A good watch can be much more than something you glance at to check the time. Whether it is a sentimental gift, a favorite everyday accessory, or a valuable timepiece you have owned for years, proper watch care can help keep it looking its best and functioning properly.
Caring for a watch involves more than keeping the crystal free of fingerprints. Regular cleaning, proper storage, paying attention to water resistance, and understanding when your watch needs professional maintenance can all help protect your timepiece. The right care will also depend on the type of watch you own. Quartz, mechanical, and automatic watches have different movements and different maintenance needs.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to clean and store a watch, how often different types of watches may need servicing, what you should know about water resistance, and the signs that your watch may need professional attention.
Watches contain numerous small components that must work together properly to keep accurate time. Even something as simple as moisture, dirt, or a worn gasket can eventually affect the way a watch functions.
Regular watch care can help:
The amount of care a watch requires depends on its construction and movement. A quartz watch, for example, has different maintenance requirements than an automatic or mechanical watch. Understanding what you own is an important first step in knowing how to care for it.
One of the easiest ways to care for a watch is to keep the exterior clean. Throughout the day, a watch can collect perspiration, body oils, dust, and other debris. Over time, this buildup can make a watch look dull and may work its way into areas where it can cause problems.
For routine cleaning, gently wipe the exterior of the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth. This can help remove fingerprints, oils, and everyday dirt without scratching the surface.
Metal watch bracelets can collect dirt and oils between the links, around the clasp, and underneath the bracelet where it comes into contact with your skin.
A soft, slightly damp cloth can often be used to wipe down a metal bracelet. However, be cautious about getting the watch itself wet. Whether water is appropriate will depend on the watch's construction and water resistance.
For watches that have significant dirt or buildup in areas that are difficult to clean safely at home, professional cleaning may be a better option.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or rough materials on your watch. These can damage finishes, coatings, crystals, or other components.
It is also important not to assume that because a watch is labeled water resistant, it is safe to immerse it in water for cleaning. Water resistance can vary considerably between watches, and the condition of the gaskets and seals also matters.
If you are unsure whether your watch can safely be exposed to water, it is better to err on the side of caution.
Proper storage is another important part of watch care, particularly if you own multiple watches or have a timepiece that you do not wear every day.
When storing a watch, choose a clean, dry location away from extreme temperatures and excessive humidity. A watch box or case can help protect the timepiece from dust and accidental scratches.
If you are storing multiple watches together, make sure they cannot rub against one another. Watches with metal bracelets, gemstones, or other hard surfaces can potentially scratch another timepiece.
Automatic watches require a little more consideration because they are powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist rather than a traditional battery.
An automatic watch can stop running when it is not worn for an extended period. This does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the watch. It simply means that the mainspring has lost its stored energy.
You do not necessarily need to keep an automatic watch running continuously when you are not wearing it. If you own several automatic watches and rotate between them, it is normal for some of them to stop while they are stored.
A watch winder may be useful for some watch owners, but it is not automatically necessary for every automatic watch. Whether one makes sense depends on the watch, how frequently it is worn, and the owner's preferences.
Water resistance is one of the most misunderstood aspects of watch care. A watch labeled “water resistant” is not necessarily suitable for showering, swimming, or other prolonged exposure to water. Water resistance ratings indicate how a watch is designed to perform under specific testing conditions, but they do not mean a watch is permanently waterproof.
| Water Resistance | Equivalent Pressure/Depth | What It Generally Means | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ATM / 3 bar / 30 meters | 30 m / 100 ft equivalent pressure | Basic water resistance | Splashing, light rain, hand washing |
| 5 ATM / 5 bar / 50 meters | 50 m / 165 ft equivalent pressure | Greater resistance to water exposure | Rain, splashes, and some everyday water exposure |
| 10 ATM / 10 bar / 100 meters | 100 m / 330 ft equivalent pressure | Designed for more substantial water exposure | Swimming and recreational water activities, depending on the watch |
| 20 ATM / 20 bar / 200 meters | 200 m / 660 ft equivalent pressure | High water resistance | Swimming, snorkeling, and more demanding water activities, depending on the watch |
Important: These ratings should be treated as general guidelines, not guarantees of how deep you can take a watch underwater. A rating such as 5 ATM or 5 bar does not mean you can safely wear the watch 50 meters underwater. Water resistance testing is performed under controlled laboratory conditions, while real-world movement, temperature changes, impact, and other factors can affect a watch's performance.
It's also important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific watch. Two watches with the same water-resistance rating may have different recommendations for swimming, diving, or other activities.
