
Use and care of watches
We are often assaulted by doubts about the hardness, resistance or deterioration that appear on our watch over time. Although obviously everything will depend on the type of watch and the use that is given to it, like any other object, watches should also be taken care of and maintained, if we want to make longer its useful life and beauty as much as possible. Here are some useful tips for your care:
- Protect your watch from strong shocks or impacts (even quick movements like throwing a ball, or those made during a tennis match, can cause alterations in its balance).
- Keep the watch clean of dust and keep it properly protected.
- Keep your watch away from magnetic fields, as they affect the accuracy of the watch. They can be produced for example, by computers or speakers.
- Protect your watch against thermal shock. Too much heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the watch.
- Avoid seawater. The joints, stainless steel, or the color of the plating, are affected by salt water. In case of contact with salt water it is essential to rinse it with clean water.
- Pay attention to the spent batteries. When a quartz watch stops working, make sure the battery is changed as soon as possible. Batteries can leak and acid can damage the mechanism.
- The tightness of the watch should be checked regularly. A strong blow to the crown, changes in temperature or dust can cause damage to the seals of the seals.
- Clean the watch regularly with a soft cloth or dry toothbrush and remove dirt between the joints. Watches with water resistance (> 3 ATM) can be washed under running water. The leather strap must not come in contact with water.
- Avoid household cleaning agents, which if splashed on the watch, can cause damage and color changes in the watch. Metal straps and watch cases can be polished with a cotton cloth.
- Minor scratches on the glass can be polished with a specific compound for watches. If the glass breaks from the inside, take it to the watchmaker. A watch must be opened only by an expert technician.
- Leather straps are more delicate than metal straps. The absorption of sweat and daily humidity while using the watch causes the belt to deteriorate and may tear. The useful life is approximately 1-2 years, depending on the intensity and type of use to which the watch is intended.
- Mechanical watches should be checked and cleaned professionally, every 3-5 years. For quartz watches, the reasonable thing is a professional cleaning every 5-7 years.
If you follow these simple tips for your care and ensure that the watch is checked regularly by a professional, you can enjoy your watch for much longer.