WHY REGULARLY MAINTAIN YOUR WATCH?
While most watches are built to last, they still require special attention to last through the years. Without proper maintenance, even the finest watches can lose their precision or even break down prematurely. Scratches, dust, moisture... everyday wear and tear are numerous.
Taking care of your watch means extending its life, preserving its value, and honoring what it embodies. It's also a promise: to pass on a timepiece in perfect condition, steeped in history and ready to pass through the generations.
GOOD DAILY ACTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR WATCH
Here are a few simple steps that will make all the difference in the longevity of your timepiece:
- Remove your watch before sleeping, exercising, or performing manual labor. These times are prone to shocks or premature wear.
- Store it in a closed case, away from humidity and direct light, which could alter certain components or leave marks on the dial.
- Have a watertightness test carried out every year to prevent any water infiltration that could damage the mechanism.
- Have your watch serviced by a professional watchmaker: every 2 years for a mechanical watch, and every 5 years for a quartz model.
- Avoid magnetic fields by keeping your watch away from electronic devices (phones, computers, etc.), as they can affect its accuracy.
- Do not wear your watch in the shower, even if it is waterproof: steam and temperature variations weaken the seals.
- Rinse it with clean water after swimming, whether in a pool (chlorine) or in the sea (salt), to preserve the integrity of the materials
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WATCH SAFELY
Regular cleaning is essential to preserve the shine of your watch and keep it looking pristine over time.
For a waterproof watch:
- Ensure the crown is screwed in correctly before handling.
- Use a soft brush and a mild soap, such as Marseille soap.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
- Strictly avoid the use of solvents or aggressive chemicals.
For a non-waterproof watch:
- Gently clean the case with a slightly damp cloth.
- For hard-to-reach areas, a dry brush or cotton swab will work perfectly.
- Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, without using a direct heat source.
CARING FOR YOUR WATCH STRAP ACCORDING TO ITS MATERIAL
The part of your watch that wears out the fastest isn't the case, the crystal, or even the movement, but your strap. In direct contact with your skin, it's subject to humidity, perspiration, and multiple frictions. To keep it shiny and increase its lifespan (and therefore save you money), each material deserves special care.
Leather bracelet:
- Dry clean with a soft cloth.
- Avoid contact with water or cosmetics.
- Allow to air dry, away from heat.
Metal or rubber bracelet:
- Use a soft brush and soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a microfiber cloth.
Fabric strap (NATO):
- Same treatment as leather: soft cloth, dry completely in the open air.
- Some models can be hand washed, but never machine washed.
It is also possible to clean your steel bracelet in an ultrasonic machine, do not hesitate to contact our company to benefit from this type of service...
HOW OFTEN should you have your watch serviced?
Servicing your watch can be compared to a technical inspection for your car. This type of preventive maintenance helps limit natural wear, re-lubricate internal parts, test water resistance, and recalibrate the movement to ensure proper operation. The suggested intervals are general guidelines and may vary depending on the model and usage. It is also possible and sometimes recommended to have your watch serviced earlier. If you have any doubts or notice any anomalies, do not hesitate to consult your watchmaker or an affiliated company.
Recommended frequencies:
- Mechanical/automatic watches: every 2 to 3 years.
- Quartz watches: approximately every 5 years or when replacing the battery.
For older models or watches worn intensively, a more regular service is possible, and often strongly recommended to maintain their reliability over time.
When should you call a watchmaker, a specialist company or the affiliated company?
For any intervention, it is strongly recommended not to handle your watch if you are not an expert. Never attempt to disassemble your timepiece yourself. Opening the case without the proper tools and knowledge can irreversibly damage certain delicate components. Furthermore, such an action risks voiding your watch warranty or the warranty of your last service, thus exposing you to costly repairs.
Here are some signs that professional intervention is needed:
- Presence of fog under the glass.
- Stoppage of movement, abnormal advance or delay.
- Battery replacement required.
- Adjustment or repair of an internal mechanism.
You now have all the tools you need to properly maintain and preserve your watch. Col&MacArthur strongly recommends entrusting any complex operation to an authorized watchmaker, such as Lerochet, or to our after-sales service department, to ensure the care and longevity of your timepiece.
