A little care goes a long way
Watches are made to be worn.
They still need sensible care. Movement type, materials, age, and water resistance all affect how a watch should be handled.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when they are available.
Mechanical and automatic watches
Do not force the crown, hands, date, or winding mechanism.
If you feel unusual resistance, stop. Setting and winding instructions can vary by movement.
Automatic watches gain power from movement while being worn. They can stop after sitting unused. That is normal. Mechanical watches also require periodic professional service.
Quartz watches
Quartz watches run on a battery or another electronic power source.
If a quartz watch stops, the battery might need replacement, but a stopped watch can also require service. Have batteries replaced by someone qualified to inspect the case, seals, and movement.
Do not leave a dead battery inside a watch for an extended period.
Water resistance
Water resistance is not permanent.
Seals age. Crowns loosen. Cases are opened for battery changes and service. Vintage watches should be treated as having no water resistance unless current testing is specifically stated.
Do not swim, shower, or submerge a watch unless its current water resistance is clearly confirmed and appropriate for that use.
Keep the crown fully secured. If moisture appears under the crystal, stop wearing the watch and have it inspected promptly.
Magnets, shocks, and temperature
Keep watches away from strong magnets, hard impacts, and extreme temperatures.
Magnets can affect mechanical movements. Impacts can damage movements, crystals, crowns, and hands. Heat and cold can affect batteries, lubricants, accuracy, straps, and seals.
Cleaning
Use a clean, soft, dry cloth for regular cleaning.
Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Do not soak a watch or strap unless the materials and confirmed water resistance make that safe.
Leather straps should be kept away from water. Fabric, rubber, silicone, and metal each require different care.
Service
A watch should be inspected when it stops unexpectedly, runs unusually, shows condensation, has crown problems, or suffers a hard impact.
Service needs vary. There is no single schedule that fits every watch.
Treat the watch well. Wear it often. Service it when it asks.