Watch Maintenance: Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
A Swiss-made mechanical watch combines exceptional craftsmanship and technology, allowing it to function flawlessly for many years. However, to ensure the longevity of these timepieces, proper maintenance and care are essential. Here are some key maintenance tips to help prolong the life of your mechanical watch.
Regular Cleaning
For your mechanical watch to function properly for an extended period, it’s crucial to clean it regularly. Dirt, dust, and fingerprints that accumulate on the surface of the watch can gradually affect its aesthetic appearance. Gently wipe your watch with a soft microfiber cloth to remove such debris. Additionally, the glass of your watch should be cleaned regularly to maintain clarity and precision.
Proper Storage Conditions
Since mechanical watches are powered by energy storage systems, improper storage can lead to issues with the mechanism over time. If you're not wearing your watch throughout the day, it’s important to store it properly to ensure the mechanism continues to work smoothly.
When not in use, especially overnight or for extended periods, using a watch winder is highly recommended. This device keeps the rotor of your watch constantly in motion, helping it maintain its winding. It’s also important to store your watch in a secure box in a dry, cool, and humidity-free environment to protect it from external elements.
If you have a manual mechanical watch and you’re not using it for an extended period, don’t forget to wind it manually from time to time to prevent the mechanism from deteriorating.
Power Source and Battery Changes
Mechanical watches are powered by springs and rotors inside the watch. Automatic watches use a rotor that generates energy through the movement of your wrist. However, if you haven’t worn your watch for a while, the rotor will remain idle, causing the watch to stop. In this case, manually winding your watch will get it working again.
Mechanical watches do not require battery replacements as their power source comes from the springs and rotors. However, if your watch stops or you notice any time discrepancies, the mechanism might have an issue. In such cases, it is advisable to have your watch checked by a professional.
Professional Care
Mechanical watches are highly delicate devices, and their internal mechanisms can wear out over time. It’s recommended to perform professional care every 3-5 years to ensure your watch continues to function accurately. You can take your watch to a skilled watchmaker for a cleaning, lubrication, and inspection of the inner mechanism. Such maintenance will enhance the performance and extend the life of your timepiece.
During professional maintenance, the moving parts of your watch, such as gears and springs, are inspected. Over time, the lubricants inside the watch can evaporate or become contaminated, negatively impacting the watch’s performance. A trained watchmaker will clean and renew the components, ensuring your watch continues to operate safely and accurately for many years.