WATCH CARE TIPS

You put your watch on every morning (please don’t tell me you wear it in bed) and you take it off every night, and it keeps telling you the time, 24/7. So it is easy to forget that your watch needs a bit of TLC. After all, it is a tiny machine full of tiny moving parts, that work with you while you go about your daily life. So, we thought you might need a few pointers make sure you and your watch keep on ticking.

 

Water Resistancy

Water Resistancy

All modern watches will have a water resistancy rating, usually expressed in meters but sometimes as ATM.


At a glance, 30M or 3ATM is splash-proof, meaning you can wear it in a heavy down pour, but don’t immerse in water, and dry the watch off as soon as you can.

50m/ 5ATM means you can immerse the watch for a short time, some say you can swim in it, but only if you are gentle head above the water style of swimmer.

100m / 10ATM means swimming, watersports and snorkelling are all ok.

200m/ 20ATM is fine for scuba diving and those of a more adventurous spirit.
There are a few caveats to all this.
Firstly, any high impact watersport, such as water skiing, could involve some high impact water moments, this isn’t good for your watch. Secondly, always rinse your watch in fresh water after being in salt water, the salt corrodes the rubber seal.

If your watch is heading towards vintage status, then you must remember that water resistancy declines with age. And if you haven’t had your watch serviced in 5 years, the tiny rubber seal that keeps the water out could easily have corroded. Water resistancy is only guaranteed at the time the watch is tested, not 3 years later.

And lastly, don’t use complications while your watch is wet. Always dry it off. When the pusher is pressed, the water can get in. There is a Breitling Superocean that you can activate underwater, but it is a massive exception to the rule.



Magnet Moments

Magnet Moments

Magnets equal Bad Karma for a watch, especially a mechanical watch, it can send them completely haywire. And magnets are everywhere, from stereo speakers, Fridge doors, magnetic clasp on a bag. And don’t put your watch anywhere near your phone or i-phone. The outcome is likely to be the watch losing or gaining time, a lot!

Disgustingly Dirty

Disgustingly Dirty

You wash your clothes, clean your shoes but how often do you clean your watch? Firstly, the bracelet or strap. This is against your skin all day, and bits of dirt get stuck in. You can either drop it into Lumbers and we can clean the dirt out of the bracelet, or you can use a toothbrush and a small amount of water to clean it out.

Keeping the movement clean is the job of the professionals, but you can do your bit by not wearing your perfect timepiece while decorating, using power tools, making sandcastles on the beach (with children, obviously), avoid using any of the pushers if it is dirty, or rotating the bezel. If a bit of dirt gets in, under, or between, it can make a horrid noise and be expensive to remedy.

 

Sublimely Sunny

Sublimely Sunny

Although Tag Heuer are introducing a new solar powered watch, most mechanical watches aren’t so keen on being left in the sun. Don’t let them get too hot, it dries out the oils and fades the strap.

Of course, you can wear while on holiday, but as with all things, excesses aren’t so good. And while we are on the subject of temperature, watches with compromised water resistancy are liable to fogging, so if you go from cold to hot, the glass can get condensation. And while the theme is sunshine, remember, when you travel and change the time on your watch, screw the crown back in. It isn’t water resistant if the crown isn’t screwed down.  

 

Crowning Glory

Crowning Glory

The crown (aka button/winder) is the bit you fiddle with the most. You change the time or wind your watch with it.

Rule number 1, take your watch off to change the time or wind it. It puts excess pressure on the stem if you do it while on your wrist. Rule 2 is more flexible, depending on your watch. Try not to change the time on your watch between the hours of 9pm and 3am. Most watches will be fine, but on some of the more delicate or older models, the date wheel will have engaged, and you could damage the mechanism.

 

I’m so impressed you have read all the way to the end. It shows you really care about your beloved timepiece. Our watch department is always on hand with handy tips and advice, and always ready to show you the latest models. Happy ticking!