For those who geek out on the inner workings of a mechanical watch, taking care of one is more than just a to-do list—it’s part of the fun. These finely tuned machines need a bit of TLC to keep ticking beautifully and accurately. Whether you’re sporting a family heirloom or a new acquisition, here are five maintenance tips that will help keep your mechanical watch in top shape for years to come.
Regular Winding: Keep It Moving
Mechanical watches are marvels of engineering that thrive on regularity. For manual watches, winding them at the same time each day ensures optimal performance. This not only keeps the watch running smoothly but also helps maintain the integrity of the movement over time. Automatic watches, while self-winding with the movement of your wrist, benefit from a watch winder if they're not worn daily. This consistent motion keeps the lubricants evenly distributed and the gears in prime working order.
Professional Servicing: Like a Car, But for Your Wrist
Just as a sports car requires a tune-up to perform at its best, so does your mechanical watch. Manufacturers typically recommend servicing every 3 to 5 years, although this can vary based on the model and wear conditions. During a service, a skilled watchmaker will disassemble the watch, clean all parts, replace any worn components, re-lubricate, reassemble, and then calibrate your timepiece to ensure it runs like clockwork. Consider this an investment in the longevity and accuracy of your watch.
Magnetic Fields: The Invisible Enemy
In our modern world, magnetic fields are omnipresent, emanating from devices like smartphones, laptops, and even induction cooktops. Exposure to strong magnets can affect the accuracy of a mechanical watch, leading sometimes to it running too fast or too slow. To safeguard against this, keep your watch away from high magnetic sources and consider investing in a demagnetizer tool, which can quickly restore your watch's accuracy if it becomes magnetized.
Water Resistance: Not Always a Constant
Water resistance in watches is not a permanent condition; it can deteriorate due to wear and tear, especially the degradation of the gaskets that seal the watch case. If your watch is exposed to water regularly (even if it's just in the shower or swimming), make sure to have the water resistance checked annually. This is particularly important before taking your watch on a vacation where it might be subjected to more rigorous aquatic adventures than usual.
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
The exterior of your mechanical watch deserves as much attention as its internal mechanics. Dust, dirt, and perspiration can accumulate and degrade the case and strap. Regularly clean your watch with a soft cloth. For metal bracelets, a gentle brush and soapy water can remove accumulated grime, followed by a rinse under clean water (make sure your watch is water-resistant before doing this). Leather straps require different care — keep them dry and clean them with products specifically designed for leather preservation.
By integrating these practices into your routine, you ensure that your mechanical watch not only measures time but also stands the test of it, becoming a potential heirloom to be cherished by future generations. Whether it's the soft click of winding or the detailed inspection of its gears, maintaining your watch is an ode to the continuum of time itself—a pursuit that, much like the watches we adore, blends precision with passion. Take the survey below and let us know what you do!
Which maintenance do you partake in?
Regular winding
Regular cleaning
Water resistance checks
Demagnitization
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