How to Keep Your Watch Looking (and Ticking) Its Best

A great watch is more than just a way to tell the time it's an everyday companion, a personal statement, and often something you'll pass down one day. Whether you've just unboxed your first quality timepiece or you've been collecting for years, a little care goes a long way. The good news? Keeping your watch in top shape doesn't require a degree in horology. Here's everything you need to know.

Clean It Regularly But Gently

Dirt, sweat, and skin oils build up faster than you'd think, especially around the lugs, bracelet links, and caseback. A quick clean every couple of weeks keeps your watch looking fresh and prevents grime from working its way into the movement.

For most watches, all you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush, a little lukewarm water, and a drop of mild soap. Gently scrub the case and bracelet, rinse carefully, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. If your watch has a leather strap, skip the water use a dry cloth or a leather-specific cleaner instead.

One golden rule: always check the water resistance rating before introducing any moisture. A watch rated at 30m (or simply marked "water resistant") is splash-proof at best not a candidate for a rinse under the tap.

Mind the Water Resistance

Speaking of water resistance, it's not a permanent feature it degrades over time. The rubber gaskets that seal your watch against moisture wear out, especially with exposure to heat, chlorine, and everyday wear. If you're regularly wearing your watch in the water, it's worth getting the seals tested and replaced every year or two.

As a general rule: swimming and showering are fine for watches rated at 100m or more, while hot tubs and saunas are best avoided entirely. Heat causes materials to expand and contract, which is hard on seals and can let moisture sneak in.

Store It the Right Way

When you're not wearing your watch, where you put it matters. Direct sunlight can fade dials and damage leather straps over time. Extreme temperature changes like leaving a watch in a hot car aren't kind to lubricants inside the movement either.

A watch box or roll is ideal: it keeps dust off, prevents scratches, and gives each piece its own cushioned space. If you own an automatic watch and don't wear it every day, a watch winder is a handy option to keep the movement running and the oils circulating.

Avoid storing watches near strong magnets speakers, bag clasps, laptop screens. Magnetism is one of the sneakiest enemies of a mechanical movement, causing the balance wheel to stick and the watch to run fast or erratically.

Handle Crowns and Pushers with Care

The crown that small knob on the side used for setting the time is actually one of the most vulnerable points on any watch. Always push it fully in after adjusting the time or date, and never operate it while the watch is submerged. For watches with screw-down crowns, make sure it's fully tightened before any water exposure.

If your watch has chronograph pushers, avoid pressing them underwater unless the watch is specifically rated for it (a dedicated dive chronograph, for example). It's a small habit that prevents big repairs.

Service It on Schedule

Even the finest mechanical watches need a service every few years typically every 5 to 8 years depending on the manufacturer. During a service, a watchmaker will disassemble the movement, clean every component, replace worn parts, re-lubricate the gears, and reassemble and regulate it to spec. Think of it like an oil change for your car: easy to put off, but essential for long-term health.

Quartz watches are lower-maintenance, but they still benefit from a periodic check and of course, a fresh battery before the old one leaks and causes damage to the movement.

A Little Attention Goes a Long Way

You don't have to be obsessive about it. A quick wipe at the end of the day, mindful storage overnight, and a professional service every few years will keep most watches performing beautifully for decades. Treat your watch well, and it'll return the favour reliably, day after day, year after year.

At Heldje, we believe that a good watch deserves to be worn, enjoyed, and cared for. If you have questions about maintaining a specific piece, don't hesitate to reach out we're always happy to help.

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