Caring for your Watch

Always take your watch off before hopping into heated water. High temperatures can soften and distort the seals, making them less effective. Different parts of the watch expand at different rates too - so the glass can swell faster than the case, creating tiny gaps where moisture can sneak in.

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Just as important: avoid cooking your watch on a sunny dashboard, near heaters, or anywhere that gets scorching. Excess heat can damage components, affect lubrication and cut battery life short. On the flip side, extreme cold can thicken lubricants, slow the movement or cause stoppages and dodgy timekeeping.

Everyday electronics - TVs, speakers, microwaves - won’t trouble your watch. Problems typically occur only when it’s exposed to strong magnetic fields such as large magnets, transformers, MRI/radiography equipment, magnetic therapy blankets, industrial motors or arc welders. These can magnetise components and affect accuracy.

Your watch is a precision instrument. While it’s designed to cope with everyday bumps, it isn’t indestructible. A hard drop or sharp knock can damage the movement, case, glass or other components.

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Abrasion is another common culprit. Contact with concrete, stone, glass or ceramic will scratch surfaces, and even fine particles - like sand embedded in timber tables or the porcelain clay found in many writing papers - can mark the case, bracelet or crystal. Avoid using jewellery or metal polish on gold‑plated watches, as it can strip the plating.

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As with a car, accidental damage isn’t covered by the guarantee. Treat your watch with care to keep it looking and running its best.

Regular cleaning keeps your watch looking sharp and helps prevent premature wear. Worn against the skin, it naturally picks up dust, perspiration and oils; if left unchecked, these can stain shirt cuffs, irritate skin and, in rare cases, trigger allergies.

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Grime on the case or bracelet accelerates wear on pins and joints and can trap salt, leading to corrosion. Gently remove it with a soft brush. A metal bracelet can be washed with warm, soapy water and a new (unused) soft toothbrush - older brushes often hold abrasive residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Skip this step if the watch hasn’t been water‑tested recently; in that case, have it cleaned by a service centre.

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Never use high‑pressure water blasters or solvents. Both can force moisture past seals or damage finishes and internal components. Treat the watch with care and it will reward you with years of reliable service.