If you think that a watch is purely an instrument to tell the time, think again. Thanks to the emergence of the luxury watch industry and its growing popularity today, watches have become great investments that can be handed down for generations.Of course, such a major investment requires frequent care in order to maintain its value. With something as valuable as a pre-owned Rolex, thorough checks must be made to ensure that all the parts are working properly whilst the body must be kept looking sparkling to ensure its long-lasting appeal.
Why Watch Maintenance Matters
If you decided to buy an analog watch, meaning that the display is the traditional clock face, there are many mechanisms that take place behind closed doors. With luxury watches, the mechanisms are even more complicated to make for an intricate and detailed clock face, so it’s vital to have this checked by a professional is you ever see something wrong.
Watches are also exposed to a lot. Some are worn every day for years, meaning they’re constantly exposed to moisture, chemicals, dirt and dust which can affect the performance of the watch. Some people might avoid repairs due to their (sometimes) hefty costs, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Daily Care and Best Practices
One of the most important maintenance tasks is to keep your watch wound as lubricants wear down after a while. Winding keeps the watch working effectively whilst also spreading the lubricants to other parts of the watch. Doing this once a month is sufficient.
Another really important thing to do it to keep your watch clean, but never wash it with soap. Soap can work its way into the mechanisms of the watch and cause long-lasting damage. A clean cloth and a little warm water will work nicely; just avoid getting the leather strap wet.
Finally, it’s a good idea to check that all the gasket and seals are doing their job properly. Over time, these can dry out, leaving your watch vulnerable to leaks. If you shower or swim with your watch, it’s a good idea to take it to a professional who has a machine to check that your seals are still intact.
Storage
If you’re not someone who wears their watch every day, it’s vital to store your watch somewhere where no damage can be done to it. That means a warm, dry place, preferably covered so that no dust can sneak its way in.
Whatever you do, don’t leave your watch in the bathroom for long periods of time. The steam and moisture can do irreparable damage and even discolour the metal, making your watch much less valuable than it was before.