Owning a luxury watch is great as an investment piece or style choice – they are definitely an item worth owning. To keep the value of your watch high, maintain its appearance, and keep it in good working order, you need to take care of your watch properly. Here are some of the necessary steps to take in order to keep your precious timepiece in great condition.
Choosing the Right Watch
All watches will require some upkeep, but their upkeep is something to consider before you actually buy your watch. Different luxury watches have different requirements, which can depend on the materials they are made from, so it is useful to keep that in mind before you purchase your watch. There are lots of great choices, with some more durable than others. For example, anti-magnetic watches by Rolex Milgauss are designed with scientists in mind, as this robust watch defends itself against magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. CHRONEXT has over 7,000 impressive watch models available, including the Rolex Milgauss range, all of which come with the assurance of being thoroughly inspected by their team of watchmakers. You can browse their collection online, but they also offer in-person collection worldwide in their Pickup Lounges.
Following the Manual
When buying a luxury watch, it is important to consult the watchmaker’s manual to better understand the watch and the recommended method of care. There are many luxury watch brands offering different advice, designed with their own watches in mind, but this guide has some general tips to follow that all watchmakers can agree on. Always check the manual first though.
Insurance
Getting insurance is a very important step in owning and taking care of a luxury watch. The price of a luxury timepiece means that they are an investment and something well worth insuring. Whilst the sentimental value is irreplaceable, you will still feel some relief from having insurance should your watch be lost or stolen. Different policies may vary, and some household insurance policies could cover watches, but it is worth checking to confirm. You also need to consider if the value of your watch is likely to increase over time, as some insurance may only cover the value of the watch at the time it was purchased.
Storage
Protecting your watch from scratches and spills throughout the day is important, but how you look after your watch when you aren’t wearing it is important too. You should ensure you have a soft, cushioned box to store your watch in overnight, out of direct sunlight and away from moisture and high temperatures. The box your watch comes in is always worth keeping, and it may be the best place to store your watch.
Avoid Water, Sunlight, Magnetic Fields and Chemicals
Some watches are marketed as waterproof, but this doesn’t mean that prolonged contact with water is good for them. It also doesn’t include saltwater and water that has chemicals in it like chlorine, or soapy water during your shower. Too much sunlight and hot temperatures can shorten battery life and discolour your watch. Chemicals like perfume, cologne and even cleaners can all damage watches, especially those with leather bands.
You should put your watch on last after everything else in the morning, and always remove it when you shower or go swimming. Another hazard for watches is magnetic fields, as they can impair the delicate mechanisms of your watch, affecting the precision and timekeeping abilities. Found in electrical appliances like refrigerators, as well as security scanners, even your smartphone can cause damage and your watch could become magnetised.
Cleaning Your Watch
Just like anything else, your watch needs cleaning. Luxury watches are designed to last, but only with the proper care, and you should consult the manual for guidance. Polishing the crystal or glass watch face, as well as the metal casing and band, will help your watch shine and stay tarnish-free. Leather straps will also require suitable cleaning.
Repairs and Servicing
You shouldn’t open your watch yourself as you risk disrupting the delicate parts, as well as introducing dust inside. Leave this job to a professional, as luxury watches contain so many tiny parts and components, that putting them together is like an intricate jigsaw puzzle. Many local stores may offer to service and repair watches, but luxury watches should be seen by specialists only, so that you know the parts will be replaced with ones of the same quality. From brand-new models to vintage and older luxury watch models, every high-quality watch should still function for many years with the proper care and routine servicing,
A luxury watch is something that can be loved and passed down to future generations, so with the proper care, your watch can become a sentimental heirloom. It isn’t overly complicated to take care of your watch, but something so valuable should be treated as such.
