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Luxury Watch
Maintenance Guide:
Cleaning, Servicing & Storing Your Timepiece Safely

Proper care is essential to keep your luxury watch in pristine condition and running accurately for years. From regular cleaning to storing and servicing, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure your watch retains its beauty and functionality.

1. Introduction to Luxury Watch Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to preserving both the aesthetics and performance of luxury timepieces. This includes consistent cleaning, routine servicing by professional watchmakers, and proper storage. Here, we’ll cover each of these steps in detail.

2. How to Clean Luxury Watches

Keeping your luxury watch clean not only maintains its shine but also prevents wear from dirt and oils. Here’s how to safely clean your watch at home:

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Spring Bar Tool: Used for removing the watch band/bracelet/strap (If you are confident in doing so)
Soft microfiber cloth: For wiping the case and band.
Soft brush: A small brush with soft bristles, like a baby toothbrush for instance, helps to clean hard-to-reach areas without causing damage to the watch.
Mild soapy water: For metal bracelets and water-resistant watches. Note: Avoid submerging watches not water-resistant.
Toothpicks or cotton swabs: To carefully remove dirt from small crevices.

Step 2: Cleaning the Watch Band / Bracelet

Metal bands / bracelets: Dip the soft brush in soapy water and gently scrub the bracelet. Rinse under lukewarm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Leather bands: Avoid water, as it can damage leather. Instead, use a dry cloth or a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner.
Rubber bands: Use a soft brush with soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a cloth.

Step 3: Cleaning the Watch Case

Use a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges from the case.
For water-resistant cases, you can use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the case, avoiding the crown and pushers.

Step 4: Polishing the Glass Crystal (Optional)

Use a glass or acrylic-safe polishing paste for light scratches. Apply the paste with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. (be advised this will not work on sapphire crystal glass)

Cleaning Your Luxury Watch at Home

Gather Materials

Cloth, soft brush, soapy water.

Clean Bands

Follow tailored instructions for metal, leather, rubber.

Clean Case & Crystal

Wipe case, optional polishing.

3. Luxury Watch Servicing Intervals

Regular servicing is vital for the mechanical and aesthetic health of your luxury watch. Over time, oils dry out, parts wear down, and performance can degrade. Here’s a recommended servicing schedule based on watch type:

Standard Servicing Intervals

Mechanical Watches

Standard watches should be serviced around every 3-5 years, however this can vary depending on brand. For instance, Omega suggests 5-8 year intervals for their watches, with Rolex suggesting 10 years for theirs.

Regardless of the suggested service intervals, all mechanical watches have moving parts that require lubrication and adjustment to keep precise time, without which more serious repairs may be required.

Quartz Watches

Service intervals are typically every 5-10 years, depending on the battery life and the quality of the quartz movement.

Although they contain fewer moving parts, quartz watches still benefit from battery changes and periodic internal cleaning, as well as complete overhauls of the movement, should it be required.

What to Expect During a Service

Complete Disassembly: The watch is taken apart, cleaned, and re-oiled.
Replacement and/or Repair of Worn Parts: Any parts impeding the efficiency or functionality of the watch are either replaced or repaired as necessary.
Testing and Timing: The watch’s timing and accuracy are tested.
Pressure Testing: For water-resistant watches, the seals are tested and replaced if necessary.

Watch Servicing Intervals

Mechanical Watches

Every 3-5+ years. (Brand Dependant)

Quartz Watches

Every 5-10 years.

What’s Included

Cleaning, timing tests, pressure tests.

4. How to Store Luxury Watches Safely

Proper storage protects your watch from dust, moisture, and potential damage. Here are best practices for storing your luxury timepieces:

Step 1: Use a Watch Box or Case

A dedicated watch box keeps your watch away from dust and minimises scratches.
For multiple watches, a watch case with soft interior linings offers the best protection.

Step 2: Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Store watches in a cool, dry environment. Avoid places that fluctuate in temperature, such as near windows or heating sources.

Step 3: Consider a Watch Winder (for Automatic Watches)

For automatic watches that you don’t wear daily, a watch winder can keep the movement running. This reduces the need to reset the time and date, as well as any additional complications.

Step 4: Secure Against Moisture

Use a small, airtight bag with a desiccant (like silica gel) if your storage area tends to have high humidity. This helps prevent moisture-related damage, particularly for vintage or non-water-resistant watches.

Storing Your Luxury Watch

Watch Box

Keeps dust and scratches away.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Stable, cool storage.

Watch Winders for Automatics

Keeps the movement active.

Moisture Control

Airtight bags or desiccants for humid areas.

5. Quick Watch Care Tips

Following a few simple habits can extend the life of your luxury watch and keep it looking new.

Avoid Impact

Even if the watch is built for sports, avoid knocking it against hard surfaces, as this can damage the internal movement.

Keep Away from Magnets

Magnets can affect timekeeping accuracy. Avoid placing your watch near phones, speakers, or other electronic devices.

Limit Sunlight Exposure

Prolonged sunlight can cause fading and damage the internal lubricants, affecting the movement.

Check Water Resistance

Before exposing your watch to water, ensure it’s rated for water resistance and that the crown is fully sealed.

FAQs About Watch Care & Maintenance

Q: How Often Should I Wind My Automatic Watch?
‍Automatic watches self-wind with movement but may need winding every couple of days if not worn.

‍Q: How often should you service a luxury watch?
‍Typically luxury watches should be serviced around every 3-5 years. However some brands have longer service intervals, such as Rolex which recommends servicing every 10 years for newer models. It’s recommended to follow manufacturers guidelines for your specific reference.

‍Q: Can I Service My Watch at Any Local Shop?
‍For luxury watches, choose a certified service centre or authorised retailer to avoid voiding warranties or damaging components.

‍Q: Can I Use Household Cleaners on My Watch?
‍No. Household cleaners can damage delicate finishes; always use mild, soapy water for metals and dry cloths for leather.

‍Explore More: For more insights, tips, and guides on luxury watch maintenance, check out our resources or contact our team for specific watch care advice.

Luxury WatchMaintenance Guide: Cleaning, Servicing & Storing Your Timepiece Safely

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Luxury Watch Maintenance

2. How to Clean Luxury Watches

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Step 2: Cleaning the Watch Band / Bracelet

Step 3: Cleaning the Watch Case

Step 4: Polishing the Glass Crystal (Optional)

Cleaning Your Luxury Watch at Home

Gather Materials

Clean Bands

Clean Case & Crystal

3. Luxury Watch Servicing Intervals

Standard Servicing Intervals

Mechanical Watches

Quartz Watches

What to Expect During a Service

Watch Servicing Intervals

Mechanical Watches

Quartz Watches

What’s Included

4. How to Store Luxury Watches Safely

Step 1: Use a Watch Box or Case

Step 2: Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Step 3: Consider a Watch Winder (for Automatic Watches)

Step 4: Secure Against Moisture

Storing Your Luxury Watch

Watch Box

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Watch Winders for Automatics

Moisture Control

5. Quick Watch Care Tips

Avoid Impact

Keep Away from Magnets

Limit Sunlight Exposure

Check Water Resistance

FAQs About Watch Care & Maintenance

Luxury Watch
Maintenance Guide:
Cleaning, Servicing & Storing Your Timepiece Safely