A luxury timepiece is not just an accessory; it is an investment, a reflection of your taste, and often, a piece of engineering brilliance. Whether you have just acquired your first fine watch from Ashnaa or are adding to a cherished collection, understanding proper care is essential.
Fine watchmaking is designed to last, but even the most robust movements and case materials require a little attention. To ensure your watch remains a pristine and precision-accurate heirloom, follow these 7 Tips to Make Your Luxury Watch Last a Lifetime.
1. Know Your Water Resistance and Handle it Safely
Water is the single greatest threat to a luxury watch. A common mistake is assuming that “water-resistant” means “waterproof” forever.
- Tip: Understand your watch’s depth rating (e.g., 30m, 100m). A 30m or 5ATM rating is splash-proof but not suitable for swimming. A 100m rating is generally fine for shallow swimming.
- Action: Before any water contact, always ensure that the crown (the winding knob) is screwed down completely and pushed in fully. Do not operate chronograph pushers underwater. If you have a dress watch on a leather strap, avoid water contact altogether to prevent warping and degradation.
2. Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Watch Case
Over time, sweat, dust, dirt, and body oils build up on your watch case, particularly on the caseback and between the links of a metal bracelet. This can dull the finish and even corrode the metal.
- Tip: Develop a simple, routine cleaning habit.
- Action: For most stainless steel watches, we recommend gently wiping the case with a damp, clean microfiber cloth once a day (avoid wetting the leather strap, if applicable). If your watch has substantial water resistance (at least 100m/10ATM), you can use a very soft-bristled toothbrush and a drop of mild dish soap to gently clean the metal bracelet. Rinse carefully with lukewarm water and dry immediately.
3. Protect Your Watch from Chemicals
The materials that make up your watch—specifically the delicate seals (gaskets) that provide water resistance, and natural materials like leather—are highly sensitive to chemicals.
- Tip: Keep perfumes, colognes, lotions, sunscreens, and even household cleaning agents away from your timepiece.
- Action: Allow all grooming products to dry completely on your skin before putting on your watch. If you use a cleaning agent or paint, remove the watch beforehand to avoid accidental splashes that could ruin the seals or tarnish the metal.
4. Minimize Friction and Impact
While stainless steel and titanium are durable, they are not impervious to scratches. More importantly, luxury watches are composed of intricate mechanical components. A significant impact can dislodge delicate parts and ruin the movement.
- Tip: Mind your surroundings and be conscious of potential collision points.
- Action: Take off your watch before engaging in heavy work, sports like golf or tennis (unless the watch is explicitly shock-proof), or moving heavy objects. Be aware of hard surfaces like metal desk frames or door handles, as simple friction can accumulate many fine scratches over time.
5. Be Aware of Magnetic Fields
Magnetic fields can instantly wreak havoc on a mechanical watch’s accuracy. Household appliances, electronics, large speakers, and even security scanners emit magnetic forces. When a watch becomes “magnetized,” its hairspring sticks, causing the watch to gain substantial time or stop completely.
- Tip: Do not set your watch directly on or near electronic devices.
- Action: Keep your watch away from stereos, refrigerators, or high-power scanners. If your watch suddenly starts running significantly fast, it likely needs a quick demagnetization, which any professional watchmaker can perform.
6. Wind Your Watch Correctly
If your watch is a mechanical (non-battery) timepiece, it needs periodic winding. An automatic watch winds itself, but if left unused, it will stop. Winding is the mechanism that keeps it accurate and lubricated.
- Tip: Do not wind your watch while it is on your wrist.
- Action: Always take the watch off your wrist to wind it. Winding it while wearing it places upward pressure on the stem and can bend the delicate winding crown mechanism. We recommend gently winding it about 20-30 times if it has stopped, rather than letting it sit. For collectors, a watch winder can be a useful accessory.
7. Schedule Professional Servicing
Like a car, a luxury watch requires regular mechanical maintenance. The lubricants inside the movement eventually dry up or degrade, creating friction and wear on the components.
- Tip: Treat your service schedule like an oil change for your engine.
- Action: Aim for a professional overhaul and service every 3 to 5 years. This process involves a complete disassembly of the movement, cleaning, lubrication, and re-assembly by a certified watchmaker. While a service can seem expensive, it is far cheaper than repairing a movement damaged by wear. Furthermore, the seals and gaskets should be tested annually for water resistance, as they degrade naturally over time.
By adhering to these seven tips, you ensure that your Ashnaa timepiece continues to measure your moments accurately and with the signature elegance it was designed to deliver. Treat your watch with respect, and it will remain a source of pride for years to come, and maybe, for generations to follow.
