Caring for a mechanical watch ensures its longevity, accuracy, and reliable performance. Following a few simple steps can help protect your intricate timepiece.
Essential Daily & Weekly Care
Proper regular care is fundamental to maintaining your mechanical watch.
Keep it Away from Moisture
Unless your watch is specifically rated for water resistance and the crown is properly sealed, keep it away from moisture. Water can seep into the case and rust the delicate internal components of the movement, causing significant damage. Avoid wearing non-water-resistant watches while washing hands, showering, swimming, or in humid environments like saunas.
Keep it Clean
Regular cleaning helps prevent dust and grime from accumulating, which can affect the watch's seals and exterior finish. Wipe your watch down gently with a soft, lint-free cloth periodically to remove fingerprints, sweat, and dirt. For watches with water resistance, you might use a slightly damp cloth, but always ensure it is completely dry afterward.
Wear it Regularly or Store in a Watch Winder
Mechanical watches benefit from being kept in motion. Wearing your watch regularly (if it's an automatic) or winding it (if manual-wind) helps keep the lubricants distributed within the movement, ensuring smooth operation. If you don't wear your automatic watch daily, storing it in a watch winder can keep it running, preventing the oils from settling and potentially thickening over time.
Protecting Your Watch from External Threats
Beyond daily maintenance, protecting your watch from environmental factors and physical shocks is crucial.
Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Mechanical movements are designed to work within a normal range of temperatures. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme heat or cold, as this can affect the lubrication oils and cause metal components to expand or contract at different rates, impacting accuracy and potentially causing damage. Do not leave your watch in direct sunlight, hot cars, or expose it to freezing conditions.
Don't Drop It
Mechanical watches contain many small, fragile parts, pivots, and springs. Dropping your watch or subjecting it to significant impacts can easily misalign or break components within the movement or damage the case and crystal. Treat your watch with care during daily activities.
Don't Place Near Strong Magnets or Electronics
Magnetism can significantly affect the timekeeping of a mechanical watch, particularly the hairspring. Keep your watch away from strong magnetic fields, which can be found near speakers, refrigerators, laptops, tablets, MRI machines, and even some handbag clasps. If your watch becomes magnetized, its accuracy will be affected; a watchmaker can de-magnetize it.
Long-Term Maintenance
Like any precision instrument, a mechanical watch requires periodic professional attention.
Have it Serviced by a Professional
To maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your watch, it's essential to have it serviced by a qualified professional watchmaker periodically. A typical service involves disassembling the movement, cleaning all parts, inspecting for wear, lubricating components, regulating the timekeeping, and replacing seals. Service intervals vary by brand and movement, but generally recommended every 3 to 7 years.
Quick Summary: Do's and Don'ts
Here is a simple overview of key mechanical watch care points:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep it clean | Get it wet unless water-resistant |
| Wear regularly or use a watch winder | Drop it or subject to impacts |
| Have it serviced professionally | Expose to extreme temperatures |
| Handle with care | Place near strong magnets or electronics |
| Wipe down with a soft cloth | Attempt DIY repairs or servicing |
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your mechanical watch remains a reliable and cherished companion for years to come.
