Watch care guide

A good watch outlives its owner if it is treated with a little care.

Every day

• Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry cloth.
• Keep watches away from strong magnets — speakers, laptop lids, phone cases with clasps. Magnetism makes mechanical watches run fast.
• Avoid knocks; a hard impact can damage a balance staff.

Water

• Check the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down) before any contact with water.
• Never operate the crown or chronograph pushers underwater unless the maker says you can.
• Rinse with fresh water after the sea or a chlorinated pool.
• Water-resistance ratings are lab pressures, not dive depths. 30 m means splash-proof; 100 m suits swimming; 200 m and up suits diving.

Leather straps

Leather dislikes water, sweat and perfume. Rotate straps in hot weather and let them dry naturally.

Servicing

Mechanical movements need fresh lubrication every five to eight years, or sooner if timing drifts noticeably. Quartz watches need a battery every two to five years — have gaskets checked at the same time to keep water resistance.