Your Guide to Maintaining a Mechanical Watch

Mechanical watches often cost more than regular watches. But if you take good care of them, they can last a lifetime. There are even heirloom watches that work for more than 100 years. So how can you keep your mechanical watch in good shape? Do you need to take the wristwatch in for servicing? The following guide will answer all your concerns about maintaining your automatic watches, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Cleaning a Mechanical Watch

Cleaning your watch is the primary care that needs to be done regularly. Wipe the timepiece with a soft cloth to remove the dust on the bracelet and strap. If your mechanical watch is not water-resistant, wipe it with a dry cloth. For water-resistant watches, you can use a mixture of water and mild soap for cleaning. When you’re not using your watch, keep it in a box so that it’s safe and free from any potential scratches and hits.

Water and Mechanical Watches

Most watches come with the standard 3 ATM water-resistant capacity. However, it’s essential to be cautious around water. For example, don’t wear your wristwatch when you take a hot shower because it may not withstand the heat. Similarly, 3 ATM is suitable only to withstand light rain and occasional splashes. Wearing your mechanical watch while swimming is also a bad idea. However, you can do so if it has a higher water-resistance capacity.

Keep Your Watch Away from Magnetic Fields

Mechanical watches are made of metals like mainsprings, lugs, coils, and discs. When they’re exposed to a magnetic field, they may stop functioning or show the incorrect time. Although many automatic watches have an anti-magnetic feature, it’s best to keep them away from electromagnetic gadgets and accessories.

Winding the Watch

Mechanical watches are either automatic or hand-wound. They’re powered by the mainsprings and motion of your wrist. Don’t wind your wristwatch while you are wearing it on your wrist, and don’t continue to wind it after you feel resistance. Automatic watches can reserve power for about 72 hours when you’re not wearing them.

Do Not Open the Watch by Yourself

Mechanical watches contain delicate parts that need an expert to handle them. When your watch has an issue, take it to a professional to be repaired. Also, service your watch once every three years to keep it functioning smoothly.