Water resistance is not necessarily permanent. The gaskets, seals, crown, crystal, and other components that help keep moisture out can deteriorate with age and use. Heat, chemicals, impacts, and repeated exposure to water can also affect these components.
Opening the case for a battery replacement, repair, or other watch service can also affect water resistance. That's why the seals should be inspected whenever the case is opened, and a pressure test may be appropriate when maintaining a watch that is regularly exposed to water.
If you notice condensation or moisture underneath the crystal, don't simply continue wearing the watch and hope it dries out. Water inside the case can damage the movement and other components. Have the watch inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Even a water-resistant watch benefits from sensible precautions:
And one important point: water resistance is not a substitute for regular watch maintenance. If you rely on your watch's water resistance, ask a professional whether a pressure test should be performed during servicing.
A small gasket inside a watch can play an important role in protecting the movement from moisture. These seals can deteriorate over time, even if the watch has not been visibly damaged.
During certain types of watch service, a jeweler can inspect the gasket and determine whether it should be replaced.
This is one reason professional watch maintenance involves more than simply addressing the problem that initially brought the watch into the store.
Yes, but how much maintenance a watch needs depends on the type of movement, how it is used, its age, and the manufacturer's recommendations.
There is no single service interval that applies to every watch.
A quartz watch generally requires less mechanical maintenance than a mechanical or automatic watch. However, quartz watches still need attention when the battery needs to be replaced, and other problems can develop with the movement or components.
Mechanical and automatic watches contain many moving parts that require lubrication and careful adjustment. Over time, oils can deteriorate and components can wear, which can affect accuracy and performance.
Rather than relying solely on a calendar, pay attention to how your watch is functioning and follow the manufacturer's recommendations when available.
Quartz watches are powered by a battery or, in some cases, a rechargeable power source such as a solar cell. Because quartz movements generally contain fewer moving mechanical components than mechanical movements, they typically don't require the same type of periodic movement servicing.
Battery replacement is one of the most common maintenance needs for a traditional quartz watch. A battery will eventually run out of power, but a watch that stops working doesn't necessarily have a simple dead-battery problem. Leaving an expired battery inside a watch for too long can also increase the risk of leakage and damage to the movement.
When a battery is replaced professionally, it's an opportunity to have the watch inspected for other potential problems, including corrosion, moisture intrusion, worn gaskets, damaged seals, or movement issues. If the watch has water-resistance capabilities, the appropriate seals should also be checked, and a pressure test may be recommended.
Some quartz watches require more specialized maintenance. For example, solar-powered quartz watches use a rechargeable cell rather than a conventional disposable battery, while certain high-end quartz movements may have manufacturer-specific service requirements.
Quartz watches still benefit from routine care even though they don't generally need mechanical overhauls on the same schedule as automatic and mechanical watches.
Learn more about a common quartz watch repair in our blog: Watch Battery Replacement: Why It Isn't Always a 5-Minute Job
Automatic watches are mechanical watches that use the movement of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring. Inside the case is a complex mechanical movement containing numerous precisely manufactured components that work together to keep time.
Because these components move continuously while the watch is running, lubricants can eventually deteriorate and mechanical components can experience wear. Periodic professional servicing helps keep the movement operating properly and can identify problems before they become more significant.
A professional watch service may include some combination of disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, adjustment, replacement of worn components, reassembly, and accuracy testing. The exact process varies according to the watch, movement, manufacturer, and type of service being performed.
Automatic watches don't necessarily need to be worn every day, either. If an automatic watch stops because its power reserve has run down, it can generally be wound and reset when you want to wear it again. A watch winder is also not automatically necessary simply because a watch is automatic.
There is no universal service interval for every automatic watch. Recommendations can vary by manufacturer, movement, age, condition, and use.
Instead of assuming that every automatic watch needs to be serviced at exactly the same interval, look for signs that your watch may need attention.
These can include:
Manufacturer recommendations should also be considered when determining an appropriate service schedule.
Traditional mechanical watches are similar to automatic watches in that they use a mainspring and mechanical movement rather than a battery. The primary difference is how the mainspring is wound: a manual-wind mechanical watch must be wound by hand, while an automatic watch uses a rotor to wind the mainspring as it moves with the wearer's wrist.
Like automatic watches, mechanical watches contain many moving components and depend on proper lubrication and adjustment. Regular professional servicing can help reduce wear and keep the movement functioning as intended.
How often a mechanical watch should be serviced depends on the particular movement and manufacturer. A professional can evaluate the watch's accuracy, power reserve, winding mechanism, condition of the movement, and other components to determine whether service is needed.
A watch does not always stop completely when it develops a problem. Changes in its performance can sometimes provide an early warning that professional attention is needed.
