How do I care for my watch?

Watches need constant care andattention to maintain their workability as well as their appearance. Here are a few general tips on how to conserve the beauty and functionality of your timepiece:

1. Water damages can easily ruin your watch's appearance and functionality. Check with the manufacturer whether your watch is water resistant. Generally speaking, it would be wise to remove your watch during all activities which involve prolonged exposure to water or humidity. I would recommend removing your watch every time you shower or swim, even if the watch is water proof. Especially avoid salt water, which can corrode your watch's metal.

2. Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures. Intense heat and humidity can ruin the watch's internal mechanisms and springs and can shorten the battery's life, as well as corrode the metal of the band and watch face.

3. Remove your watch while doing household chores, or other activities which involve chemicals and detergents, which can be very harmful to the structural integrity of your watch's metal parts.

4. Most household electrical items will not harm your watch and its internal mechanisms. However, you should always avoid exposing your watch to strong electrical currents and fields.
5. Shocks can easily damage your watch and its internal mechanisms. Avoid strenuously exercising with your watch on and try not to drop it onto hard surfaces.

6. Perspiration can corrode your watch's face and metal band. Wipe your watch clean when it is exposed to heavy perspiration. Also, if your watch has a leather strap, try and loosen it a bit so as to avoid the strap soaking up an excessive amount of perspiration.

7. Avoid prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Intensely low temperatures can cause the liquid crystal found inside digital watches to slow.

8. If you notice that there is humidity inside your watch face, avoid taking the watch apart in an attempt to drain the water. Instead, take the watch to a watchmaker or repairer. He will make sure to check whether your watch has sustained any permanent damage.

9. Avoid wearing perfume or lotions on your watch hand. The chemicals and acids found in these compounds can damage your watch's strap (whether it is made out of plastic, leather or precious metal).

10. It is important to properly store your watch while you are not wearing it. Keep your watch in a separate box or soft cloth pouch, so its glass face will not get scratched. Do not leave your watch out in the open or in direct sunlight, as it can bake the watch's mechanisms and ruin leather straps.

11. If your watch becomes dirty avoid dipping it in water. Instead use a soft bristled brush and mild toothpaste to polish the watch's face and band., or simply take the watch to your local jeweler or watch maker and have him clean your watch off for you.

12. Your watch should be periodically cleaned and maintained by a jeweler or watchmaker. The manufacturer's instructions will let you know how often the watch should be taken in for maintenance.

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