Keep Your Automatic Watch Ticking: Expert Care Guide
Keep Your Automatic Watch Ticking: Expert Care Guide
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Automatic watches, with their intricate mechanics and timeless appeal, are cherished possessions that require special care if you want them to last long. Unlike quartz watches powered by batteries, automatics heavily rely on the natural movement of your wrist to wind and keep accurate time. Proper care ensures that your timepiece not only functions at its best, but also maintains its value and aesthetic beauty over time.
From understanding the basics on how to operate an automatic watch to mastering cleaning and maintenance techniques, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the right knowledge needed to protect your beloved accessory. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or just starting out, these tips will definitely help you prolong the life, elegance, and precision of your automatic watch. Discover ways on how to handle your timepiece with care, prevent common issues, and extend its lifespan through these essential tips.
Daily care and handling
Gentle handling:Always handle your automatic watch with utmost care. Avoid exposing it to shocks, impacts, or magnetic fields.
Avoid water exposure:While many automatic watches have water resistance ratings, it’s still best to avoid long exposure to water unless it’s specifically designed for water activities. Excessive water exposure can affect seals and components that can possibly lead to permanent damage.
Regular winding:If you’re not wearing your watch everyday, wind it manually for a few minutes to keep the mainspring energized. However, overwinding can damage the movement, so make sure to take note of the watch brand’s winding recommendations.
Professional maintenance
Regular maintenance:Most watchmakers recommend bringing your automatic watch to service centers every 3-5 years to ensure optimal performance and longevity. During maintenance or service, a skilled watchmaker will clean, lubricate, and adjust the movement components according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Replacing seals:Over time, like any other item, watch seals can deteriorate, allowing moisture to enter and build up in your watch case. Regular seal replacement is essential to maintain the watch’s water resistance.
Battery replacement:While automatic watches don’t rely on batteries for primary power, some models still have battery-powered functions like chronographs and alarms. make sure these batteries are removed and replaced whenever necessary.
Keeping your watch clean
Regular cleaning:Make sure to follow proper steps on how to clean the watch case and bracelet to avoid gunk buildup that can lead to damage.
Deep cleaning:Professional cleaning is still important, so follow your watch manufacturer’s recommendations on how frequently you should have an automatic watch deep cleaned.
Caring for watch bands and straps:Little did you know, watch bracelets, bands, and straps are often overlooked when it comes to watch care. Read and research specific instructions on how to clean and care for your leather, metal, or fabric watch bands to avoid overall damage to your beloved timepiece.
Protecting your investment
Avoid extreme temperatures:Excessive heat or cold can affect the performance and accuracy of any watch, not just an automatic watch. Make sure to store your watch in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Magnetic fields:Magnetic fields can interfere with a watch’s movement. Keep your watch away from strong magnets, such as those found in smartphones, speakers, medical equipment, and other gadgets.
Consider watch winders:Watch winders are tools that simulate wrist movement, ensuring your automatic watch stays wound when not being worn. If you can invest in a watch, definitely consider investing in a watch winder as well to keep your beloved timepiece up and running for a long time.
Additional tips
Traveling with your automatic watch:Wearing a watch when traveling sure has its perks — both in terms of aesthetic and function — but make sure you keep your timepiece safe and protected from sudden jolts or impacts to prevent damage.
Watch insurance:Not really necessary, but still best to have a look into it and consider getting insurance if you’re a watch collector.
Choosing the right watch for your lifestyle:There are many factors to consider when selecting a watch, so make sure you’re weighing the pros and cons of getting an automatic watch and relate it to your current lifestyle. Are you a work-from-home corporate individual? Are you always on-the-go? Do you engage in extreme sports and activities? Consider these factors, then decide on whether or not you want an automatic watch or best to settle with other types of timepieces.
Wrapping up
Caring for your automatic watch is a rewarding feeling that ensures your timepiece remains a cherished possession for generations to come. By understanding its intricate mechanics and practicing diligent care, you can definitely preserve its beauty and accuracy. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!
