Daily Watch Care: Tips to Keep Your Timepiece in Perfect Condition

Proper daily care ensures your watches remain in excellent condition and function optimally for years to come.

**Winding:** * **Manual-wind watches:** Wind daily at the same time to maintain consistent power reserve and accuracy. Wind until you feel resistance; do not force it. * **Automatic watches:** Wear them regularly (at least 8-10 hours a day). If you rotate watches, consider a watch winder for those you don't wear daily, especially if they have complex complications.

**Cleaning:** * Wipe down your watch regularly with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and dust. * For stainless steel watches, you can use a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Ensure the crown is screwed down or pushed in before cleaning to maintain water resistance. * Avoid exposing leather straps to excessive moisture, perfumes, or lotions. Condition leather straps periodically.

**Water Resistance:** * Understand your watch's water resistance rating and use it accordingly. A 30m rating is splash-resistant only; 100m is suitable for swimming; 200m+ is for diving. * Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down or pushed in before exposing the watch to water. * Have water resistance tested annually, especially if you regularly dive or swim with your watch.

**Avoiding Damage:** * Protect watches from strong magnetic fields (e.g., speakers, MRI machines), which can affect mechanical movements. * Avoid extreme temperatures and sudden impacts. * Store watches properly when not in use, ideally in a watch box or case to prevent scratches and dust.

**Servicing:** * Regular servicing (every 5-7 years for modern mechanical watches) is crucial. This involves disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the movement.

Consistent, simple care will help preserve your watches' value, beauty, and functionality.