Easy Tips for Watch Maintenance and Care

Watches don't just tell time. They’re part of your everyday routine, your outfit, and in many cases, your personality. Thus, you want to make it as good-looking as possible. You want to make it a statement; you want your watch to represent a part of you.

Giving it a little regular attention can go a long way. You don’t need to be a horologist or break out a toolkit to keep your timepiece ticking smoothly.

Think of it like this: just as you wouldn’t drive your car forever without cleaning it or changing the oil, your watch also deserves some basic upkeep. 

In this guide, we’ll be discussing the practical stuff: how to clean your watch, what not to do, how to handle different materials, and when to leave it to the pros. 

How Often Should You Maintain Your Watch?

Keep your watch running smoothly and looking sharp. How? Consistency is key. It's all about routine care that helps prevent damage and preserve performance.

1. Daily or Every Time After Wearing It 

• Wipe it down. This is especially important if you wore the watch in hot or humid conditions or during physical activity.

• Check the crown. Make sure it's pushed in or screwed down properly to maintain water resistance.

2. Weekly

• Give it a closer inspection. Check for smudges, grime buildup, or signs of wear on the strap or bracelet.

• If water-resistant: Run the bracelet under lukewarm water and scrub lightly with a soft toothbrush.

3. Monthly

• Clean the case and bracelet thoroughly. Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water and a soft brush for metal watches. Dry completely afterward.

• Condition leather straps. If your watch has a leather strap, a small amount of leather conditioner can help prevent cracking and stiffness. 

4. Seasonally (Every 3 to 4 Months)

• Inspect for wear and tear. Look at the case, crystal, and strap for scratches, chips, or loose links.

• Rotate watches. If you own multiple timepieces, rotate through them to ensure even wear and avoid unnecessary strain on a single piece.

5. Annually

• Reassess your storage setup. Make sure your watch box or pouch is still in good shape and your environment is still dry and temperature stable.

• Check water resistance. If you regularly expose your watch to water, consider a professional pressure test.

How To: General Watch Care Guidelines

Good upkeep usually revolves around how to clean a watch. These DIY, easy-to-follow tips help keep a watch in great condition:

1. Wipe it down regularly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dust, fingerprints, and sweat after wearing your watch. Focus on areas around the case back and bracelet links.

2. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures: Sudden changes in heat or cold can affect timekeeping accuracy and damage the watch’s internal lubricants. It also causes condensation inside the watch.

3. Keep it away from strong magnetic fields: Magnetic fields from speakers, phones, or bags with magnetic clasps can interfere with the movement, especially in mechanical watches.

4. Don’t overwind manual watches: Stop winding when you feel resistance. Overwinding can damage the mainspring.

5. Secure the crown: Always push in or screw down the crown to protect against water and dust ingress. A loose crown can compromise the watch's water resistance.

6. Remove during heavy activity: Avoid wearing your watch during high-impact sports, manual labor, or any activity that could result in shock or scratches.

7. Clean your watch gently: For metal cases and bracelets, use a soft brush with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking the watch unless it's waterproof or water resistant.

8. Avoid using chemicals and solvents: Perfumes, detergents, and sunscreen can damage watch finishes and degrade straps after some time.

9. Keep it dry when possible: Even if it’s water-resistant, dry your watch thoroughly after exposure to moisture to avoid long-term corrosion or damage to seals.

10. Be mindful of the strap material: Leather, rubber, and metal all have different care needs—don’t treat them the same way.

Water Resistance Awareness

Water resistance is one of the most misunderstood aspects of watch ownership. Just because your watch says "50 meters" or "100 meters" on the dial doesn’t mean you should jump into a pool or take it in the shower.

Understanding what water resistance means—and how to care for your watch accordingly—can go a long way in preventing internal damage and preserving its integrity.

1. Know your watch’s rating: Each water resistance rating comes with specific use-case expectations:

• 30 meters / 3 ATM – Splash resistant only. Okay for hand washing, but not for showering or submersion.

• 50 meters / 5 ATM – Suitable for light rain or quick water exposure, but not swimming.

