A mechanical watch is not only a fine timekeeping tool, but also a combination of craftsmanship, heritage and personal style. For those who own such a watch, proper maintenance is essential, as it will affect the performance, appearance and long-term value of the watch. Through regular cleaning, inspection and professional maintenance, you can ensure the reliability of your watch in daily use and keep it looking like new.
Maintenance Methods
1. Clean regularly
Case and Strap
- Material Type:
- Stainless steel: Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and a little soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.
- Leather strap: Avoid contact with moisture, wipe gently with a special leather cleaner and regularly maintain with care oil.
- Ceramic strap: wipe with a soft dry cloth and gently rinse with a little water if necessary.
- Cleaning steps:
1. Place the watch on a clean, flat surface.
2. Gently wipe the case and strap with a dry cloth.
3. If there are stains, wipe them gently with a damp cloth and then wipe them dry with a dry cloth.
dial
- Cleaning tips:
- Use a soft air blower to gently blow away the dust; do not touch it with your hands.
- If there is dirt on the dial, it is recommended to have it professionally cleaned to avoid scratches caused by self-cleaning.
2. Regular inspection
Mechanical properties
- Time accuracy:
- Check the accuracy of the watch once a month and record the daily deviation. If the deviation exceeds the daily allowable range (usually within ±15 seconds), consider sending it for repair.
- Movement status:
- Watch for unusual sounds in the movement, such as clicking or constant grinding, which may be a sign of insufficient lubrication or worn parts.
3. Proper storage
Storage environment
- Avoid extreme environments:
- Store your watch in an environment with stable temperature and humidity, avoiding direct sunlight or humid places.
Use a watch box
- Choose the right box:
- Use a dedicated watch box with soft padding inside to prevent scratches.
4. Professional maintenance
Regular maintenance
- Professional maintenance time:
- A comprehensive maintenance every 3 to 5 years, which includes:
- Disassembling watches and cleaning movements
- Check and replace lubricating oil
- Replace the seal to ensure waterproof performance
Brand authorized repair
- Choose professional repair:
- Send your watch to an authorized brand repair center to ensure that original parts are used to avoid voiding the warranty.
5. Pay attention to wearing habits
Avoid collision
- Remove during activities:
- Consider taking off your watch when doing strenuous exercise (such as fitness, swimming) or doing work that requires hand movements.
Avoid chemicals
- Contact Attention:
- Avoid contact of your watch with perfumes, detergents and other chemicals as these may damage the watch face or strap material.
6. Charging of mechanical watches
Winding
- Frequency of wearing:
- Automatic watches need to be worn regularly to keep them wound. If you don’t wear them for a long time, it is recommended to wind them manually.
Use a protector
- Automatic protector:
- Consider using an automatic watch protector, a device that simulates the motion of wearing a watch, keeping it functioning.
7. Monitoring water resistance
Check seals regularly
- Waterproof test:
- Perform a watertight test every two years to ensure the seals are intact. This test is usually performed by a professional repairman.
- Check after use:
- If the watch has been in contact with water, please check whether there is any water stain inside the watch after use. If any abnormality is found, please send it for repair immediately.
8. Other Notes
Avoid magnetic fields
- Keep away from magnetic objects:
- Mechanical watches are sensitive to magnetic fields. Avoid placing them in places with strong electromagnetic fields, such as near audio equipment, computers, etc.
By following the above maintenance methods, you can not only extend the life of your expensive mechanical watch, but also maintain its excellent appearance and performance. Good maintenance habits not only enhance the reliability of the watch, but also play an important role in retaining its value in the future. Cherish each of your watches, maintain them regularly, and let these exquisite works of art accompany you for many more years.
