or going to the sauna with your watch: heat and soap can attack the seals.
- Always make sure that the crown is screwed tight before you take the watch into the water.
Moving automatic watches regularly
Automatic watches wind themselves up through movement. If they are not worn for a long time, the oil in the movement can become resinous.
Tip:
- Wear your automatic watch regularly or use a watch winder (but beware of cheap watch winders).
- Have the movement serviced by a specialist every 5-10 years to maintain lubrication and precision.
Protect your watch from extreme conditions
Heat, magnetic fields and shocks can damage the movement - no matter how robust the watch appears.
Avoid:
- Direct sunlight over a longer period of time (fading dials).
- Smartphones, loudspeakers or refrigerator doors - they generate strong magnetic fields.
- Sports with strong vibrations (e.g. tennis, mountain biking) with sensitive mechanical watches.
The right storage
The way you store your watch affects both the case and the movement.
Recommendations:
- Use watch boxes with a soft inner lining.
- For longer storage: in the case of automatic watches, pull the crown if necessary to relieve the movement.
- Do not store watches loose in drawers - scratches are inevitable.
Service only from professionals
Even with the best care, a professional service is essential. Do not attempt to open your watch yourself - this may invalidate the warranty or even cause permanent damage.
When is a service due?
- If the accuracy deviates significantly.
- If condensation is visible under the glass.
- After approx. 5-10 years (depending on the manufacturer's specifications).
Conclusion: Those who care, wear longer
With a little care and regular maintenance, your watch will remain a faithful companion for generations - whether as a stylish accessory or a valuable collector's item. Remember: every minute you invest in caring for your watch will pay off in the long term.
Tip: If you own several watches, it is worth buying a watch care kit with a cloth, brush, case and possibly a winder. This way you are prepared for all eventualities.