• 100 meters / 10 ATM – Generally okay for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving.

• 200 meters or more / Diver’s watch – Built for underwater use, including scuba diving.

Always check your manufacturer’s specific guidelines; some brands have their own standards.

2. Avoid water contact unless necessary: Even if your watch is water-resistant, it’s best to keep it dry when possible. Water exposure, especially warm or soapy water from showers or hot tubs, can wear down seals and gaskets.

Important tip: Never operate the crown or pushers when the watch is wet or submerged unless the watch is specifically designed for it (e.g., dive watches, dive chronographs).

3. Seals can deteriorate over time: The gaskets and seals that protect your watch from water can degrade after some time. If you wear your watch regularly in wet environments, consider having the water resistance tested annually by a watch professional.

4. Dry it off immediately: After any exposure to water, dry your watch thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Pay attention to the case back, bracelet links, and around the crown where water can sit unnoticed.

5. Don’t confuse “water resistant” with “waterproof”: No watch is truly waterproof. “Water-resistant” means it can handle a specific pressure level under lab conditions. Daily life introduces factors (e.g., motion, temperature changes, chemical exposure, normal wear and tear, etc.) that can exceed what those conditions account for.

How To Store Your Watch Properly

A watch might be built to last, but how you store it when it's off your wrist plays a big role in its longevity. 

1. Use a dedicated watch box or case: Invest in a proper watch box, pouch, or case with soft lining and cushioned slots. This protects the watch from dust, moisture, and accidental knocks. Avoid tossing it into drawers or placing it next to keys, coins, or other metal objects that can cause scratches.

2. Keep it away from heat, humidity, and sunlight: Store your watch in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, heaters, and damp environments. Heat and humidity can dry out lubricants in mechanical watches, fade dials, warp leather straps, and accelerate corrosion.

3. Avoid magnetic fields: Don’t store your watch near electronics with strong magnets. Magnetism can affect the accuracy of mechanical movements and, in some cases, cause quartz watches to malfunction.

4. Lay it dial-up or on its side: If your watch is mechanical and not in a box, lay it dial-up to avoid unnecessary pressure on the crown or bracelet. For some watches, alternating the position between dial-up and crown-down can help minimize positional time variance.

5. If you own multiple watches, rotate their usage: Letting a watch sit idle for long periods isn’t ideal, especially for automatic watches. If you own several watches, try rotating them regularly to keep oils circulating and prevent parts from seizing.

6. Consider a watch winder: If you wear your automatic watches sporadically and want to keep them running, a watch winder can help. Choose one with adjustable settings and low-noise operation. Just don’t over-rely on it—rest is good, too.

7. Unwind manual watches before storage: If you’re storing a manual wind watch for more than a few days, let the mainspring unwind naturally before storage. This relieves tension and protects the movement.

8. Keep straps in good shape: If your watch has a leather strap, store it in a way that avoids bending or creasing the leather unnaturally. A gentle curve is better than a sharp fold.

How To Take Care of Your Quartz Watch's Battery

Quartz watches are known for their accuracy, low maintenance, and reliability. However, their lifeblood comes from the tiny battery inside. While battery replacement is best left to a pro, there’s a lot you can do to prolong battery life and prevent damage.

1. Know the average battery life: Most quartz watch batteries last between 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the brand, functions (e.g., chronograph or backlight), and how often you use them. Knowing the expected lifespan helps you anticipate when it’s time to keep a closer eye on performance.

2. Turn off unused features: If your watch has multiple complications—such as alarms, backlights, or chronographs—turn them off when unneeded. These features drain the battery faster, especially on digital or hybrid quartz models.

3. Pull out the crown for long-term storage: If you’re not wearing your quartz watch for an extended period, gently pull the crown to the time-setting position to stop the movement. This helps conserve battery life. Push it back when you wear it again.

4. Watch for signs of a dying battery: Don’t wait for your watch to die completely. Signs like the second hand jumping in 2 to 5 second intervals, dim displays, or loss of accuracy mean it’s time to get the battery replaced soon. 

