Luxury Watches: Here's How To Treat Them Right!
A watch is an emotion, it is an embodiment of a personality. It’s a passion for some, sentimental keepsakes for some, ornaments that primp up their style quotient for some and the perfect gifts for others. Irrespective of what it means to its owner, watches are revered pieces of art each with a different story to tell.
These handcraftedmultifaceted devices are built to last for generations and with today’s technology they are stronger, sturdier, better-sealed and shock-proof. Still, without proper care they will fall prey to everyday wear and tear.
Take mechanical watches for example—I would say that they are products of impeccable engineering. These watches exemplify expertise, skill and will last you for years to come. Though made immaculately and work like a charm, you cannot just forget it. They may work flawlessly for several years and you probably won’t even realize when they have begun to deteriorate. Which is why you must ensure regular upkeep. I would suggest every 2 to 3 years. These designer watches, I call “art on your wrist” are made up of intricate mechanisms involving hundreds of really tiny parts and if not cared for they will malfunction. For these parts to keep doing what they do best smoothly requires constant care and maintenance. So, here is what you should do to keep them looking new, despite the passage of time.
For starters, it is very important to understand that each watch is different, which is why you must acquaint yourself with your watch and its needs—how it works and how to care for it best. Read the manual carefully as there are specific guidelines that are exclusive to your watch. You can also visit a certified watch specialist who can help you out. Besides, here are tips that you can help:
Keep it clean and shiny:Luxury watches require periodic cleaning and care. Watches have intricate gaps, where dirt, grime, body oils, lotions, perfumes, etc. can settle. The area around the glass casing and the bezel, around the crown, near the lug where the straps begin and if it’s a metal strap, then the links of the strap.
For a leather strap you use a leather cleaner.For metal bracelet strap you can use a bowl of warm water, and a soft old toothbrush, use it to loosen the dirt from the crevice. Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth after. Use a soft (lint-free) damp cloth to clean the head of the watch and then wipe off with a dry soft cloth if your designer watch is waterproof, else just use a soft dry cloth.
Keep it wound:A used, unwound watch can start to malfunction, which can be an expensive fix. Always remove your watch before you wind it. Winding while it is still on your wrist can put pressure on the crown’s stem and it can break or distort.
Manual Watch: Wind it same time every day. Gently pull the crown with your forefinger and thumb and wind it clockwise 20 – 40 times until you feel a pull and then gently push the crown back to it place.
Automatic watch: An automatic watch works best when worn regularly as the motion keeps its working to its optimum. You do not have to wind it as often as a manual watch.
If you are passionate about watches and love wearing a different one every day, then invest in a watch winder. It is a great option to keep you watch lubricated and in ship shape.
Keep away from magnets: Magnets have an adverse effect on your watch and may stop or fail to keep correct time. It is important not to leave a watch close to magnetic objects (e.g., cell phones, television, PC speakers, magnetic necklaces, handbag clasps, hair-driers, electric razors, magnetic parts of refrigerators, etc. for long periods.
Protect the “crystal”: Most handcrafted watches today use Sapphire crystal, which is scratch resistant and is the best in the market right now. Nonetheless, you still need to protect them from heavy shocks and strong impacts. Once scratched only a professional can help fix it with diamond paste and buffing.
Regular Service:Service your luxury watches every 2 years. This is necessary to keep the watch work optimally for years to come. This also depends how often or how sparingly you use the watch and its current state. Now, a watch service is not to be taken lightly—in fact, it is more complicated than assembling a new watch. For a watch maker, a full watch service entails taking apart the watch, undoing all the intricate movements and mechanisms, cleaning them up (fix or replace anything that is damaged), ensuring all contact points are lubricated and the worn-out gaskets are replaced to ensure that “water resistance” in intact and then putting everything back together again to look brand new.
At Jaipur Watch Company, we pay special attention to all our watches and each one is made with love and special attention. When one of our pieces does come back for a full-service. We buff it back to its former glory and give it to our clients.