Keep Your Watch in Good Condition

A watch is an instrument that is to provide high-precision timekeeping. This device requires regular service to offer perfect performance. It is difficult to determine how often a watch should be serviced as everything depends on the model, climatic conditions and the way the watch's owner treats his timepiece. Generally speaking, service intervals may last from 3 to 7 years.

If the bearings of the movement lack the necessary oil lubrication, it may affect the watch's accuracy or sometimes even stop the movement. The crown is also worth special attention as it may get damaged by accident hitting. There are little rubber seals responsible for the watch's tightness. The seals dry up with the lapse of time. As a result, the timepiece's movement becomes poorly protected from dust and water.

There are some general recommendations to keep a watch in good condition as long as possible:

1. Clean you timepiece periodically with a soft dry cloth or a brush. Dust often gets into gaps in the case back or between links of the bracelet, or sticks occasionally to the crystal and leather or rubber strap. If you notice some water or perspiration at your watch's case or crystal, it is better to wipe it at once.

2. Avoid wearing your watch to places where it may become exposed to extreme temperatures (above 60Р’В°C or below 0Р’В°C). Prolonged exposure to sunlight is not advisable either as it may result in color fading or thermal shock.

3. If your timepiece is not shock-resistant, it is better to take it off while practicing sports that involve jerky movements or blows. Before swimming or taking a shower with your watch on, check information about its water-resistance. To maintain the timepiece's water-resistance, have the gaskets replaced once in 24 months.

4. You'd better not open the watch yourself as you may involuntarily damage the case back or the watch's inside mechanisms. Repair shops have the proper tools to provide the timepiece with careful service.

5. It is highly advisable to keep your watch away from direct contact with chemical substances, including detergents, solvents, cosmetic products and perfumes. Such substances may damage the watch's case, bracelet, or gaskets.

6. Unless your watch is not specially provided with anti-magnetic protection, it should be kept away from being exposed to magnetic fields. Magnetic fields affect the watch's accuracy.

7. If you want a leather strap of your watch maintain its good look for as long as possible, it is better to keep it dry. If the leather strap is exposed to contact with salt water, it is even more harmful. In general, when you are not wearing it, it is better to keep your watch at some dry place.

8. Make sure to wear your timepiece with the crown pressed in. A screw-type crown should be tightened completely. Avoid turning the crown with wet fingers or when the watch case is wet. Water may get inside the timepiece and damage the mechanism.