A mechanical luxury watch can do more than display the time. In addition to being a pure representation of classical engineering with a fascinating history, these watches are also often associated with human stories that elevate their sentimental value over their monetary value. An excellent mechanical clock can be handed down from generation to generation if adequately maintained. A well-kept expensive watch can also bring you more money if you intend to sell it on the secondary market.

Maintaining a watch properly is easy, especially if you are passionate about it or feel a strong emotional attachment to it. Here are some excellent suggestions to prolong the life of your luxury watches.

Specialized cleaning

You should regularly take your luxury watch for professional cleaning. However, the term “regular” might be subjective to the frequency of watch use. Thoroughly clean it with a slightly damp towel once every two weeks. Clean it with a gentle microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the watch’s glass.

If your branded watch is watertight, which means it can endure water pressure of up to 10 bar, you may easily give it a brief wash under running water. This is suggested, especially after swimming in chlorinated or salt water. Remember that putting detergent on the watch body could deteriorate or even ruin the crown and bottom gasket rings.

All luxury watches must be serviced every 4-5 years to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, it considerably raises the piece’s selling value in the used market.

Proper storage

A safe vault is the best place to store expensive luxury timepieces. Also, when traveling, you must pack your fine watches in a dry, dust-proof watch box or display case. The case protects your expensive timepieces from hazards like shocks and excessive sunlight. An unattended automated watch will finally stop ticking after about 40 hours. If so, consider getting a watch winder to avoid having to regularly wind the watch, which isn’t always ideal for its longevity.

Water resistance does not equate to invulnerability.

Every high-end watch has a rating for water resistance in terms of water depth or atmospheric pressure. Three-bar watches (also known as 3ATM/30m/100ft) do not suggest that one can dive to 30m with them because doing so could significantly damage the watch.

Instead of actual usage conditions, these values indicate a standardized water resistance classification. For example, the three-bar signal only permits unintentional splashes. While you should avoid using hot water and soap, the five-bar (50m/165ft) can be used in the shower and swimming pool. Scuba diving is only authorized at 20 bar (200m), whereas snorkeling and most other water sports are permitted at 10 bar (100m/330ft).

Before swimming, thoroughly inspect the watch because the longer it has been in use, the less probable it is that the protective rubber seal inside will still be in place. A luxury watch that has been water-damaged will have its price reduced if you plan to sell it, primarily due to the high expense of restoration.

Protect the crown

The watch’s crown is a safeguard protecting the delicate movement inside. Thus, it is ideal if you take care of it. Even if it’s a durable sports watch, maintain it flat while not in use rather than resting it on the crown. If you wind or make any other adjustments to your watch while on your wrist, the delicate winding system may experience additional lateral stress. As the experts recommend, it’s best to remove it from the wrist and wind it slowly.

Giving the crown one last push after it stops could also hinder the movement. The basic rule is to stop exerting pressure as soon as you run into resistance in this situation. A damaged crown significantly reduces your premium timepiece’s resale value.

Take care of the straps.

Although cleaning bracelets is relatively easy, if you like a watch strap without bulky links, use these cleaning methods. Genuine luxury watch rubber straps are easy to clean; to remove most dirt, wash them or wipe them down with a damp cloth. However, it is best to check the manufacturer’s documentation for special instructions because fabric straps can be made of various materials. If not, a basic fabric detergent will work just fine.

Since leather dislikes water, avoid using wet towels or running water to clean leather straps. If you have time to let it air dry afterward, you can quickly clean the surface with a damp cloth. If not, invest in a leather cleaner formulated specifically for the type of leather.

Protect against magnetic fields.

In today’s world, magnetic fields are almost a must for movement. Even things that are not harmful to a person can impact a watch or its inner workings. Even the magnetic clasps on your handbag emit magnetic fields, as do our smartphones, everyday household appliances, electric motors, and other electrical devices. They could affect a watch’s precision.

Although they don’t cause long-term damage, magnetic fields might make your watch less accurate or stop working altogether. This is because your watch’s balancing spring, whose compression and expansion control the mechanism, is weak. Your watch will run quickly, slowly, or stop if this hair-thin metal alloy coil magnetically attracts and adheres to itself.

Your watch’s steel components are also subject to magnetism. If magnetized, it can create magnetic fields internally, which will worsen the problem. Since the 1930s, timepieces have used soft iron cages or additional housings to shield them from magnetism. If your watch is magnetic, you can bring it to a service location or to a professional who can demagnetize the watch for you.

Avoid placing your watch near appliances like speakers, freezers, mobile phones, magnets on bags or boxes, etc., that could generate strong magnetic fields. We suggest you remove your watch before going through the body scanner at the airport.

Conclusion

In addition to following these suggestions, you should have your luxury timepieces frequently serviced by experts to extend their lifespan. These timepieces require maintenance, just like priceless jewels.