How to take care of your watch?

A watch is not just a simple time measuring instrument. She embodies a part of personal history, a legacy, sometimes even a symbol of success. Whether it is a fine watchmaking model, a traditional mechanical watch or a more contemporary quartz piece, it remains a work of precision. But like any mechanical object, Its proper functioning depends on the attention you pay to it. Even if it seems to be working perfectly, a watch requires regular maintenance to maintain its accuracy, aesthetics, and reliability over time. Find out more details in this article.

Using and wearing your watch correctly

The role of regular port

A mechanical or automatic watch is a living mechanism, animated by wrist movements. Wearing your watch regularly helps keep the lubricating oils moving. When a watch sits still for too long, these oils can congeal, drying out the cogs and causing the mechanism to slow down. If you don't wear your watch every day, An automatic winder is a great solution to keep the movement active.

Unlike a mechanical watch, a quartz watch does not depend on a mainspring, but on a stack which feeds a electronic circuit and a quartz crystal. Completely autonomous, the quartz movement requires neither winding nor wrist movement, but remains dependent on a battery replacement every two to three years to maintain its proper functioning.

Handling and positioning

When setting your watch, avoid forcing the crown, especially between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.: this is when the date-changing mechanism is active. It is also recommended to remove the watch from your wrist before winding it to prevent pressure on the winding stem.

Protecting your watch every day

Storage and protection accessories

• Watch boxes or cases : Always store your watch in a lined case or a specific box for protection from shocks and dust.
  

• Travel cover : When traveling, choose rigid covers and matelasséwhich keep the watch stable.
  

• Transparent films and protections : They prevent micro-scratches on sapphire crystal or polished steel.
  

• Box with dehumidifier : For humid climates, these boxes regulate humidity to prevent internal corrosion.
  
  

Daily gestures

Clean your watch with a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust, sweat and skin marks. A soft brush allows you to reach hard-to-reach areas around the crown and case. For waterproof watches, rinse with lukewarm water after Swimming or exposure to sand is recommended – but only after checking the watertightness.

Things to avoid

Shocks, scratches and magnetism

Watches undergo many invisible risks : a knock on a table, the magnet in a bag, or the proximity of a loudspeaker. Magnetism is a formidable enemy of mechanical watches, capable of disrupting the balance wheel and distorting accuracy. Always keep your watch away from these magnetic fields.

Scratches on the glass, bezel, or case can also affect the appearance of the watch. Polished steel or mirrored surfaces are particularly susceptible. Some workshops offer professional polishing to restore the shine without altering the case geometry.

Extreme temperatures and humidity

Sudden temperature changes cause condensation under the glass. Avoid direct exposure to heat (car dashboard, sauna, hot baths) and extreme cold (outdoor winter sports). Seals deteriorate over time, hence the importance of regular watertightness tests, especially before any exposure to water.

Risky activities for your watch

Remove your watch before performing household chores (which expose you to potentially corrosive chemicals), manual labor, or sports activities involving shock. Repeated vibrations (such as playing tennis or golf) can damage the internal components of the balance wheel.

Revision: a mandatory step

Even if it appears to be working, a watch requires a complete periodic overhaul to maintain its accuracy. This operation, recommended for all 3 to 5 years for mechanical and automatic watches , And every 8 to 10 years for some quartz ones , involves much more than just cleaning.

The stages of watch servicing

1. Visual inspection and diagnosis : The watchmaker checks the operation, precision, water resistance and complications.
   

2. Complete disassembly of the movement : Each component is removed, observed and cleaned.
   

3. Ultrasonic cleaning : Removal of oil and dust residues using a specific bath.
   

4. Waxing and lubrication : Application of a protective film to control the capillarity of the oils, then precise oiling of the friction points.
   

5. Reassembly and adjustment : The parts are reassembled, then adjusted to ensure optimal precision.
   

6. Polishing and final testing : The case and bracelet are polished before a water resistance check and an observation period of several days.
   

A complete overhaul carried out according to the rules of the art ensures the longevity of the movement and avoids costly repairs linked to premature wear of parts.

A watch according to the seasons

Summer: heat, humidity and UV rays

In summer, the watch is subjected to extreme conditions: perspiration, salt, humidity, UV rays. Wipe it regularly with a soft cloth, especially if you wear a leather strap, which is prone to deterioration. Metal or rubber straps are more suitable for this season. After a stay at the seaside, rinse it with fresh water to remove salt.

Winter: cold and condensation

Low temperatures affect the viscosity of internal oils and can reduce the power reserve. Avoid temperature fluctuations (entering a heated room from the cold outside). Store your watches in a cool, dry place, preferably in a velvet-lined case. Regularly check that there is no condensation under the glass, a sign of internal humidity.

Small seasonal reflexes

• Wipe the watch regularly to avoid streaks.
  

• Bracelet wire adapter according to the season.
  

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or rain.
  

• Store the watch in a dry box when not wearing it.
  
  

On the same topic, you might also like to read
The movements of the mounts: Quartz vs. Mechanical
Watch complications