How to Care for Your Watch: A Simple Maintenance Guide
Keep your watch running and looking great for decades. Here's a simple guide to cleaning, water resistance, storage and servicing — for any watch.
A watch can last a lifetime with a little care — and most of it costs nothing. Here’s a simple routine to keep yours running well and looking sharp.
Keep it clean
Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, slightly damp cloth now and then, especially after sweaty days. For metal bracelets, an old soft toothbrush and a little mild soapy water (crown closed!) clears grime from the links. Dry thoroughly.
Respect the water rating
- Rinse with fresh water after swimming, especially in salt water or chlorine.
- Never operate the crown or pushers underwater, and make sure screw-down crowns are fully closed before any contact with water.
- Remember ratings are conservative — a “30m” watch is splash-only, not for swimming. (See our water-resistance guide.)
Mind magnetism and shocks
Strong magnets (speakers, laptops, magnetic clasps) can make a mechanical watch run fast. If yours suddenly gains time, it may be magnetized — a watchmaker can demagnetize it in seconds. Avoid hard knocks, especially with the crown out.
Store it well
Keep watches in a box or pouch away from heat, humidity and direct sun. For automatics you rotate, a watch winder keeps them running, or just hand-wind before wearing. Don’t store an automatic in permanent darkness for months if it’s solar/Eco-Drive — those want occasional light.
Service when needed
- Mechanical/automatic: a full service every ~4–6 years keeps the movement lubricated and accurate.
- Quartz/solar: far less needy, but gaskets still age — have water resistance checked periodically.
The bottom line
Clean it gently, respect the water rating, keep it away from magnets, store it properly and service it on schedule. Do that, and even an affordable Japanese watch will keep ticking for decades.
