How to Maintain Your Automatic Watch

Owning an automatic watch is a rewarding experience, combining precise engineering with timeless aesthetics. To ensure your automatic watch remains in optimal condition and performs accurately over the years, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some tips on how to maintain your automatic watch.

1. Regular Winding and Wearing

• Automatic Movement: Automatic watches are designed to wind themselves using the motion of your wrist. Wearing your watch regularly keeps the movement running smoothly.
• Manual Winding: If you don’t wear your watch daily, manually wind it every few days to keep the movement lubricated. Turn the crown 20-30 times to wind it fully.

2. Setting the Time and Date

• Avoid Quickset Mechanism During Certain Hours: When setting the date, avoid using the quickset mechanism between 8 PM and 4 AM, as the date-change mechanism is engaged during these hours and forcing it can damage the movement.
• Proper Handling: Always set the time forward rather than backward to protect the movement’s gears.

3. Cleaning Your Watch

• Exterior Cleaning: Clean the case, bracelet, and crystal regularly using a soft cloth to remove dirt, sweat, and oils. For metal bracelets, use a soft brush and mild soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Avoiding Water Damage: Ensure the crown is fully secured to maintain water resistance. Avoid exposing your watch to water unless it is specifically designed for swimming or diving.

4. Protecting Your Watch

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your watch away from extreme heat or cold, as temperature fluctuations can affect the movement’s accuracy and the longevity of the lubricants.
• Shock Resistance: Although many modern automatic watches are designed to be shock-resistant, avoid dropping or subjecting your watch to severe impacts to prevent internal damage.

5. Storing Your Watch

• Watch Box or Case: Store your watch in a watch box or case when not in use to protect it from dust, scratches, and humidity.
• Watch Winders: If you have multiple automatic watches, consider using a watch winder to keep them running when not worn. This helps maintain the movement’s lubrication and accuracy.

6. Regular Servicing

• Service Interval: Automatic watches typically require servicing every 3-5 years. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.
• Professional Service: Always have your watch serviced by an authorized dealer or professional watchmaker to ensure proper care and genuine parts replacement.

7. Maintaining Water Resistance

• Regular Checks: Water resistance can diminish over time. Have your watch’s seals and gaskets checked and replaced during servicing to maintain its water resistance.
• Post-Water Exposure: After exposure to saltwater or chlorinated water, rinse your watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly.

8. Magnetic Fields

• Avoid Magnetic Exposure: Keep your watch away from strong magnetic fields, such as those from electronic devices and magnets, as they can affect the movement’s accuracy.
• Demagnetization: If your watch becomes magnetized, take it to a professional watchmaker for demagnetization.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your automatic watch involves a combination of regular wear, proper handling, routine cleaning, and periodic professional servicing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your watch remains accurate, reliable, and in excellent condition for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained watch is not only a functional timepiece but also a cherished heirloom that can be passed down through generations.