5. Never leave a dead battery inside: If the battery has died, have it removed promptly. Leaving a dead battery in place increases the risk of leakage, which can damage the movement beyond repair. Have a watch technician safely remove it.

6. Avoid heat and moisture: Exposing your watch to extreme temperatures and humidity can reduce battery life. Store your quartz watch in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in cars, bathrooms, or sunny windowsills.

How To Maintain Straps and Bracelets

Whether you're rocking leather, metal, rubber, or nylon, proper care keeps your strap looking good and lasting longer.

1. Leather Straps

Leather adds classic elegance, but is more delicate than other materials. Because the material absorbs sweat, oils, and moisture, leather can break down over time.

• Wipe after wear: Use a dry, soft cloth to remove sweat and moisture after each use.

• Avoid water: Leather isn’t water-friendly. Remove your watch before washing hands, showering, or swimming.

• Let it breathe: Avoid wearing the same leather strap daily. Give it a rest to air out and prevent cracking.

• Use leather conditioner: Once in a while, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep it supple.

• Keep away from sunlight and heat: Direct exposure can fade and dry out leather quickly.

2. Metal Bracelets

Stainless steel, titanium, and other metals are durable. However, they can still collect grime and lose their shine.

• Clean regularly: Use a soft toothbrush with warm water and mild soap. Scrub gently between links, then dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Don’t use jewelry polish or household cleaners. They can erode coatings and cause discoloration.

• Buff out scratches: Light surface scratches can sometimes be polished out using a jewelry cloth, but avoid aggressive polishing that might wear away coatings.

3. Rubber/Silicone Straps

Great for sports and water use, these straps are flexible and waterproof. However, they attract dust and can develop a smell over time.

• Rinse after exposure: After swimming or sweating, rinse with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, or oils.

• Mild soap for cleaning: Use gentle soap and water to remove grime. Avoid alcohol or harsh cleaners that can dry out the rubber.

• Air dry: Always let rubber straps air dry—don’t use a hairdryer or place them near a heater.

4. Fabric/NATO Straps

Nylon and canvas straps are rugged and casual, but they can trap moisture, dirt, and odors.

• Wash occasionally: Remove the strap and hand wash it with mild detergent. Rinse well and let it air dry completely before reattaching.

• Rotate often: Swap out straps regularly to let them dry and reduce long-term wear.

• Avoid soaking: Prolonged moisture exposure can weaken fibers and affect durability.

How to Fix a Magnetized Watch

Modern watches are sensitive to magnetism. Here's how to spot a magnetized watch and what to do about it.

Magnetized Watch Symptoms

If your watch is behaving strangely, and you've ruled out battery or mechanical issues, magnetism could be the culprit. Common signs include:

• Running fast: The most obvious symptom. A magnetized balance spring can stick together, causing the watch to beat faster than usual, sometimes gaining minutes per hour.

• Inconsistent timekeeping: The watch may fluctuate between fast, slow, or erratic behavior.

• Second hand stuttering: The second hand may appear to jump, pause, or skip erratically.

• Unusual behavior after contact with electronics: If your watch acts up shortly after being near speakers, tablets, or other devices, magnetism is a likely cause.

How to Fix a Magnetized Watch

Luckily, a magnetized watch is usually an easy fix:

1. Use a demagnetizer (DIY Method).

• Affordable demagnetizers are available online for around $10 to $30.

• Place your watch on the device, press the button (or hold it down depending on the model), and slowly pull the watch away.

• This neutralizes the magnetic field in just a few seconds.

• Always follow the instructions that come with your device to avoid improper use.

2. Visit a watch technician.

• If you're unsure or uncomfortable using a demagnetizer, a professional can demagnetize your watch quickly, often at little or no cost.

Watch Etiquette: How To Handle Your Watch Properly When Wearing It

Proper handling can go a long way in keeping your timepiece clean, functional, and scratch-free.

1. Be mindful of physical activity: Unless your watch is specifically designed for sports or rugged conditions, avoid wearing it during activities such as:

• Intense workouts

• Manual labor or yard work

• Contact sports

Even luxury dive watches aren’t immune to scuffs and shocks. Repeated impacts can affect internal mechanisms over time, even in watches with shock resistance.

