INTRODUCTION
Luxury watches are a special class of wristwear that requires special care and attention. Constructed out of the finest materials, these watches need to be constantly maintained and cleaned. Here’s everything you need to know to properly take care of these luxury hand accessories.
More than just a tool to tell time, luxury watches bring an allure that combines excellent craftsmanship, style, and emotional investment. The very essence of this accessory is its timelessness—it is something worn on only the most special of occasions.
Given the high-quality facets of this timewear, it isn’t surprising that luxury watches are some of the most expensive accessories on the market. Whether they’re treasured gifts given by a loved one or rewards to one’s self for a milestone, luxury watches carry an emotional factor that typical watches do not have.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LUXURY WATCH
Luxury watches demand special care and attention. The passionate horologists behind these devices deserve massive respect for the high level of craftsmanship in these watches. The materials used in these watches need to be regularly cleaned, to keep the stylish luster and shine.
In addition, the sentimental value that each watch has means that special handling needs to be done. Caring for these watches will bring out the best out of these accessories. Since luxury watches are generally designed to last for a lifetime, passionate care and maintenance can make these special accessories last for generations instead.
HOW A LUXURY WATCH CAN BE DAMAGED
Although luxury watches are generally made to withstand everyday wear, certain factors can result in major damage. Protect your luxury watch by knowing some of the most common ways that it can be damaged.
Not storing it properly. A luxury watch needs to be kept in a safe and dry place. Extreme temperatures can cause internal damage to the watch’s movements and gears. Also, sudden changes in temperatures can also cause a watch’s parts to either contract or expand.Water vapor needs to be monitored as well. Liquid entering the watch’s dials will damage the watch’s parts.
Dropping the watch. Perhaps the most common way to damage a luxury watch. The level of damage done to a watch depends on how high it’s dropped. Prevent drops from happening by always handling it with caution.Additionally, consider the activities you’ll be in – you never want to wear a luxury watch if you plan to get into physical sports and the like.
Improper winding. Another common way to damage a watch is to simply wind it. The suggested way to wind a watch is to do so when you’re not wearing it. Adjusting it while it’s on your wrist may cause unnecessary damage, such as having the crown pulled out or stressing internal parts because of your hand’s angle.
Improper watch functions adjustments. In relation to winding, setting the watch’s functions incorrectly may result in irreparable damage. Setting the watch’s date at certain zones may result in misalignment in the date window. Always check the watch’s manual to find out the right process in adjusting the functions.
Magnetic fields exposure. Some luxury watches have internal parts that are directly affected by magnetism. This means that these watches, when exposed to magnetic fields generated by mobile devices, speakers, and radios, may be at risk of having parts acting erratically.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE TIPS IN CARING FOR YOUR LUXURY WATCH
Have these pointers in mind when taking care of your luxury watch.
A luxury watch’s water-resistance level matters. Know your watch’s water-resistance level. If your luxury watch isn’t listed as water-resistant, then it means it can withstand small droplets of water such as those during hand washes. For other watches, water resistance is also determined by meters.If you plan to go diving while wearing a luxury watch, find out first the depth of its water resistance.
Thoroughly clean the luxury watch. Cleaning your watch properly is done by knowing the material it’s made of. A soft cloth (preferably microfiber) can be used to wipe dirt off a watch that isn’t water-resistant. For luxury watches that are water-resistant, a damp cloth can be used to wipe the material, with a separate dry cloth to wipe moisture off.Additionally, metallic bands can be cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water. If by any chance the luxury watch uses a leather band, make sure that the band is air-dried to properly remove any excess moisture on it.
Make a regular inspection. Luxury watches should stick to scheduled routine services. This way, potential defects can be identified and quickly addressed. Luxury watches usually have routine services set every two or three years. However, it wouldn’t hurt to have a watch inspected yearly. Additionally, luxury watches need to be inspected in registered and certified shops only.
Proper storage is a must. As mentioned above, temperature and moisture can damage a luxury watch. Invest in a box or a case to safekeep your watch. Aside from regulating the temperature, this type of storage will protect the watch from dust or dirt buildup. Also, keeping the luxury watch hidden from direct sunlight will keep its luster.
The crystal deserves special care. The layer of glass that covers the face of the luxury watch is the crystal. Serving as both a design enhancement and a protective shield for the watch, the crystal needs to be constantly checked for dirt and scratches. Make sure that this part is kept safe from impact and drops.
Keep the watch away from chemicals. Always treat your luxury watch as a delicate accessory. Exposure to chemicals, even perfumes, may stain and damage the watch.
Never open the watch. Do not open your luxury watch. Leave this part to the experts themselves, even if it means just replacing the battery.
The watch manual is your best friend. Each luxury watch is unique, and one of the best ways to know its features is to simply refer to its manual. Make sure to carefully read the manual—everything you need to know about your watch should be there.
WHERE CAN YOU HAVE YOUR LUXURY WATCH REPAIRED?
Luxury watches should be repaired only at authorized brand stores. Not only will these stores have the right tools and expertise to properly repair these watches, but the watch’s warranty may also cover repairs done in these locations. Always refer to your watch’s manual for a list of places for it to be repaired.
CONCLUSION
Care for luxury watches should be prioritized. These accessories do not only showcase the best in craftsmanship and use of premium materials. The personal attachments that these watches have are of high value, proof that these timepieces are timeless. The tips mentioned above should give the care that luxury watches deserve.
REFERENCES:
Berthoud, F. (2017). Horology. The Encyclopedia of Diderot & d’Alembert Collaborative Translation Project.https://quod.lib.umich.edu/d/did/did2222.0002.856/--horology?rgn=main;view=fulltext;q1=Ferdinand+Berthoud
Paris Junior College. (2019, April 29). Paris Junior College | Affordable Excellence.https://www.parisjc.edu/pjc2/main/horology
Woolhouse, M. (2019, May 29). Schon Horology: Making Analog Mechanical Watches in a Digital World. Boston University.http://www.bu.edu/articles/2018/schon-horology-watchmaking/
Guest post courtesy of strapsco