Watches can be considered one of the best investments that you can ever make. For the collectors of designer timepieces, this jewellery is more than a time-telling tool. They can serve as a symbol of prominence and extravagance. They know the true value of luxury watches since they symbolise meticulous engineering, matched with priceless history.
If you are one of the few who have a collection of luxury timepieces, it is your responsibility to ensure that each one is well taken care of. It will assure you that you can pass your cherished possessions on for generations. Here are the basic rules to maintain and care for your beloved watch collection.
Rule #1: Clean the watches regularly
The first step in taking care of expensive timepieces is to keep them clean all the time. You can do it at home by using a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or other impurities from the band and the case.
If you have water-resistant watches, you can moisten the cloth a little bit to help clean the timepieces’ external areas. But if you need to clean the tighter areas, you need to use a slightly moistened wooden toothpick or an old toothbrush. Some people use cotton buds to clean the hard-to-reach areas. However, it may not help clean the narrower gaps and might leave cotton shreds behind.
Rule #2: Avoid magnets
Mechanical luxury watches are highly sensitive to magnetic fields. They can affect the timing integrity. Worse, it may cause the watch to stop functioning. Because of this, you need to avoid many common objects like refrigerators, speakers, or the magnetic clasps on your bag. It is also unwise to put your watch on top of your laptop or tablet since these gadgets have magnetic components.
If you suddenly notice that the time in your watch runs faster or slower than the actual time, it could mean that magnets compromise its mechanisms. So you need to have it checked by the experts to see if it needs a demagnetisation service.
Rule #3: Wind the watch regularly
Luxury watchmakers always recommend winding mechanical watches at least once every month, even if you have not used them for a while.
Watch experts suggest turning the crown of self-winding watches at least 30 times to ensure that the moving parts are properly lubricated. Meanwhile, you must turn manual-winding watches until the crown resists the movement.
Rule #4: Know the right time to adjust the watch
As much as possible, you must avoid adjusting the date or day of the week dial between 9:00 pm up to 3:00 am. It is the period when the mechanism of the watch starts to engage. If you adjust your watch within this timeframe, you may put your expensive watch at risk of damages.
Keeping this crucial tip in mind allows you to prevent damaging the watch. It will also help if you invest in a watch winder if you have plenty of watches that are not in use.
Rule #5: Keep away from direct sunlight
Expensive watches are like designer perfumes and one-of-a-kind whiskeys. These luxury items must not be exposed to strong sunlight sources. Excessive exposure to the direct heat of the sun can affect the painted areas of the watch. It can also dry out the lubricants inside the watch that aids in keeping the mechanisms run smoothly.
Also, heirloom pieces that were already around for decades can fog up if the temperature suddenly changes. It can cause condensation and can accumulate water inside the watch. As a result, the watch can get damaged gradually.
Investing in expensive watches can be an expensive hobby. But the value that each piece can bring to your collection can be worth it, especially if you intend to hand it over to your future generation. So always make sure that you will take care of the watches properly to turn them into an heirloom piece in the future.
