A good quality watch has the potential to go the distance and be a piece in your collection for many years to come. You just have to ensure it is given the proper care. While watches are built to withstand the rigorous amount of wear and tear that comes along with everyday wear, the proper watch care is crucial in keeping your timepiece in tip-top shape.
Jump to a section below by clicking a link or read on to find out all you need to know about properly taking care of your watch.
Overview:
- Watch cleaning
- Power cell replacement
- Water resistance
- Shock-resistance
- Magnetic-resistance
- Chemical/gas resistance
- Read your manual
How To Take Care Of A Watch
No matter how old or how new your model is, the instructions for caring for and handling your timepiece are probably relatively similar. Below are some ways you can keep your watch in great shape and allow it to go the distance.
Watch Cleaning
The materials you use to clean your watch are extremely important, as you cant just use any old rag in your laundry cupboard-this may cause your watch some damage. Opt for a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to remove stains and water blotches on the case, glass and or band of your watch. By doing this daily, you can ensure that your watch maintains its shine over time.
Over time, dirt, dust and other pollutants can also accumulate in your watchs links and bracelet. Combat this issue by removing the links and bracelet of your watch every few months and give them a thorough clean with warm soapy water. Once you are done, ensure that any remaining soap is washed off with clear water and that the pieces are completely dry before attaching them onto your watch so no liquid can get inside your timepiece.
Care For Metal Bracelets
Sweat, dust and everything else that your watch comes into contact with every day can tarnish the quality of your metal bracelet. The best way to give your bracelet a good clean is with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Gently rub the soapy bristles of the toothbrush over your bracelet. Following this, ensure that the bracelet has been thoroughly rinsed off with clear water and that it is completely dry before you attach it back onto your watch.
Care For Leather Straps
Perspiration and other pollutants can wash out the natural oils of a leather band, causing it to deteriorate over time. It is therefore important to wipe off any moisture with a dry cloth or paper towel immediately to maintain the quality of your leather watchband. Any soil or salt residue that gets onto your band should be removed with a damp cloth or with mild soap. The inside of your watch can be cleaned with alcohol, however, it is important to only do this sporadically. You should also opt to wear your band loosely around your wrist to allow air to circulate.
Care For Silicone Straps
A lot less durable than other kinds of watches, a timepiece with a silicone strap should be cleaned frequently. To clean a silicone strap, use mild soap and a soft brush to gently scrub the band until it is sufficiently clean. This same method can be used if the watch comes into contact with residues such as that of tanning lotions, oils and salt.
Power Cell Replacement
If and when the power cell of your watch requires replacing, we recommend having it replaced at an authorised service centre of your timepieces brand, This is because opening the back of your timepiece can have an impact on its inner workings and may affect its warranty. For more information on having parts of your watch replaced, visit the website of the manufacturers of your watch.
Water Resistance
Like most other modern devices, the level of water resistance on your watch can vary greatly. Because of this, you must understand your watch's level of water resistance as it can have an impact on your piece's warranty.
Even if your timepiece is water-resistant, you must do the following:
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- Tighten the screw-lock crown completely before entering the water, ensuring that you do not operate the crown while it is wet.
- When your watch is immersed in water, it must be dried off immediately. If your timepiece comes into contact with salt water, clean it using the steps outlined above.
- If any moisture gets into the case, be sure to take it to a jeweller or watchmaker immediately to prevent damage.
- The parts of the watch that regularly come into contact with water such as the crown, packing and other water-resistant materials should be replaced every two years to ensure the longevity of your timepiece.
Find out more in our Watch Water Resistance Guide.
Can Water-Resistant Watches Be Worn In The Shower?
You should avoid wearing your watch in the shower at all costs, as even though it is water-resistant, the combination of hot water, soap and shampoo can degrade the rubber gaskets that keep your watch water-resistant.
Shock-Resistance
Even though pieces such as our Baby-G and G-Shock watches are shock resistant to some extent, you shouldnt attempt to test your watchs limits. Avoid severe shocks such as dropping your watch from high surfaces and onto heavy surfaces.
Magnetic Resistance
While no problems should occur when wearing your watch around common household appliances such as TVs and radios, you should avoid magnets and objects containing magnets. This is because magnetic exposure can cause your watch to slow down or speed up. In the unfortunate event that your watch does have some magnetic exposure, ensure that you take it to a specialist watch repair person. Please note that a watch altered, tampered or repaired by a third party other than Graham voids the warranty.
Chemical/Gas Resistance
Chemicals such as perfumes, colognes and cleaning products can build up within the tiny crevices of your watch, which can alter its functionality. This is why you should take care of chemicals and gases, ensuring that your timepiece isn't exposed to them for prolonged periods. If you have a leather watch, chemicals can also weaken the band, causing it to deteriorate. Should your watch become exposed to any chemicals, follow the advice as stated above.
Read Your Manual
When purchasing a new watch, the most important thing you can do is read your manual. Your manual will include everything there is to know about your timepiece such as how it operates, how to change its time and most importantly, how to take care of it. Read this manual carefully and keep it in a place where you know you won't lose it, as you may need to read through it again at some point.
View the terms and conditions as well as Grahams' returns policy page for more information. *Please note: Measurement results of smart watches are for reference only not for any medical use*.