You may be a first-time owner or a seasoned collector, but every luxury watch requires careful attention to maintain its best condition. With our experience in working with different customers and caring for our own personal collections, we have seen how even small mistakes in handling, cleaning, or storage can compromise a watch’s performance and appearance.
- Related: Watch Guides
In this blog, we’ll share the most important things we should all know to protect our investments, maintain precise timekeeping, and keep our watches looking as exceptional as the day we first wore them. Make sure to follow all these practices to keep your luxury watch performing flawlessly and looking its absolute best.
1. Do Not Wind Your Watch on Your Wrist
Winding your watch while it’s on your wrist may feel convenient, but it puts unnecessary stress on the crown and movement. Twisting the crown on your wrist can slightly bend the winding stem, which over time may cause misalignment or even damage the internal mechanism.
A better way is to place your watch on a soft, flat surface before winding. Turn the crown slowly and steadily, and stop immediately when you feel resistance.
2. Know When Your Watch Actually Needs a Service
Servicing your watch is important, but you don’t always need to follow a strict 5–10 year schedule. In reality, a lot of seasoned collectors service their watches based on how they’re running, not just how long it’s been.
A really useful tip is to timegraph your watch regularly. It’s a quick way to check if everything is healthy. If the numbers look good and the watch is keeping time well, there’s usually no need to rush it in for service.
Here’s what to watch out for:
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If your watch suddenly starts running way too fast or too slow
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If the amplitude drops or the readings look off on a timegrapher
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If you notice condensation under the crystal or hear unusual sounds
When those things happen, that’s your watch telling you it’s time.
When you do service it, stick with certified service centers so you know the work is done properly with genuine parts. And don’t forget to keep records — service history matters more than most people realize, especially for long-term value.
3. Avoid Soap, Detergents, and Harsh Cleaning Agents
Luxury watches are made from materials with different sensitivities. Stainless steel, titanium, and gold typically rank between 2.5 and 5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them resistant to scratches but still vulnerable to chemical corrosion. Leather straps can dry out or discolor when exposed to soaps or detergents, while rubber and silicone bands can degrade, losing flexibility and color when exposed to harsh chemicals. Even mild household cleaners can damage the seals that keep your watch water-resistant, potentially allowing moisture to enter the case.
To clean your watch safely, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth for the case and crystal. For metal bracelets, a lightly damp cloth with clean water is sufficient, followed by thorough drying. Avoid immersing leather, rubber, or silicone straps in water or cleaning solutions, and never use abrasive pads or soaps.
- Learn more about how to clean a luxury watch
4. Maintain Strap Health with Targeted Care
Different watch straps require specific care to preserve their appearance and durability. Leather straps can crack or fade if exposed to moisture, sweat, or direct sunlight for extended periods. Treat them occasionally with watch-specific leather conditioners and avoid submerging them in water.
Rubber and silicone straps can withstand water but may degrade over time due to UV exposure or contact with oils and chemicals. Rinse them with lukewarm water after heavy wear or exposure to sweat. Metal bracelets should be inspected regularly for loose pins or clasps and cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and oils.
5. Protect the Movement from Magnetism
Mechanical watches are sensitive to magnetic fields, which can disrupt the delicate balance of the movement and cause inaccurate timekeeping. Everyday items such as smartphones, laptops, speakers, magnetic clasps, and even some handbags can produce magnetic fields strong enough to affect your watch. Keep it at least a few inches away from magnetic sources and avoid placing it on electronic devices for extended periods.
6. Track Accuracy and Note Irregularities
Monitoring your watch’s timekeeping is crucial for detecting potential issues early. Mechanical watches can gain or lose a few seconds per day, but sudden or significant deviations may signal problems with the movement, lubrication, or internal components. Keeping track allows you to address minor issues before they become costly repairs.
To monitor your watch’s accuracy, follow these steps daily or weekly:
- Check your watch against a reliable time source like an atomic clock.
- Note the time difference at the same time each day.
- Record the gain or loss in seconds over one to two weeks.
- Compare the average deviation to the manufacturer’s stated accuracy.
- Consult a professional if the deviation exceeds the recommended range.
7. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Luxury watches are sensitive to rapid or extreme temperature changes. Temperatures above 60°C (140°F) or below 0°C (32°F) can harm the watch. High heat can dry out lubricants and damage leather straps. Freezing temperatures can make metal parts shrink and affect accuracy.
Avoid direct sunlight for long periods. Stay away from saunas, hot tubs, or freezing environments. If your watch goes from hot to cold quickly, let it slowly return to room temperature before wearing or adjusting it.
8. Store Your Watch Strategically, Not Just in a Box
Proper storage protects your watch from environmental damage and keeps it ready for use. Leather straps benefit from anti-humidity pouches or silica packets to prevent drying and moisture damage, while automatic watches maintain movement and power reserve when stored in a watch winder that simulates natural wrist motion.
Keep your watches away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and strong magnetic fields. Storing them in a dedicated watch box or safe ensures they remain secure, clean, and in optimal condition for years to come.
- Learn more: How to store your Rolex safely
9. Mind Your Daily Interactions
Everyday activities can put your watch at risk of scratches, dents, or other damage. Desk work, door frames, and physical activities can all create impacts that affect both the exterior and internal movement. Following simple tips to prevent watch scratches, such as rotating watches based on activity type, using more durable models for sports or heavy work, and reserving delicate or dress watches for formal occasions, can help keep your timepiece in pristine condition.
10. Inspect Seals and Gaskets Regularly
Even water-resistant watches can lose their seal integrity over time, allowing moisture, dust, or debris to enter the case. Worn gaskets compromise water resistance and can lead to corrosion or movement damage if not addressed promptly.
Check your watch’s seals and gaskets during routine servicing or yearly if you wear it frequently in water. Replacing worn components with manufacturer-approved parts ensures the watch maintains its water resistance and protects the internal movement.
11. Educate Yourself About Your Watch Model
Take the time to really understand your watch and how it works. Every brand and movement has its own quirks—different winding methods, power reserves, and service schedules—that affect how you should handle and care for it.
I’m sure that you’ll find learning these details rewarding, as it helps you avoid mistakes, extend your watch’s life, and enjoy every moment wearing it with confidence.
How to Keep Your Watch in Top Condition
Caring for a luxury watch goes beyond occasional cleaning or winding—it requires attention, knowledge, and consistent habits. By following these 11 practices, you protect your investment, maintain precise timekeeping, and preserve the beauty and value of your timepiece.
Make these practices part of your daily and seasonal routine. Your watch will reward you with years of reliable performance, lasting durability, and the satisfaction of knowing it remains in impeccable condition.
Keep your watch in top shape—check out our other maintenance guides.
