Watch Care Guide

Caring for Your Luxury Timepiece

Your luxury watch is a precision instrument and a valuable investment. With proper care and maintenance, it will serve you faithfully for decades and can even become a cherished family heirloom. Follow this comprehensive guide to keep your timepiece in pristine condition.

Daily Care & Handling

Wearing Your Watch

• Put it on last: Always put your watch on after applying cologne, lotion, or hairspray to avoid chemical exposure
• Remove before activities: Take off your watch before heavy physical work, sports, or activities that could cause impact
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't expose your watch to extreme heat or cold, which can affect accuracy and damage seals
• Keep it dry (unless waterproof): Even water-resistant watches should be kept away from moisture when possible

Proper Storage

• Use a watch box: Store your watch in its original box or a dedicated watch case when not wearing it
• Avoid magnetic fields: Keep away from speakers, phones, and magnetic clasps which can affect accuracy
• Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid humid environments that can cause condensation inside the case
• For automatic watches: Consider a watch winder if you won't wear it for extended periods

Cleaning Your Watch

Regular Cleaning (Weekly)

• Wipe with a soft cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the case and crystal
• Clean the band: For metal bands, use a soft brush with mild soap and water (ensure crown is secured)
• Leather straps: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth only; never submerge in water
• Dry thoroughly: Always dry your watch completely with a soft cloth

Deep Cleaning (Monthly)

• For waterproof watches, you can use a soft toothbrush with mild soap to clean between links
• Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a lint-free cloth
• For non-waterproof watches, use only a slightly damp cloth

Water Resistance Guidelines

Important: Water resistance can degrade over time. Have seals checked annually if you regularly expose your watch to water.

Battery Replacement (Quartz Watches)

• Replace promptly: When your watch stops, replace the battery within a few weeks to prevent leakage
• Professional service: Always have batteries replaced by a professional to maintain water resistance
• Typical lifespan: Most watch batteries last 2-3 years
• During replacement: Request a water resistance test and seal inspection

Automatic & Mechanical Watch Care

Winding Your Watch

• Manual winding: Wind your watch at the same time each day, typically in the morning
• Don't overwind: Stop when you feel resistance; forcing it can damage the mechanism
• Automatic watches: Wear regularly or use a watch winder to keep the movement lubricated

Setting the Time

• Avoid the danger zone: Don't adjust the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this can damage the mechanism
• Pull gently: Always pull the crown out gently to avoid damaging the stem
• Push back carefully: Ensure the crown is fully pushed in and secured after setting

Professional Servicing

When to Service

• Quartz watches: Every 3-5 years for movement cleaning and seal replacement
• Automatic/Mechanical watches: Every 3-4 years for complete overhaul
• Immediate service needed if: Watch stops unexpectedly, loses significant time, has moisture inside, or makes unusual sounds

What's Included in Professional Service

• Complete disassembly and cleaning of the movement
• Replacement of worn parts and seals
• Lubrication of all moving parts
• Reassembly and timing adjustment
• Water resistance testing
• Case and bracelet refinishing (if requested)

Band & Strap Care

Metal Bracelets

• Clean regularly with mild soap and soft brush
• Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots
• Check for loose links or pins periodically
• Professional polishing can restore shine

Leather Straps

• Avoid water exposure whenever possible
• Allow to dry naturally if wet; never use heat
• Use leather conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking
• Replace when showing signs of wear (typically every 1-2 years)
• Rotate between multiple straps to extend lifespan

Mesh & Fabric Straps

• Clean with mild soap and water
• Allow to air dry completely
• Check for fraying or damage regularly

Common Issues & Solutions

Watch Running Fast or Slow

• Quartz: May need battery replacement or professional adjustment
• Automatic: May need demagnetization or servicing
• Both: Exposure to magnetic fields can affect accuracy

Condensation Inside Crystal

• Stop wearing immediately
• Take to a professional service center
• Water damage can cause serious internal corrosion if not addressed quickly

Scratched Crystal

• Minor scratches on acrylic crystals can be polished out
• Sapphire crystal scratches require professional replacement
• Consider a crystal protector for high-wear situations

Travel Tips

• Store in a protective case during travel
• For automatic watches, wind before traveling to ensure it keeps running
• Adjust time zones gradually to reduce stress on the movement
• Keep in carry-on luggage; never check valuable watches
• Consider travel insurance for high-value timepieces

Long-Term Storage

If you won't be wearing your watch for an extended period:

• Clean and dry thoroughly before storage
• Store in original box with silica gel packets to control humidity
• For automatic watches, allow to stop naturally rather than using a winder indefinitely
• Check periodically (every 3-6 months) and wind briefly to keep lubricants distributed
• Have serviced before returning to regular wear if stored for over a year

Protecting Your Investment

• Keep documentation: Store warranty cards, certificates, and service records
• Photograph your watch: Keep detailed photos for insurance purposes
• Insure valuable pieces: Add to your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy
• Original packaging: Keep boxes and papers, as they add to resale value

Final Thoughts

Your luxury watch is built to last, but it requires your care and attention. By following these guidelines, you'll ensure that your timepiece remains accurate, beautiful, and valuable for generations to come. When in doubt, always consult a professional watchmaker rather than attempting repairs yourself.

At FREDLOX LUXURY STORE, we're committed to helping you protect your investment. If you have questions about caring for your specific timepiece, please don't hesitate to contact us.