Tips to Properly Maintain Your Luxury Watch

Owning a luxury watch isn't just about telling the time. A fine timepiece is a statement of style, a mark of sophistication, and sometimes, an heirloom passed down through generations. No matter how high the quality, every watch requires a certain level of maintenance to keep it functioning accurately and looking its best. At Jae's Jewelers, we understand the value of a well-maintained timepiece. In this blog post, we'll offer some practical tips on how to properly care for your luxury watch.

Regular Cleaning

Materials You'll Need: A soft cloth, warm soapy water, and a soft bristle toothbrush

Steps:

1) Remove the watchband if not metal, and set aside.

2) Wipe with a dry, soft cloth to remove surface dust.

3) Prepare a mixture of warm soapy water using a mild ammonia-free detergent.

4) Ensure the crown is closed, and there are no cracks in the crystal.

5) Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the watch and metal band.

6) Rinse off any soapy residue, keeping the crown area away from any water.

7) Dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.


Regular Servicing

Just like a car, your watch needs regular servicing to keep it running smoothly. Luxury watches should generally be serviced every 5 years, depending on the brand and model. Regular servicing includes movement disassembly, internal cleaning, re-assembly, timing and water tests, crystal replacement, exterior polishing, and possibly replacing worn-out parts.

Proper Storage

When not wearing your watch, store it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. A watch box with cushioning is ideal. Storing your watch in a humid or extremely cold/hot place can adversely affect its functionality over time.

When to Remove Your Watch

Extreme cold can make your watch lose time, while extreme heat can cause it to gain time. Keep your watch out of saunas, hot tubs, and environments with sudden temperature changes. This is also when moisture can sneak into the timepiece via the crown or crystal, causing additional damage to the movement.

Note Water Resistance

Don't assume that because your watch is "water-resistant," it's waterproof. Even if your watch claims to be water-resistant up to a certain depth, it's always better to remove it before a swim or shower. The water-resistance of a watch can deteriorate over time due to gasket condition. A water test performed during overhaul service can assist in checking a watch's ability to resist moisture damage.

Maintaining a luxury watch may require some effort, but the reward is a timepiece that will look and function as good as new for decades—or even generations—to come. A watch isn't just a tool for telling time; it's an investment, an accessory, and often, a piece of history. Treat it with the care it deserves.

For more information on maintaining your luxury watch or to explore our collection, visit us at Jae's Jewelers. We're more than happy to assist you with all your timekeeping needs.