MAINTENANCE
Brand new watch and don’t know how to maintain it mint? Having vintage timepiece and want to restore it to amazing condition? The importance of Luxury Watches and their owners is the maintenance. The more maintained and serviced piece is – the more value it has. It also could hint surrounding people how gentleman care of his belongings. Now, most of the precision maintenance can only been done in specific authorized shops or professionals, and some light maintenance could be done at home by yourself! Let us quickly navigate you through the process of maintenance, types and must-know’s for a luxury watch owner.
PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE
1. Complete Servicing
A full servicing of your luxury watch is a meticulous process designed to bring it back to peak condition. Certified watchmakers begin by carefully disassembling each part of the watch, including the movement, case, and bracelet, to gain access to even the smallest components. Each piece is then ultrasonically cleaned to remove any dirt, old lubricants, and dust that could affect performance. Next, we apply fresh, high-quality lubricants to all moving parts, which helps reduce friction and prevent premature wear. It’s also inspect each component individually for signs of wear or damage and replace any worn parts with genuine replacements from the manufacturer.
Complete servicing typically involves:
- Cleaning all internal parts to remove debris, dust, and old lubricants.
- Replacing worn parts with genuine components to ensure compatibility.
- Applying fresh lubrication to reduce friction and enhance durability.
- Testing for accuracy and functionality.
A Complete servicing can only be done by certified professionals , and trying this by yourself is not advised. Luxury watch experts recommend a complete servicing every 3-5 years to keep a mechanical watch in excellent condition, although the exact timing may vary depending on usage and the watch model.
2. Battery Replacement
For quartz watches, a timely battery replacement is crucial to prevent leakage, which can lead to internal damage. Batteries typically last between 1-2 years, depending on the model and complications of the watch. When a battery runs low, it should be replaced by a professional to avoid potential issues from improper handling or resealing.
Key points for battery replacement include:
- High-quality batteries that meet manufacturer standards are essential to maintain functionality.
- Pressure testing and resealing are important for water-resistant watches to ensure they remain sealed from moisture after a new battery is installed.
This preventative maintenance helps avoid potential damage and ensures the longevity of your quartz watch.
Find out how to replace battery yourself here.
3. Water Resistance Testing
Watches designed with water resistance require regular testing to maintain their moisture protection. Over time, seals and gaskets can wear down, reducing a watch’s ability to resist water and pressure. Water resistance testing involves assessing the watch’s capacity to withstand water exposure and, if necessary, replacing worn gaskets and seals.
Water resistance testing includes:
- Pressure testing to confirm the watch’s rated water resistance.
- Gasket and seal inspection to check for any wear that could impact water resistance.
- Replacement of seals as needed to maintain water resistance ratings.
Annual testing is recommended for those who wear their watches in challenging conditions, such as during swimming or diving, to ensure the watch remains watertight.
4. Polishing and Refurbishing
Watches are made from premium materials like stainless steel, gold, and ceramics, but even these durable materials can show scratches and scuffs over time. Polishing is a specialized process that removes surface scratches while maintaining the watch’s original finish and form. Refurbishing goes a step further, addressing deeper scuffs and restoring the watch to its original appearance.
Key polishing and refurbishing details:
- Multi-stage polishing to carefully buff out scratches while preserving fine details.
- Maintaining original finishes (such as brushed steel) to keep the watch’s original look.
- Refreshing the luster of metals and materials to restore the watch’s visual appeal.
For best results, polishing should be done by professionals who can maintain the watch’s original aesthetics.
EVERYDAY CARE
1. Avoid Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields from common household items, such as speakers, cell phones, and electronic devices, can interfere with a watch’s movement, particularly in mechanical watches. Over time, exposure to magnetic fields can cause the movement to lose accuracy or, in some cases, stop entirely.
- Tip: Keep your watch away from devices like laptops, televisions, and magnetic clasps on bags, and consider a storage area that’s free from electronic devices.
2. Keep Away from Extreme Temperatures
High temperatures can cause oils in the watch’s movement to dry out, affecting its performance and lifespan. Similarly, low temperatures can make these oils too thick, slowing down the movement.
- Tip: Avoid leaving your watch in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or near heating appliances. If you’re entering very cold environments, consider wearing your watch closer to the skin to maintain warmth.
3. Regular Cleaning
Dirt, dust, and moisture can build up over time, dulling the appearance and affecting the materials of your watch. A quick cleaning can go a long way in keeping it pristine.
- Tip: Wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth daily to remove fingerprints and dust. For water-resistant models, rinse with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine, then gently pat dry.
4. Wind Your Watch Regularly
If you own a mechanical watch, winding it regularly is important to keep it running smoothly. A manual watch should ideally be wound at the same time each day.
- Tip: Turn the crown gently, about 20-30 times for a full wind. Avoid over-winding, as this can damage the movement. If your watch is automatic, wearing it frequently will keep it wound, or consider a watch winder to keep it moving.
SCHEDULING MAINTENANCE
When to Schedule Maintenance?
For mechanical watches, complete servicing every 3-5 years is generally recommended, with more frequent servicing needed for watches worn daily or in rough conditions. Quartz watches should have batteries replaced every 1-2 years, and water resistance testing should be done annually for water-resistant models. With these regular maintenance steps, your luxury watch will continue to deliver both precision and beauty for years to come.