Watch care is an often overlooked aspect of watch ownership. Watches are investments and they can be expensive, so proper watch care needs to be taken in order to maintain their quality and function. This article will go over how different types of watches need different types of watch care, as well as what you should do if your watch breaks or gets wet.
How to Service a Watch
There are different ways to service a watch, and it depends on the type of watch. There are general rules that apply to most watches, but there may be some specific instructions for your watch. The best way to find out is to consult the manufacturer's manual.
The first thing you need to do is find a qualified watch technician. You can find watch technicians through the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors or your local jeweller.
The technician will take your watch apart, clean it, oil it, and reassemble it. They may also replace worn parts. This process usually costs between $75 and $150.
Some people choose to service their own watches. If you decide to do this, be sure to consult the manufacturer's manual first. There are many online tutorials that can help you with the process. It is important to be careful when taking a watch apart, as there are many delicate pieces that can be easily damaged.
It is important to keep your watch well-maintained in order to ensure its accuracy and longevity.
Automatic Watch Maintenance
Automatic watches are a popular choice for many people. They don’t require any manual winding and they automatically adjust to the time. Automatic watches do have some specific care needs in order to keep them running smoothly.
Another important thing to note about automatic watches is that they need to be regularly serviced. Just like a car needs regular oil changes and tune-ups, an automatic watch needs periodic maintenance in order to work well.
As far as cleaning, an automatic watch should never be exposed to water because it could damage the movement inside. Automatic movements rely on oil for lubrication and exposing them to water will cause corrosion or rust spots which can affect how smoothly the gears move. If there’s some dirt or dust caught up around moving parts, mineral spirits can usually get rid of this without causing any further harm but again, make sure not to expose it to water.
Mechanical Watch Maintenance
Mechanical watches are a little more complicated than automatic watches and they need to be maintained a little differently. Mechanical wristwatches have moving parts that can be easily destroyed if not properly cared for so there is some specific care that needs to take place in order for them to function well over time.
A common problem with mechanical watch movements, especially vintage ones, is the lubricants will degrade over time and this causes friction between gears which slows down movement or makes it erratic. If you notice your watch isn’t keeping good time anymore but hasn’t been exposed to water then it may simply need re-lubrication by someone who specializes in servicing watches.
Although quartz and digital watches don’t require much maintenance (besides replacing batteries) mechanical watches require a little more attention. Mechanical wristwatches are the only type of watch that can be repaired by an individual and this is something you should look into if your watch isn’t working correctly anymore because it could save you money in the long run.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many people who know how to service or repair these types of timepieces so finding someone with experience may take some effort on your part but at least knowing what causes problems with these kinds of watches will help narrow down where to start looking for answers when they do go wrong over time.
Further Tips on Watch Care
Keep Your Watch Clean
Having a clean watch is very important for the proper functioning of the watch. You should be wiping your watch with a lint-free cloth every now and then but you should also do a thorough cleaning every once in a while. There are many tight spaces where dirt and oil can accumulate and those things should be removed. This could be done using a little warm water and a soft toothbrush.
Wear Your Watch Regularly
Wearing your watch regularly is actually much better for it than having it stored for long periods of time. This is because of the liquids in the movement of the watch. Wearing a watch regularly maintains the viscosity of the lubricants but if you do not wear your watch regularly, that consistency might wear off which is not good for the watch.
Keep Your Watch Away From Water
This is very important even if your watch is water-resistant. This is because a watch’s resistance to water varies from watch to watch and therefore it is very important for you to know the extent of the water-resistance that your watch has. Other than that a lot of watch bands, particularly leather ones, can easily get damaged with water and you need to take care of that aspect as well.
Keep Your Watch Away From Magnets
This is something that a lot of people do not know about watches. Since a lot of watches contain a certain amount of metal, magnets can really damage watches. That damage can then only be saved by proper servicing professionals. You can therefore save yourself a lot of hassle just by keeping your watch away from magnets.
Keep Your Watch Away From Extreme Heat or Humid Conditions
This is also something very important to take care of. Watches are delicate and extreme conditions can oftentimes prove damaging for them. Watches should particularly be kept away from direct sunlight because that can harm the movement of a watch. Humidity can also be damaging and therefore you should leave your watch outside when you step into the shower.
Conclusion
Picking the right watch is an investment of time, energy and money. Therefore, it is very important to take the right care of your watch. Using the tips highlighted in this article, you will easily be able to maintain your watches for a long time.
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