How to Take Care of Your Watch

A quality watch can last for years — often decades — when properly maintained. You don't need to obsess over it. A few simple habits make a major difference.

Keep it clean

Watches collect sweat, dust, skin oils and everyday debris. For a suitably water-resistant steel watch, an occasional wipe with a soft cloth, and a gentle clean of the bracelet per the manufacturer's instructions, prevents buildup around the case and links.

For leather straps, avoid soaking them — moisture stains and deteriorates leather over time. Always follow the care instructions for your specific watch.

Know your water resistance

Don't assume every watch can go in a pool. A dress watch may have modest water resistance, while a G-SHOCK may be rated to 200 metres. Check the specification of your reference before exposing it to water, and read our guide to what water-resistance ratings really mean.

Avoid operating controls underwater

Buttons, crowns and pushers interact with openings in the case. Unless the manufacturer specifically allows it, avoid pressing pushers or pulling and unscrewing crowns while the watch is wet.

Check the crown

If your watch has a screw-down crown, make sure it is properly screwed back in after setting the time. An unsecured crown is the most common way a water-resistant watch lets water in.

Avoid unnecessary impacts

Some watches are purposely built for rough environments — G-SHOCK is designed around shock resistance. A fine dress watch or a traditional mechanical watch shouldn't be treated the same way. Choose the right watch for the activity.

Store watches properly

When you're not wearing a watch, keep it somewhere dry, secure, clean and away from objects that can scratch it. Avoid tossing watches, jewellery and keys together in a drawer — cases and bracelets scratch each other easily.

Service when necessary

Mechanical watches contain many moving parts and eventually benefit from professional servicing. Traditional quartz watches need battery replacement. Water resistance may need periodic testing as seals age.

Our own jewellers and watchmakers handle batteries, pressure testing, bracelet sizing, crystals and full servicing in-house at Golden Gate Jewellery, 1700 Wilson Avenue, North York — see our watch services and repairs page. Follow the recommendations for your specific manufacturer and model.

Wear it

Don't become so focused on keeping your watch perfect that you stop enjoying it. Normal wear happens. A good watch is meant to become part of your life: take reasonable care of it, service it when needed, then enjoy wearing it.