This is a sponsored guest post.
Did you know that your watch has a few enemies? It’s true! From shocks and moisture to dust and dirt, the list goes on and on. The good news is, quality watches, such as Citizen have developed amazingly innovative solutions to help fight this laundry list of enemies. As a result, you now have access to watches that are more shockproof and sealed than ever before.
However, the truth is, if you want to keep your watch operating properly, it all comes to you and the care you provide. There is no mechanical watch that’s going to work properly if it isn’t treated properly – after all, these devices have between 200 and 400 moving parts.
If you want to ensure your watch continues operating properly, then be sure to use the tips here. Doing so will ensure you can wear and enjoy your watch for many years to come.
1. Keep the Watch Properly Wound
While there is a wide array of lubricants available today that last a long time, they can start to conceal or dry as time passes. If your watch is lubricated properly, it’s going to work much better and last much longer. When you wind the watch, it helps to keep it working and will spread the lubricants. This isn’t something you have to do every day. In most cases, winding your watch once monthly will be enough.
2. Don’t Wind the Watch While Wearing It
While winding your watch is important, there is a right and a wrong way to do this. If you are trying to access the watch’s crown while it’s still on your wrist, you are likely going to tilt the crown of the watch up. This is going to create pressure on the watch’s stem. If this happens, it may break or bend.
3. Clean the Watch, But Not with Soap
A watch that is extremely dirty doesn’t work well. In some cases, smaller debris may get into it. To clean your watch, consider using a microfiber cloth (the ones that don’t produce lint). You can also use a small amount of water, as long as the crown is secure, and the leather strap does not become wet.
However, you should never use soap on your watch. The soap molecules may work their way into the tiny spaces, which will do quite a bit of damage to the watch.
4. Check the Seals and Gaskets on a Regular Basis
You may think that if you purchase a watch that has a high-water resistance rating, that you don’t really have to worry about smaller amounts of water. However, the materials that are used for the seals or the gaskets may begin to dry out. This is going to impact how water resistant your watch is.
If you ever shower or swim while wearing your watch, it’s a good idea to check its water resistance on an annual basis. There are some watchmakers that actually have machines that will check the level of water resistance. What’s even better, this isn’t a time-consuming or expensive test.
If you don’t have a watch that was designed with superior water resistance, then it’s a good idea to stow it away in a safe, dry location if there’s water around.
5. Change the Straps Carefully
Any type of extreme shock can cause serious damage to any one of the many small mechanisms in your watch. Also, if you don’t handle it with care, scratches are bound to occur. While scratches may seem minor, most people want a watch that is aesthetically perfect.
One of the most common ways that a watch is scratched is when you are attempting to change the strap. To do this safely, you need to learn what to do – and what not to do. Make sure you have the right tool, which is called a springbar tool and don’t ever use a knife. If you don’t have this, and can’t get it, then it may be best to have a professional change the watch strap for you.
6. Having Your Watch Serviced is Extremely Important
As mentioned above, the lubricants used inside your watch may congeal or dry out as time passes. The teeth and cogs may wear out, and in a single day, your watch makes almost 700,000 beats. As a result, you need to invest in professional maintenance for your watch on a regular basis. This will ensure it can continue operating efficiently.
If you want to ensure your watch works for as long as possible, and that it operates seamlessly, then you need to ensure it is properly cared for. Be sure to use the tips and information listed here to do this. By doing this, you can feel confident your watch will last for many years.
