A luxury watch is more than simply a useful clock. It's also an investment, a mark of artistry, and frequently a collector's item. Proper care is crucial to maintaining the beauty, accuracy, and value of your expensive watch. Regardless of whether you wear it every day or save it for special occasions here are some tips to prolong your watches life.

We'll go over the best ways to preserve, clean, and store your expensive timepieces so they last for many generations in this tutorial. Let's get started with some useful suggestions to assist you maintain your valuable item.

How to take care of your watch

• Service Regularly: Have your watch serviced every 3-5 years to maintain accuracy and prevent wear.
• Clean Gently: Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning and avoid water exposure, especially with leather straps.
• Store Properly: Keep watches in a cool, dry place, preferably in a watch box or case, away from sunlight and humidity.
• Handle with Care: Avoid magnetization, impacts, and only adjust the date outside of 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• Preserve Value: Retain original papers and avoid excessive polishing to maintain the watch's investment value.

Practical Tips for Maintaining High-End Timepieces

1. Regular Maintenance: Servicing Your Watch

Watch Repairs

Luxury timepieces are expertly crafted, and like any perfectly tuned device, they need to be serviced sometimes to keep performing at their best. Here's why regular maintenance is essential:

Why Servicing Is Important

Why Servicing Matters: Mechanical watches contain hundreds of tiny components that work together to keep accurate time. Over time, oils inside the movement can dry out, friction between parts can increase, and dust or moisture can infiltrate the case. Regular servicing ensures these components are lubricated, adjusted, and cleaned.

When to Service Your Watch

Most manufacturers recommend having your watch serviced every 3-5 years, depending on the type of movement (mechanical faster than quartz) and how often the watch is worn. However, consult your watch’s manual or contact the brand for specific advice. Waiting too long to service a watch can lead to costly repairs. Believe me, I have seen it too many times.

Finding a Qualified Watchmaker

When your watch needs servicing, always use a certified watchmaker, preferably authorized by the brand of your watch. Many luxury brands have dedicated service companies that ensure genuine parts and professional care. 

And a last tip: "Even if your watch is fine, if your warranty is about to expire, ask for a regulatory maintenance check. Not only can they find unknown troubles that would cause damage for the future, it is also free and you get a new warranty from the brand."

2. Cleaning Your Watch

Hodinkee

Keeping your watch clean not only enhances its appearance but also helps prevent wear and tear caused by dirt and grime. However, luxury watches are delicate, so it’s essential to clean them with care. But don't worry, we have some cleaning tips ready for you:

• For Metal Bracelets and Cases: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dust and fingerprints. If there’s more stubborn grime, dip a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) in lukewarm water mixed with mild soap. Gently scrub the bracelet, being careful to avoid the watch case if it’s not water-resistant. Dry the bracelet thoroughly using a soft cloth.

• For Leather Straps: Leather is susceptible to damage from water, sweat, and moisture. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down leather straps after each wear, especially during warmer months. If the leather is showing signs of wear, consider using a leather conditioner sparingly. 

• Avoid Water Exposure: Even if your watch is labelled as water-resistant, avoid exposing it to water unnecessarily, especially when cleaning. Water can get into small crevices, causing internal damage if not properly sealed. So never and I say NEVER put your watch under the sink or in a bath to clean.

• Cleaning the Watch Crystal: Watch crystals, especially those made from sapphire, are durable but can still accumulate dirt or smudges. Clean the crystal with a microfiber cloth, using circular motions to remove any fingerprints or dust. For particularly stubborn marks, slightly dampen the cloth, but avoid using any harsh cleaning agents.

3. Storing Your Watch

Proper storage is crucial to protect your watch from environmental damage and unnecessary wear. Here’s how to store your luxury watch correctly:

If your watch came with a luxury box, it’s an excellent place to store it when not in use. A proper watch box will cushion the timepiece and protect it from dust, moisture, and light. If you have a collection of watches, consider investing in a quality watch case or winder (for automatic watches) to store them.

Excessive exposure to sunlight can fade the dial, leather strap, or other components of the watch. Similarly, humid environments can lead to condensation inside the watch case. Store your watch in a cool, dry place, away from windows or damp areas.

If you own an automatic watch and don’t wear it every day, a watch winder can be a valuable tool. It mimics the natural motion of your wrist, keeping the watch fully wound. This is especially useful for complicated watches with perpetual calendars or other features that require the time and date to stay accurate.

4. Handling Your Watch with Care

Even though luxury watches are built to last, they are still delicate. Proper handling can prevent unnecessary damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Magnetization: Most luxury watches today come with some level of resistance to magnetism. However, extreme exposure to strong magnetic fields (from speakers, electronics, etc.) can affect a watch’s movement, causing it to lose accuracy. Keep your watch away from magnetic objects whenever possible.
• Be Mindful of Shocks and Drops: Though many luxury watches are designed to be shock-resistant, it’s still wise to avoid dropping or banging them against hard surfaces. Even with robust construction, sudden impacts can damage the internal movement or the watch case.
• Adjusting the Time and Date: When setting the time or adjusting the date, be gentle with the crown. NEVER adjust the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., as this is when the gears that change the date are engaged and can be damaged.

5. Preserve the Value of Your Watch

Lastly, if you’re treating your luxury watch as an investment, preserving its value is key. Here’s how to maintain its resale potential:

Keep the Original Papers and Box: Collectors and buyers often look for watches that come with their original paperwork and packaging. The more complete the set, the more value your watch will retain. Store these items safely along with the watch’s warranty.

Regular Servicing History: Keep a record of every service your watch undergoes, including receipts or certificates from the service provider. This paperwork demonstrates that the watch has been properly maintained, which can significantly boost its resale value.

Avoid Excessive Polishing: While it may be tempting to have your watch polished to restore its original shine, excessive polishing can wear down the case and affect the watch’s original lines and contours. It’s better to embrace a watch’s natural patina, as collectors often prefer it.

Owning a luxury watch is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. With proper maintenance, careful cleaning and smart storage, your high-end timepiece will remain in pristine condition for years to come. Whether your watch is a daily companion or a special piece for formal occasions, following these tips will ensure that it continues to perform and look its best.

By treating your watch with care and giving it the attention it deserves, you’re not only preserving its functionality and value. You’re also honouring the craftsmanship that went into creating it. If you are interested in more tips and interesting facts about watches, follow our blog. 

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