How to Maintain Luxury Watches

It all starts with a mistake you might not even notice—a tiny scratch, an unnoticed mark, or perhaps a misstep during cleaning. It’s that moment when you realize your luxury watch isn’t just another accessory; it’s an investment that demands care. The question is, how do you maintain a luxury watch so it remains a piece of timeless beauty and precision?

There’s something captivating about the weight of a well-crafted watch, the smooth sweep of its hands, the flawless gleam of its polished surface. Yet, beneath that polished surface lies a delicate mechanism, requiring the utmost precision and attention. Without the proper maintenance, even the finest watches can lose their luster and precision over time.

You’ll hear many stories of people who’ve neglected this, thinking they could handle it themselves. The tragedy comes when a small oversight turns into irreversible damage, like water finding its way into the movement of a once-pristine timepiece. Let’s prevent that.

1. Regular Servicing: The Unseen but Critical Requirement

The most common mistake is not getting your watch serviced regularly. Luxury watches are finely tuned instruments, and they require a watchmaker's care to ensure optimal performance. Most brands recommend servicing your watch every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. During these services, your watch is disassembled, cleaned, and lubricated to ensure all moving parts function correctly.

Failing to do this means debris, oil, and moisture can creep into places they shouldn’t be, potentially damaging the delicate mechanics. The cost of neglect can be far higher than the price of regular maintenance.

Servicing Interval	Recommended Time (Years)	Signs You May Need Servicing Early
Light usage	5	Loss of time accuracy
Regular usage	3-5	Moisture inside the case
Heavy usage	3	Stiffness in the crown or buttons

2. Avoiding Water Damage: Not Just About Swimming

Here’s a common misconception: people think that if their watch is rated as "water-resistant," they don’t have to worry. Water-resistance isn’t permanent. Over time, the gaskets and seals that keep water out can wear down, especially if you expose the watch to temperature changes or chemicals like perfumes, soaps, or even sweat. These all erode the seals, making your watch vulnerable.

Always check the water resistance rating of your watch and understand its limits. Most importantly, after a few years, even a water-resistant watch may need a replacement of the gaskets to maintain its protection.

3. The Right Way to Clean Your Watch: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Cleaning a luxury watch seems simple, but many people damage their watches by using improper methods. Always start by using a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior. If your watch has water resistance and you’re confident in its rating, you can use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean the case and bracelet. However, never submerge a watch unless you're sure it's rated for it.

For the bracelet, use a soft brush to clean between the links. For leather straps, avoid direct exposure to water. Instead, use a damp cloth and a specialized leather conditioner to keep it from cracking or fading.

4. Storing Your Watch: Protection Between Wears

When not in use, how you store your watch is just as important as how you wear it. Exposure to sunlight, magnetic fields, and moisture can deteriorate a luxury watch's materials. Store your watch in a dry, cool place, ideally in a watch box or a dedicated storage case. Some prefer to keep their automatic watches in a winder, which ensures that the movement stays running even when not worn. Be mindful of where you place it, avoiding areas with strong magnetic fields or temperature fluctuations, which can impact the accuracy and performance of the timepiece.

Storage Environment	Best Practices
Temperature Control	Keep between 15°C to 25°C
Humidity Control	Store in a dry place, ideally below 50% RH
Magnetic Fields	Keep away from speakers, phones, and tablets

5. Beware of DIY Repairs: The Temptation of Quick Fixes

In an era where DIY is celebrated, some people make the mistake of trying to repair their luxury watches themselves. This is almost always a bad idea. A luxury watch contains intricate components that require expert handling. Even something as simple as changing a battery or resizing a bracelet can lead to damage if not done properly. Always entrust repairs and adjustments to professionals who have experience with high-end watches.

6. Impact and Shock: Handle with Care

Even though some luxury watches are designed to withstand harsh environments, they are still susceptible to damage from hard knocks and sudden impacts. Don’t wear your luxury watch when engaging in activities where it could be subjected to shock or vibrations, like during sports, heavy work, or when using power tools. If you do want a watch for rugged environments, consider a more durable, purpose-built timepiece.

7. The Importance of Correct Time Adjustment

Adjusting the time on your luxury watch might seem simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Never adjust the time or date while the watch is between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this is when the internal gears responsible for changing the date are most engaged. Changing the time during this period could damage the movement. Instead, set the time when the hands are positioned outside this window.

8. Wearing Your Watch Properly: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

How you wear your watch can impact its lifespan. Avoid wearing your luxury watch too loosely, as this can increase the chances of damage from knocks or the watch sliding off your wrist. On the other hand, wearing it too tight can cause unnecessary stress on the bracelet or strap. Aim for a comfortable fit that allows your watch to sit snugly on your wrist without too much movement.

9. Recognizing Signs of Trouble: Early Detection

Lastly, staying attentive to any signs of trouble is crucial. If you notice your watch losing or gaining time, or if the crown feels stiff when you try to wind it, these are signs that it may need professional attention. Ignoring these issues could lead to more significant problems down the road, turning a minor adjustment into a costly repair.

Maintaining a luxury watch doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require consistent attention. By following these practices, you can ensure your timepiece stays in pristine condition, preserving both its beauty and value.