A good mechanical watch can last for generations. It asks for very little in return: a few simple habits and a service every several years.
I.Wear it, or wind it
An automatic watch winds itself as you wear it. If it sits for a few days it will stop, which is normal. To restart it, give the crown 20 to 30 gentle turns clockwise before setting the time.
A manual-wind watch needs winding every day or two. Wind until you feel resistance, then stop. Never force it.
II.Mind the crown
Many sport watches have a screw-down crown. Unscrew it before winding or setting, and always screw it back down fully afterward. An unscrewed crown is the most common way water gets in.
Avoid setting the date between about 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on most watches. The date mechanism is engaged during those hours, and forcing it can damage the movement.
III.Water resistance is not forever
Water resistance depends on seals that age. If you swim with your watch, have the seals checked every year or two, and after any service.
Never operate the crown or chronograph pushers while the watch is wet or underwater. Rinse it in fresh water after the pool or the ocean.
Treat it well and it will outlast all of us.
IV.Keep it away from magnets
Phones, laptop speakers, magnetic clasps and tablet covers can magnetize a movement, which makes a watch run fast. If your watch suddenly gains several minutes a day, magnetism is the usual cause, and a watchmaker can fix it quickly.
V.Clean it gently
Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft microfiber cloth. For a steel bracelet, a soft toothbrush and warm, soapy water work well, as long as the crown is closed and the watch is water resistant. Leather straps should stay dry.
VI.Service on schedule
Most mechanical watches need a full service every five to ten years, depending on the brand and how it is worn. A service cleans, oils and adjusts the movement and replaces worn parts.
Signs your watch is due include losing or gaining time, a short power reserve, or a crown that feels gritty. We can check any watch on our timegrapher and help arrange a service through a trusted watchmaker.
VII.Store it well
Keep your watch in its box or a soft pouch, away from heat and direct sunlight. If you own several automatics, a watch winder is convenient but not necessary.