All Watches
All watches should be cleaned and serviced every two years to ensure that they are trouble-free. Even quartz watches should be cleaned as any small particle can result in damage. At time of this regular maintenance, batteries and seals should also be replaced.
- Any watch should be rinsed under fresh water after exposure to saltwater.
- Don't unnecessarily subject your water-resistant watch to pressure or heat.
- Remove your watch for hot showers, baths, saunas and hot tubs.
- Immediately get your watch serviced if there is moisture inside the crystal.
When you change the date, you should not change it within three hours of midnight. At this time, the watch's regular date change is being carried out internally and should not be interfered with.
Diving Watches also need regular servicing despite their rigorous water resistance.
Leather bands should be protected from perfumes and water, especially saltwater.
Automatic Watches
These are not entirely self-maintaining. It's a good idea to wind your watch at least once every week or two. This helps to keep the oil fluid and the wheels moving.
If you do not wear your watch every day, be certain to wind it at least twice a week.
Mechanical Watches
It's good practice to wind your mechanical watch at the same time every day. This is very good for the mechanism. Watch aficionados know to wind their watch first thing in the morning as part of their own timekeeping and that of the watch.
Be aware that participation in sports such as golf or baseball, or any repetitive hand movements (as with some occupations) are very hard on the mechanism. These can permanently damage the watch's movement. Just remove your watch.
