SERVICING A WATCH
Like any other piece of machinery, all watches should be cleaned and serviced every 2 years to ensure that they are trouble-free. Even quartz watches should be cleaned as any small particle of dust or dirt can result in damage. At “tune-up time” batteries and seals should be replaced if necessary to prevent any risk of water or moisture penetration. The watch will be inspected for any worn parts that may need replacement, and a check is done to see if the watch needs lubrication to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
KEEP THE WATCH DRY
If water enters the inside workings of the watch, rust may form. All watches should be rinsed under fresh water in the event of exposure to salt water to remove the corrosive effects of salt. The watch should be quickly dried off with a soft cloth and then placed on the cloth to absorb any remaining drops of water.
Always dry the watch after it has been exposed to water or perspiration to avoid any moisture leaking into the watch case. This will help prevent rust from forming on any of the interior working parts that are inside the watch case. This is a key point in ensuring life of the watch.
After taking off your watch at the end of the day, you should leave it in a well-ventilated spot.
Watches should always be removed when showering or using the steam room in a spa or gym. The moisture from the steam can enter the watch and cause water damage to the mechanism. Swimming or diving is NOT recommended with a watch unless it has a screw-down crown(also known as a ‘screw-lock’ or ‘screw-in’ crown) and is water-resistant to at least 100 meters.
CARING FOR THE CRYSTAL
A watch may have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal; however no crystal is truly scratch proof.
Wrap the watch in a soft cloth before placing it down on any hard surface or nightstand.
Replace broken or scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can let dust or moisture into the mechanism, which can effect the accuracy of the watch.
Refrain from dropping your watch in a drawer or jewelry box with other jewelry as this may scratch the watch. It is recommended that you store the watch in its original case, since these cases are generally soft and made specifically for the watch.
CARING OF METAL AND LEATHER BANDS
Metal bracelets should be washed carefully in water. If very dirty, a soft toothbrush with soap and water can be used to remove dirt. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth. If the watch is not water resistant, be careful not to get water on the case.
Leather straps will gradually deteriorate and fade with constant exposure to perspiration and exposure to sunlight. It is suggested that you alternate with another watch whenever you plan on engaging in outdoor activities for a sustained period of time.
Leather straps should be slightly loosened in the summer to avoid absorbing perspiration. A tight strap not only prevents the passage of air over the strap underside but can also cause a perspiration rash on the wrist.
When the leather strap becomes wet with perspiration, wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT/TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
The batteries in quartz battery watches will last anywhere from one to two years. On some watches, when a watch battery needs to be replaced, the second hand on the watch will start to jump in 4 second intervals. This is called the EOL – End of Life indicator.
Quartz watch batteries are sensitive to high temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The battery life can be significantly reduced and may leak in extreme temperature conditions.
The liquid crystals used in the date display of digital watches are sensitive to extreme temperatures. The response time of these liquid crystals at temperatures below freezing is slowed down, and they tend to look very dark at high temperatures, but normal performance returns once the watch is back in normal temperatures.
AUTOMATIC WATCH MAINTENANCE
If you plan on wearing your automatic watch every day, it is best to wind it once every two weeks to keep the wheels and oil fluid in motion. Simply wind the crown 20 times.
If you do NOT plan on wearing your automatic watch every day, you should try to wind it at least 3 times a week to ensure continuous operation, as well as keeping the inside mechanism in complete running order.
Try and wind your mechanical watch at the same time every day. This is extremely beneficial for the mechanism. Keep it simple and wind it every day when you wake up.
Avoid setting the calendar functions (day and/or date) between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM. The day-date mechanism is activated during the nighttime hours and could be disrupted if set at this time. Automatic changes are in process during this time frame and pressing the pushers or buttons during these hours can damage the watch movement.