Watch for changes such as:
Some variation can be normal depending on the type of movement, but a noticeable change in accuracy may indicate that the watch needs adjustment or service.
A quartz watch that stops may simply need a battery replacement, while a mechanical or automatic watch that stops may have another underlying issue.
If replacing the battery does not restore a quartz watch to proper operation, further evaluation may be necessary.
Fogging, condensation, or visible moisture inside a watch should not be ignored. Moisture can damage the movement and other internal components.
The crown should operate as intended when winding or setting the watch. If it feels unusually loose, difficult to turn, or otherwise different from normal, the watch may need professional evaluation.
A watch can sustain internal damage even when there is little visible evidence on the exterior. If a timepiece experiences a significant impact, having it inspected can help identify potential problems.
The term “watch service” can refer to different levels of work depending on the type of watch, its age and condition, and what it needs. A comprehensive service for a mechanical or automatic watch may include:
Not every watch needs this level of service. A quartz watch, for example, may need a battery replacement, gasket inspection, water-resistance testing, or diagnosis of a movement problem rather than a complete mechanical overhaul. The appropriate service should be determined by the watch's condition and needs rather than simply performing the most extensive service available.
A few simple habits can help protect your watch between professional services.
Professional watch maintenance is particularly important when something seems different from normal.
If your watch has stopped, is no longer keeping time accurately, has been exposed to moisture, or has experienced an impact, professional evaluation can help determine what is actually wrong.
The same applies when routine maintenance requires opening the case. A professional can inspect the components that are not visible from the outside and determine whether gaskets, batteries, movements, or other parts need attention.
A watch may be a relatively small object, but the movement inside can contain extremely delicate components. Attempting repairs or opening a watch without the appropriate tools and experience can cause damage that is more expensive to correct.
A well-maintained watch can remain a treasured timepiece for many years, and some mechanical watches are passed down through multiple generations. There is no fixed lifespan for a watch, however. How long a timepiece can remain functional depends on several factors, including its construction, movement, materials, use, and maintenance history.
Some of the factors that can influence a watch's longevity include:
Proper maintenance does not mean that a watch will never need repairs or replacement components. Rather, it gives the watch the best opportunity to continue functioning properly and can help extend the useful life of its existing components.
For sentimental or valuable watches, longevity can also mean preserving more than the ability to tell time. A well-cared-for timepiece can retain its history and significance—and, in some cases, become something that can be passed down to the next generation.
There is no single service interval that applies to every watch. Service needs depend on the movement, manufacturer recommendations, age, condition, and how the watch is used. Mechanical and automatic watches generally require more extensive maintenance than quartz watches.
The appropriate service interval varies depending on the watch and movement. Manufacturer recommendations should be considered along with the watch's age, use, accuracy, and overall condition. Changes in performance can also indicate that an automatic watch needs professional attention.
Quartz watches generally require less mechanical maintenance than mechanical and automatic watches, but they still need appropriate care. Battery replacement, gasket inspection, and movement repairs may be necessary depending on the watch's condition.
For routine cleaning, gently wipe the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be cautious about exposing the watch to water or cleaning products, particularly if you are unsure of its water resistance or the condition of its seals.
Store a watch in a clean, dry location away from extreme temperatures and excessive humidity. A watch box or protective case can help prevent dust, scratches, and accidental damage.
Not necessarily. An automatic watch can stop when it is not being worn because its mainspring loses its stored energy. It can generally be wound and reset when you are ready to wear it again, although specific procedures can vary by watch.
That depends on the watch and its water resistance rating, as well as the condition of its seals. "Water resistant" does not mean that every watch is suitable for showering or swimming. If you are unsure, check the manufacturer's specifications or have the watch professionally evaluated.
Changes in accuracy, unexpected stopping, moisture inside the crystal, unusual crown operation, or damage from an impact can all be reasons to have a watch evaluated. A professional can determine whether the watch needs a simple repair, maintenance, or more comprehensive service.
Your watch deserves more than occasional attention when something goes wrong. Regular cleaning, careful storage, awareness of water resistance, and appropriate professional maintenance can all help protect your timepiece and keep it functioning properly.
At Nelson Coleman Jewelers, our experienced team can help you determine what type of care your watch needs, whether that means a battery replacement, routine maintenance, or a more involved watch repair. We take the time to evaluate each timepiece and explain our recommendations so you can make informed decisions about its care.
Whether your watch has sentimental value, represents a significant investment, or has simply become part of your everyday routine, proper care will help you enjoy it for years to come.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a meaningful gift, explore our collection of watches from trusted brands and find a timepiece designed to be enjoyed for years to come.
