Caring for Your Luxury Watch

A watch that lasts generations is one that's been respected by its wearers. Here's exactly how to do that — without becoming paranoid.

Daily habits

• Wind hand-wound watches at the same time each day (mornings work well)
• Don't operate the crown when wet — that's the #1 cause of moisture damage
• Wipe down with a microfiber cloth after wear, especially the lugs and bracelet
• Avoid magnets — phones, speakers, induction stoves, magnetic clasps on bags

Water resistance — the truth

A "100m water resistance" rating is a static pressure test. Real-world usage drops it dramatically:

Rating	Safe for
30m / 3 ATM	Hand washing splash only
50m / 5 ATM	Brief splash, not swimming
100m / 10 ATM	Swimming, snorkeling
200m+	Diving, watersports

Gaskets degrade. Get water resistance pressure-tested every 2 years if you swim with it.

Weekly habits

• Rotate watches — automatics need wrist time, but rest helps gaskets
• Inspect the bracelet — loose screws or pins are early warnings
• Check lume charge in a dark room — fading lume can signal moisture intrusion

Cleaning

For a metal bracelet:

1. Detach if possible
2. Soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 10 minutes
3. Scrub with a soft toothbrush — pay attention to between-link gaps
4. Rinse thoroughly, fully dry before reattaching

For leather:

• Never soak. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, condition once a year
• Replace every 12-18 months of daily wear — leather absorbs sweat and oils

When to service

Movement	Service interval
Mechanical (automatic / manual)	Every 4-6 years
Quartz	Every 5-7 years (or at battery change for a full overhaul)

Signs you need service sooner:

• Watch runs > 30 sec/day fast or slow (mechanical)
• Crown feels gritty
• Visible condensation inside the crystal
• Power reserve dropped significantly

Storage

• Watch winder only if you have several automatics you wear in rotation
• Box with light cushioning for daily watches
• Avoid extreme temperatures — your car dashboard in summer is a watch killer

The golden rule

A serviced watch on a worn-out strap looks neglected. A clean strap on an unserviced movement is a watch on borrowed time. Care for both.