Watch Care Guide

Watch care is crucial in ensuring that your timepiece stays in good condition for many years to come. Watches are a piece of iconography. Think back to your childhood and you'll probably remember your parents or grandparents owning some type of treasured timepiece. Buying a watch is often seen as an investment as you're putting your hard-earned dollars towards a functional and stylish everyday piece that has the potential to be passed down to future generations. You want to make sure that it stays in pristine condition for as long as possible.

Watches are built to withstand everyday wear and tear, but that's not to say you cannot enhance your timepieces lifespan and functionality with the right care and TLC. Use this watch care guide to find out all you need to know about ensuring the longevity of your new watch.

Overview:

How To Take Care Of A Watch

Regardless of whether you own a new watch or an old one, the instructions on caring for your watch remain relatively similar. Below are some handy tips on how you can maintain the quality of your timepiece without having to baby it.

Watch Cleaning  

A soft, lint-free cotton cloth is ideal for when cleaning the case, glass or band of your watch to remove stains and water spots. This can be done every day so that your watch maintains its shine. Over time, dirt, dust, oil and more can become built up in your watches links and bracelet, which is why you should consider giving your timepiece a deep clean every few months or so. Remove the bracelet from your watch and give it a thorough clean in warm water. Once you are done, ensure that the bracelet is completely dry before reattaching as you don't want any water to get inside your watch.

watch cleaning watch care guide

Care For Metal Bracelets  

Dirt, sweat, dust and other pollutants can cause your watch to become tarnished over time if not cleaned regularly. The best way to give your metal bracelet some TLC is with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. Rub the bracelet gently with the soapy bristles of the toothbrush. Once the bracelet has been cleaned, its important to make sure the soap has been thoroughly rinsed off with clear water and that it is completely dry before you put it back on.

Care For Leather Straps 

Perspiration can wash out the natural oils of a leather band, causing it to deteriorate over time. To maintain the quality of your leather band, any moisture should be wiped off with a dry cloth or paper towel immediately. Any soil or salt residue can be removed with either a damp cloth or mild soap. Occasionally, the inside of the leather band can be cleaned with alcohol. Wear your band loosely around your wrist to allow the air to circulate and to avoid perspiration.

Care For Rubber Straps

Rubber is a lot less durable than the other watch band materials and therefore should be washed frequently. To clean a rubber strap, use mild soap and a soft brush. Gently scrub it until it is sufficiently clean. The same method can be used should the watch come into contact with saltwater or any other residue. Tanning lotions, oils and salt can all lead to rubber watch bands deteriorating over time so take care when around these substances.

Power Cell Replacement 

When and if the power cell of your watch requires replacing, we recommend having it replaced by an authorised service centre of your timepieces brand. Opening your watch can damage its inner-workings and void its warranty. For more information on having parts of your watch replaced, visit the website of the manufacturers of your watch.

Water Resistance

Much like smartphones, the level of water resistance your watch has can vary. Its important to know and understand your watches water resistance as it can have an impact on your pieces warranty if not considered. 

While your watch is water resistant, its always important to consider doing the following:

  • Tighten the screw-lock crown completely before entering the water and do not operate the crown while the watch is wet. 
  • If the watch is immersed in water, it is important that you dry it off immediately. If the watch touches saltwater, please clean it using the steps outlined above. 
  • If moisture or water enters the case, take the watch to a watchmaker or jeweller immediately to prevent damage. The warranty does not cover water damage unless your watch is designated as being water resistant. We encourage our customers to check the watch's specific listed resistance.
  • Parts of the watch that are regularly in contact with water such as the crown, packing and other water resistant materials should be replaced every two years to ensure the longevity of your water resistant watch. 

water resistance chart for watch care

Ideally, the only watches that should come into contact with water regularly are diving watches. For more information on water resistance, check out our Watch Water Resistance Explained Guide and our 'are water resistant watches waterproof?' blog.

Can Water Resistant Watches Be Worn In The Shower?

You should never wear your watch in the shower. The combination of hot water and soap or shampoo can over time degrade the rubber gaskets that keep your watch's water resistance. This will reduce the water resistance rating of your watch over time and require more frequent watch services.

Temperature Care

Avoid leaving your watch in conditions that are too hot or too cold for long periods of time. Leaving your watch in the car on a hot day, in rooms that are exposed to the crisp winter air or out in the sun can shorten the lifespan of your power cell and cause a delay. Extreme heat can also cause the materials within your watch to expand, this, in turn, will impact your watchs warranty and water resistant qualities.

Shock-Resistance 

While pieces like our G-Shock and Baby-G watches are shock-resistant to a high degree, its important not to test your watchs limits. Avoid severe shocks such as dropping your watch from a high or heavy surface.

watch shock resistance watch care guide

Magnetic-Resistance 

While no problems should occur when wearing your watch around household electronic appliances such as TVs and stereos, you should try and avoid magnets. Magnetic exposure can cause your watch to speed up or slow down. In the event that your watch does have some magnetic exposure, take it to an expert repair or service person. Please note that a watch altered, tempered or repaired by a third-party other than Watch Depot voids the warranty. 

Chemical/Gas Resistance 

Ensure that you do not expose your watch to gases or chemicals for prolonged periods of time. Chemicals such as perfumes, colognes and cleaning supplies can build up in the tiny crevices of your watch which can alter the functionality and lifespan of your watch. If you have a watch with a leather band, these chemicals can also weaken the leather. Should your piece become exposed to any chemical, follow the cleaning advice stated above. 

Read Your Manual 

Your manual is the most important aspect when caring for your watch. Do your best to read it carefully. When purchasing a new watch, the first thing you should do after taking it out of the box is to consult your manual. Your manual will have all of the information you need to care for your new watch including the level of water resistance and what should be avoided when caring for your watch. If you displace the original manual, a quick search online of your particular model of watch will provide you with a lot of the information you need to take care of your new watch. 

View the terms and conditions as well as the returns policy pages for more information. *Please note: Measurement results of smart watches are for reference only not for any medical use*.

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