How To Look After Your Automatic Watch: Essential Tips for Longevity
Automatic watches are not just timekeepers—they’re intricate pieces of craftsmanship that combine traditional watchmaking with modern technology. If you’re lucky enough to own an automatic watch, you’re probably aware of its beauty and precision. However, to ensure that it continues to run smoothly and retain its value, proper care and maintenance are essential.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the best practices on how to look after your automatic watch, ensuring it stays in pristine condition for years to come.
1. Regular Winding and Movement
One of the most important aspects of owning an automatic watch is making sure it stays wound. Unlike quartz watches that rely on a battery, automatic watches use the natural movement of your wrist to wind the mainspring. However, if you’re not wearing your watch every day, it’s a good idea to manually wind it to keep it running.
To wind your automatic watch:
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Unscrew the crown (if it has a screw-down feature) and pull it to the winding position.
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Wind the crown clockwise about 30-40 turns, or until you feel resistance.
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If you wear the watch regularly, the movement from your wrist will keep it wound throughout the day.
Proper winding helps keep the watch’s mechanism lubricated and prevents the internal components from wearing down prematurely.
2. Store Your Watch Correctly
When you’re not wearing your automatic watch, proper storage is key. Keeping your watch in the right place will prevent it from becoming scratched, dirty, or exposed to harmful elements.
Here’s how to store your automatic watch correctly:
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Use a watch box: A soft-lined watch box can protect your watch from dust and scratches.
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Consider a watch winder: If you don’t wear your watch daily, investing in a watch winder can help keep it running and avoid the need for frequent manual winding.
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Avoid magnets: Magnets can affect the accuracy of an automatic watch. Keep it away from items like phones, computers, or speakers that may have magnetic fields.
Proper storage ensures that your watch stays in optimal condition and ready to wear whenever you need it.
3. Keep Your Watch Clean
Keeping your watch clean is not only important for aesthetics, but it also helps preserve its movement and functionality. Dirt, dust, and oils from your skin can accumulate on the surface of your watch, causing wear and tear over time.
To clean your automatic watch:
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Use a microfiber cloth: Gently wipe the watch face, case, and strap to remove dust and oils. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
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Clean the bracelet: For stainless steel bracelets, use a soft brush with mild soapy water to clean the links. Dry thoroughly afterward with a microfiber cloth.
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Check the gaskets: Make sure the rubber seals (gaskets) are clean and in good condition to prevent moisture from entering the case.
Cleaning your watch regularly will help maintain its shine and prevent long-term damage.
4. Avoid Extreme Conditions
Your automatic watch, though durable, is still sensitive to extreme conditions. Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, or pressure can cause damage to the internal components and affect its timekeeping.
Here are a few tips to avoid unnecessary stress on your watch:
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Temperature extremes: Keep your watch away from extreme heat or cold, as it can affect the lubricants inside the movement and cause the watch to run inaccurately.
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Water resistance: Ensure that your watch is rated for water resistance before wearing it in the shower, pool, or while swimming. Always double-check that the crown is screwed down before exposing it to water.
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Shock resistance: Avoid dropping your watch or exposing it to sudden shocks. While many automatic watches are designed to withstand everyday impacts, heavy shocks can damage the internal movement.
By avoiding extreme conditions, you’ll prolong the lifespan of your automatic watch.
5. Regular Servicing
Just like any fine mechanical instrument, your automatic watch benefits from regular servicing. Over time, the oils inside the movement can dry out, and parts can wear down. To ensure your watch continues to run smoothly, it's advisable to have it serviced every 3-5 years.
Here’s why servicing is important:
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Lubrication: Over time, the lubricants inside the movement can break down, causing friction and wear. Regular servicing helps replace these oils and ensures the watch operates smoothly.
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Accuracy checks: A professional watchmaker can check the accuracy of your automatic watch and adjust it if necessary.
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Preventative maintenance: Servicing can catch any small issues before they become bigger problems, preventing costly repairs down the road.
Having your watch serviced regularly will keep it in excellent condition and preserve its value for years to come.
Conclusion: Preserve the Beauty of Your Automatic Watch
Caring for your automatic watch is an essential part of ensuring its longevity and accuracy. By following these simple tips—regular winding, proper storage, cleaning, avoiding extreme conditions, and scheduling periodic servicing—you can enjoy your timepiece for many years to come. An automatic watch is a true investment, and with a little attention, it can continue to tell time beautifully and accurately for generations.
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish automatic watch, check out our range of timepieces designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.