2. Use the crown gently: When setting the time or date:

• Avoid over-winding: Stop winding once you feel resistance.

• Pull the crown gently: Jerking it out can damage internal components.

• Ensure it’s fully pushed or screwed back in: Especially for water-resistant watches, a crown left open is a vulnerability.

3. Don’t wear it too loose or too tight:  Aim for a snug but comfortable fit. One finger should slide under the strap or bracelet without resistance.

• Too tight: Can lead to discomfort, damage to the strap, and moisture buildup underneath.

• Too loose: The watch can slide around and bang into surfaces, increasing the chance of scratches or dings.

4. Keep it away from harsh conditions: When possible, avoid:

• Extreme temperatures (hot tubs, saunas, snow exposure)

• Chemicals (perfume, cleaning agents, sunscreen)

• Magnetic fields (speakers, phone cases, tablets)

All of these can mess with your watch’s accuracy, water resistance, and overall longevity.

5. Remove the watch with care. 

• Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces like tile or wood floors.

• Always place your watch on a soft surface or use a microfiber cloth when setting it down.

• If storing it between wears, use a watch box or soft pouch to prevent scratches.

6. Don’t sleep with your watch on.

While it may seem harmless, sleeping while wearing your watch can cause:

• Unintentional pressure on the crystal or case

• Skin irritation from overnight sweat or rubbing

• Misalignment of settings if the crown gets accidentally pushed or pulled

When to Seek Professional Watch Cleaning

Every day cleaning and maintenance can keep your watch looking sharp. However, there are times when only a professional watch service can truly restore its condition. Knowing when to hand your timepiece over to the experts helps prevent damage and keeps your watch performing at its best.

Watch service costs can vary, depending on the issue at hand, the extent of repair, or the level of servicing.

1. Visible dirt or gunk you can’t reach: No matter how careful you are, dirt, oils, and sweat can work their way deep into the bracelet links, under bezels, or around the lugs and case back.

Call in a pro if you notice:

• Sticky residue that won’t come off

• Debris lodged between bracelet links or around the crown

• Grime buildup around the crystal or pushers

Watchmakers use ultrasonic cleaning machines and tools that go where your toothbrush or cloth can’t.

2. Water exposure or suspected moisture inside: If your watch has fogged up or taken a splash it wasn’t ready for, internal moisture can do serious damage.

Seek professional help immediately if you see:

• Condensation under the crystal

• Rust forming on or around the case back or crown

• Fog that comes and goes—this may indicate trapped moisture

Quick action can save the movement before corrosion sets in.

3. Metal bracelet needs deep cleaning or polishing: Even well-maintained stainless steel can lose its luster. Professionals can:

• Deep clean the bracelet using ultrasonic methods

• Polish light scratches without damaging the finish

• Restore brushed or polished finishes to their original look

4. Watch feels gritty or sticky during operation: If the crown feels stiff, or the bezel is difficult to turn, it could be due to debris or dried lubricant.

A professional can:

• Disassemble and clean components safely

• Lubricate moving parts if needed (without full servicing)

• Ensure there’s no hidden damage affecting the watch's functionality

5. You’re unsure about DIY cleaning: If you’re dealing with a vintage piece or a luxury model and you just don’t want to risk it, it’s smart to let a watchmaker handle the cleaning. They know how to tune a watch, how to treat different materials, seal components properly, and avoid unintentional damage.

A good rule of thumb: If your watch looks or feels off and a gentle clean doesn’t help, it’s time to consult a pro for watch repair and restoration. A skilled watch technician can repair your watch or preserve your watch’s appearance and performance, especially when regular maintenance just isn’t cutting it.

Conclusion 

With some basic know-how, you can easily handle everyday maintenance on your own. A bit of consistency—regular watch cleaning, keeping it away from strong magnets, and good watch-wearing etiquette —can extend your watch's lifespan and keep it looking sharp. And the best part? Most of these tips are simple habits that just become second nature after a while.

 So give it a little love, wear it proudly, and keep it ticking strong for years to come.