How to Maintain Your Watch: Expert Guide by Type and Material

A fine watch isn't just a tool - it’s a timepiece, an heirloom, and often a reflection of your personality. Whether you own a rugged diver, a refined dress watch, or a complex chronograph, proper care is essential for longevity and performance. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about watch maintenance, from simple daily habits to advanced cleaning techniques.

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Why Watch Maintenance Matters

Think of your watch like a car: the more intricate the mechanism, the more attention it needs. Dust, moisture, magnetic fields, knocks, and even your own skin oils can degrade performance over time. Regular care preserves both the movement and the aesthetics - and helps you avoid costly repairs.

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1. Daily Wear Tips

Keep it Clean - But Gently

Wipe your watch with a soft microfiber cloth at the end of the day. This removes sweat, skin oils, and dust that can degrade the finish or seep into crevices.

Remove it During Rough Activities

Even a rugged sports watch can suffer from sharp impacts, strong vibrations, or high g-forces. Take it off during activities like heavy lifting, construction work, or contact sports unless it’s specifically built for that.

Don’t Overwind Mechanical Watches

Manual winders should stop when you feel resistance. Overwinding can strain the mainspring and damage internal parts. Once a day, a few consistent turns (20–30) is enough.

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2. Protecting the Watch Crystal

The crystal is the window to your watch’s soul. Here's how to protect it:

Choose the Right Protection Film

You can apply a transparent watch crystal protector - similar to a phone screen protector. Modern films are ultra-thin, smudge-resistant, and barely visible. They're especially useful for sapphire crystals, which resist scratches but can still shatter on impact.

Trick: Use Liquid Screen Protector for Domed Crystals

Domed or highly curved crystals don’t always fit traditional films well. A nano-liquid screen protector provides invisible reinforcement - especially helpful on vintage acrylic domes.

Avoid Crashing It Against Hard Surfaces

Desk diving? That habitual wrist tap against the desk edge can leave micro-scratches. Awareness is the first defense.

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3. Cleaning Your Watch

Regular Surface Cleaning

For daily grime, use a damp cloth or soft toothbrush with a bit of mild soap. Rinse under lukewarm water only if your watch is water-resistant.

Pro Tip: Avoid soaps with moisturizers or antibacterial agents - they leave residues.

Deep Cleaning: Ultrasonic Cleaner

Metal bracelets accumulate grime in hard-to-reach areas. A home ultrasonic cleaner can help - but never use it on the watch head itself unless you're a pro.

• Safe for: stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, and gold bracelets
• Not safe for: leather straps, wood, mother-of-pearl, vintage parts

Place your bracelet in a mesh basket with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Run it for 3 - 5 minutes.

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4. Caring for the Watch Strap

Leather

Keep leather away from water and humidity. Use a leather conditioner once every few months. Rotate straps if possible to extend lifespan.

Rubber

Rinse with freshwater after exposure to salt water or sweat. Store away from direct sunlight to avoid cracking or fading.

Metal

Wipe regularly and clean periodically using an ultrasonic cleaner or mild soap.

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5. UV Disinfection: Smart, But Cautious

With hygiene top of mind, UV sterilizers have become popular. They can effectively kill bacteria and viruses on your watch’s surface. But there are caveats:

• Safe for: metal cases, sapphire crystals, ceramic
• Be cautious with: vintage dials, lume, plastic parts

Warning: Prolonged UV exposure may fade lume or degrade painted dial elements.

Use short cycles (under 3 minutes) in a purpose-built UV sanitizer - not a phone sanitizer - and only occasionally.

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6. Storage Matters

Avoid Humidity and Magnetism

Store your watches in a dry, dust-free place, ideally in a watch box with individual slots. Avoid placing them near speakers, tablets, or induction chargers - these can magnetize your movement, disrupting timekeeping.

Use a Watch Winder (When Appropriate)

Automatic watches benefit from regular motion, especially complicated calibers like perpetual calendars. A good-quality watch winder can keep them ready to wear. Set the TPD (turns per day) according to your watch’s spec.

Pro Tip: Don’t keep all your watches on winders - mechanical wear continues while running. Let some rest.

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7. Know When to Service Your Watch

Even if your watch seems to run fine, invisible wear may be happening inside. Most manufacturers recommend:

• Quartz watches: every 5 - 7 years (battery change + seals)
• Automatic watches: every 3 - 5 years
• Manual watches: every 3 - 5 years

Look for signs like:

• Gaining/losing time noticeably
• Stiff or loose crown
• Moisture under the crystal
• Sudden stops

Find a Certified Watchmaker

Avoid shopping mall kiosks. Go to a certified service center or experienced horologist. For luxury brands, official servicing maintains value.

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8. Special Tips for Vintage and High-End Watches

Be Extra Gentle

Avoid exposing vintage pieces to water - even if they were once water-resistant. Gaskets dry out, and vintage parts can be irreplaceable.

Trick: Use PolyWatch on Acrylic Crystals

Got a vintage Omega with an acrylic crystal? PolyWatch can buff out scratches with just a few circular motions and a microfiber cloth.

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9. Traveling with Your Watch

Use a Travel Case

Avoid throwing your watch into a bag. Use a padded single-watch roll or zippered pouch. If you’re bringing multiple, consider a watch travel wallet with individual slots.

Airplane Tip: Don’t Open the Caseback

Sudden pressure changes can compromise gaskets. Never let airport curiosity tempt you to tinker mid-flight.

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Final Thoughts

A little care goes a long way. Watches - especially mechanical ones - aren’t meant to be disposable gadgets. With regular maintenance, your timepiece can last a lifetime and beyond. Respect the craftsmanship, and your watch will reward you with years of reliable service and timeless style.

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Need a quick cheat sheet?

• Clean your watch weekly
• Store in a dry, padded case
• Service it every 3–5 years
• Protect the crystal with film or awareness
• Use UV and ultrasonic cleaning sparingly - but wisely
• Rotate leather straps and avoid over-winding

Take care of your watch - and it will take care of your time.

Want to go further? Check out our related posts on:

• How to Choose the Right Watch Size for Your Wrist
• Watch Mechanism Types: A Comprehensive Guide
• Watch Strap Materials: What Types Exist and How to Choose the Right One?