How to Take Care of Your Watch

Learning how to take care of a watch is about more than just keeping it clean. Watches, whether mechanical or quartz, are precision instruments with delicate internal components that need attention, care, and the right handling. By following these five essential steps, you can ensure your watch stays accurate, reliable, and beautiful for years while enjoying it every day.

1. Keep Your Watch Wound or Charged and Respect Its Limits

Whether you have a mechanical or quartz watch, keeping it running consistently is the first step in learning how to care for watches. Manual and automatic watches need regular winding to ensure the internal lubricants are distributed evenly and the gears stay smooth. Quartz watches rely on a healthy battery or solar charge to maintain accurate time. At the same time, it’s important to respect your watch’s limits. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, high-impact activities, or sudden shocks that could damage delicate components. Regularly winding or charging your watch while understanding its mechanical or electronic limitations will help it last longer and perform reliably.

2. Handle Your Watch Carefully When Winding or Setting the Time

Many people wind or adjust their watch while it’s on the wrist, but this can put unnecessary pressure on the crown and stem, increasing the risk of bending or breaking. Always remove your watch and handle it over a stable, soft surface to prevent accidental drops or damage. Simple habits like this are a key part of how to take care of your watch and prevent long-term problems, especially for intricate mechanical movements or sensitive quartz mechanisms.

3. Clean Your Watch Properly and Monitor Water Resistance

Keeping your watch clean is an essential part of how to care for watches. Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the case and crystal regularly. For water-resistant watches, a little water is fine as long as the crown is secure, but leather straps should be kept dry. Avoid soaps and harsh chemicals, which can seep into tiny crevices and harm the movement. Additionally, even water-resistant watches need their seals and gaskets checked periodically, particularly if you swim, shower, or are caught in heavy rain. Maintaining cleanliness and monitoring water resistance protects your watch from both external and internal damage.

4. Change Straps Carefully, Service Regularly, and Use Professional Support

Changing straps, servicing your watch, and using warranty or professional support are all interconnected parts of proper watch care. Replacing straps requires the right tools and careful handling to avoid scratches or damage to the lugs. Regular servicing keeps mechanical watches lubricated and running accurately and ensures quartz watches’ batteries and components are in top condition. Taking advantage of warranties and building a relationship with a trusted watchmaker ensures that any repairs or maintenance are done correctly and efficiently. Together, these steps form a comprehensive approach to how to take care of your watch over the long term.

5. Wear Your Watch and Enjoy It Regularly

A watch is meant to be worn and appreciated, not stored away. Wearing it keeps automatic movements active, maintains lubrication, and allows you to enjoy the craftsmanship and design of your timepiece. Learning how to take care of your watch doesn’t mean keeping it hidden, it means balancing careful handling with regular use. By wearing your watch thoughtfully and following the steps above, you ensure it remains functional, beautiful, and a trusted companion for years to come.