Luxury watches are built to last. Their value isn’t just financial. They can also hold sentimental value, especially when passed from one generation to another. However, it needs proper care and maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Whether you bought it or it’s a hand-down, this obligation rests on you when you get one.
Of course, there are some parts you may need to replace from time to time. For instance, the strap might wear out due to exposure to humidity, or maybe its usable age is just over. The straps are also in constant contact with your skin. Thus, sweat can also shorten its lifespan. In such a case, you’ll need to find a strap that can match the watch’s value. With shops such as Watch Straps Australia or similar ones, you can shop for a watch strap of your choice, thus keeping your luxury watch looking new.
Even though you can get spare parts for your watch, it doesn’t mean you should leave it to wear and tear quickly. Caring for and maintaining your luxury watch can help prolong its lifespan and keep it looking new. Below are some ways to achieve this.
Avoid Chemicals
Your luxury watch contains metals and other components that can react to different chemicals. These chemicals can tear and discolor your watch parts or make them rust. Therefore, removing your watch before using products like cologne or perfume would be best. These two might smell good but can damage or weaken your luxury watch if you wear them while spraying on some scents. Therefore, letting the cologne dry before putting on your wristwatch would be best.
Additionally, keep an eye on your luxury watch when using detergents, soaps, and oils. Also, use less powerful cleaners when cleaning your timepiece. If you’re unsure what cleaning agent is suitable, it would be best to consult the manufacturer’s manual or recommendations.
Limit Exposure To Sunlight
Your watch has various materials that react differently to sunlight. For instance, the bezel, dial, and hands usually contain paint. These parts can fade with time. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate discoloration. Leather straps can also dry up and wrinkle. Thus, your watch will look old and in need of repair.
If your luxury watch is solar-powered, it’s best to expose it to sunlight for about five to six hours every month. This amount of time is a one-time exposure and not spread throughout the month. It would be best to expose the solar watch to sunlight through a window and not directly leave it outside. Additionally, it would help if you didn’t leave your luxury watch on your car’s dashboard. Both scenarios can increase its temperature and cause parts to malfunction.
Lubricants ensure that various watch components rotate and run smoothly. Sunlight exposure can dry this lubricant up, thus limiting the components’ movement. Furthermore, high-to-low-temperature changes can fog up some watches. It can lead to water damage due to condensation. Watch experts and manufacturers recommend keeping your timepiece in an environment where temperature fluctuations are minimal.
Clean Your Luxury Watch Regularly And Gently
Dirt can accumulate on your watch after wearing it for some time. The amount and type can depend on your location. However, the dirt may build more quickly in some places than in others. For instance, dry and dusty areas can mean more dust can build up on your watch.
Whichever your location is, it’s vital to clean your watch very often. Again, your region may determine how frequently you’ll clean it. Use a soft fabric to wipe dirt and dust from the straps, case, and crystal.
You can soak the watch in clean water every few months if it’s water resistant. It can loosen up the dirt and make it easier to remove. You can also use an old toothbrush with moist bristles to get into the crevices. Afterward, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove moisture from the surfaces. This cloth shouldn’t contain polishing products, as chemicals in these products can damage your luxury watch.
Always Protect Your Watch
The crystal and the bezel are some of the first parts of your watch that someone notices. If they’re faded or look rusty, your luxury watch might not seem as luxe. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you always protect these parts.
Removing it would be best if you are engaged in an activity that may scratch or damage the watch. Additionally, avoid contacting surfaces that may scratch or cause damage to your timepiece. It includes not banging it on walls and other hard surfaces. This way, you can ensure that your watch lasts as long as possible.
Take It For Service Regularly
Like other mechanical equipment, your watch needs regular service to ensure it’s in excellent condition. Cleaning and wiping it regularly helps. However, this doesn’t count as part of the service. Taking it every two to three years would be best if you wear it often. It can also depend on whether your watch is mechanical or quartz.
Additionally, it would be best to change quartz watch batteries as soon as they die. The reason is that they can leak and damage the watch’s components. Taking it to an authorized service center near you would help keep it looking new.
Conclusion
Your luxury watch is designed to last a long time. However, it’s also expensive, and any repairs can be costly. So, you must find cheaper ways to keep your timepiece in tip-top condition and make it look new. The above are some ways you can ensure your luxury watch looks new. Incorporate them into maintaining your watch to keep it working as much as possible.
