A watch is more than just an accessory—it’s an investment in style and functionality. To keep your watch looking great and working properly, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Whether you wear your watch daily or save it for special occasions, knowing how to care for it will help prolong its life and keep it in top condition. Here’s a guide on how to clean and maintain your watch for long-lasting wear, ensuring your timepiece stays as good as new.
1. Clean Your Watch Regularly: Keep It Looking Fresh
Cleaning your watch regularly removes dirt, oils, and grime that can accumulate from daily wear. Proper cleaning not only keeps your watch looking sharp but also prevents buildup that can affect its performance over time.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use a Soft Cloth: Wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove surface dirt and oils. This is especially important for watches with metal bracelets or leather straps, which can attract sweat and dust.
- Soap and Water for Metal and Resin Straps: For stainless steel or resin straps, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Gently scrub the strap with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Avoid Water for Leather Straps: Leather straps should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding excessive moisture that can damage the leather. Condition the strap with a leather conditioner every few months to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
Example Care: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s silicone straps can be cleaned easily with soap and water, keeping them fresh and comfortable for everyday wear.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Protect Your Watch’s Finish
Harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and cleaning agents can damage your watch’s finish, especially if it has a coated or polished surface. Always be mindful of what your watch comes into contact with, and avoid exposing it to potentially harmful substances.
Protection Tips:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Keep your watch away from perfumes, hairsprays, and other personal care products that can tarnish metals or damage leather straps.
- Use Mild Cleaners: Stick to mild soap and water for cleaning your watch, avoiding abrasive cleaners or solvents that can scratch or discolor the surface.
- Be Cautious with Water Resistance: Even if your watch is water-resistant, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals in pools, hot tubs, or cleaning solutions that can compromise the water resistance over time.
Example Care: The 85RETRO™ Model 1 is water-resistant up to 50 meters but should still be protected from harsh chemicals to preserve its finish.
3. Store Your Watch Properly: Prevent Scratches and Damage
Proper storage is key to maintaining your watch’s condition when it’s not on your wrist. A watch left lying around can easily be scratched, dropped, or exposed to dust and moisture, so taking care of how you store it will keep it in top shape.
Storage Tips:
- Use a Watch Box or Case: Store your watch in a dedicated watch box or case to protect it from dust, moisture, and scratches. Watch cases are lined with soft materials that cushion your watch and keep it secure.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade dials, straps, and even affect the watch’s internal components. Store your watch in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
- Keep Away from Magnets: Magnets can interfere with your watch’s movement, affecting its accuracy. Avoid storing your watch near electronic devices or other sources of magnetic fields.
Example Care: Store the 85RETRO™ Model 1 in a soft-lined watch case to keep it safe from dust, scratches, and sunlight, ensuring it’s ready to wear whenever you need it.
4. Wind and Set Your Watch Correctly: Maintain Its Precision
If your watch has a mechanical or automatic movement, proper winding and setting are essential to keeping it running smoothly. Misusing the crown or winding incorrectly can damage the internal components, so always handle your watch with care.
Winding and Setting Tips:
- Manual Winding: Wind your watch gently by turning the crown clockwise. Avoid over-winding, as this can damage the movement. Typically, 20-30 turns of the crown are sufficient for manual watches.
- Set the Time Correctly: When setting the time, avoid setting your watch between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this is when the date mechanism is engaged and can be damaged if adjusted.
- Automatic Watches: For automatic watches, regular wear will keep the movement running. If your watch has stopped, a few manual winds or wearing it for a few hours will get it going again.
Example Care: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s quartz movement doesn’t require winding, making it low-maintenance and ideal for everyday use.
5. Service Your Watch Regularly: Keep It in Top Working Order
Regular servicing by a professional is essential for maintaining the accuracy and longevity of your watch, especially for automatic or mechanical watches. Routine check-ups help identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
Servicing Tips:
- Routine Maintenance: Most watches benefit from professional servicing every 3-5 years, depending on the type of movement and usage. This includes cleaning, lubrication, and checking for wear and tear.
- Water Resistance Checks: If your watch is water-resistant, have the seals and gaskets checked regularly to ensure they’re still effective. This is especially important if you swim or shower with your watch.
- Battery Replacement: For quartz watches, replace the battery as soon as it runs out to avoid leakage that can damage the movement. A professional can also check the movement during battery replacement.
Example Care: Regular servicing of the 85RETRO™ Model 1 ensures it continues to function accurately and remains in excellent condition for years to come.
6. Handle with Care: Everyday Tips to Prevent Damage
Daily wear can expose your watch to potential damage, but simple precautions can help keep it safe. Being mindful of how you wear and handle your watch can prevent scratches, dings, and other common issues.
Care Tips:
- Avoid Drops and Knocks: Be mindful of your watch when engaging in activities that might cause impact. Take your watch off if you’re doing heavy lifting, sports, or activities that could cause it to hit hard surfaces.
- Remove Before Bed: Consider removing your watch before sleeping to prevent accidental knocks against furniture or hard surfaces that could scratch or damage it.
- Clean Your Watch After Water Exposure: If your watch is exposed to saltwater or chlorine, rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to prevent corrosion or discoloration.
Example Care: The 85RETRO™ Model 1’s durable construction makes it a great everyday watch, but handling it with care ensures it stays looking sharp and functioning well.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining your watch is essential to keeping it looking great and performing reliably over time. From regular cleaning and proper storage to professional servicing and careful handling, these tips will help you care for your watch and extend its lifespan. Explore options like the 85RETRO™ Model 1, and with proper care, enjoy a stylish, functional timepiece that serves you well every day.
