How to Care for Your Watch: Simple Maintenance Tips for Beginners

1. Clean Your Watch Regularly

Wipe your watch with a clean microfibre cloth after wearing it. This removes fingerprints, sweat, dust, and light marks from the case, crystal, and bracelet. Regular wiping also helps the watch keep a cleaner appearance over time.

For watches with a 316L stainless steel bracelet, dirt may slowly build up between the links. A gentle clean from time to time can help keep the bracelet fresh and comfortable on the wrist. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive cloths, or strong polishing products that may affect the finish.

2. Check Water Resistance Before Getting It Wet

Always check your watch’s water-resistance rating before swimming, showering, or exposing it to water. Different watches are designed for different levels of water exposure. Do not assume that every watch is suitable for swimming or water sports.

Before water contact, make sure the crown is fully pushed in or properly secured. An open crown may allow moisture to enter the watch and affect the movement. It is also best to avoid unnecessary exposure to hot water, steam, soap, and strong chemicals.

3. Avoid Hard Impacts

Watches are made for daily wear, but they should still be protected from strong knocks, drops, and hard impacts. A heavy impact can affect both the outside of the watch and the movement inside. The case, bracelet, crown, bezel, and crystal can all be affected by a serious knock.

Sapphire crystal is highly scratch resistant, but it is not completely damage-proof. Even if a watch looks normal after a drop, its timekeeping may be affected. Try to avoid wearing your watch during activities where it may repeatedly hit hard surfaces.

4. Keep Your Automatic Watch Running

Automatic watches are powered by wrist movement and do not use batteries. As you move throughout the day, the movement stores energy in its power reserve. This stored energy keeps the watch running when it is not actively moving.

If your watch has been left unworn, it may stop once the power reserve runs out. This is normal and does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the watch. Gently wind the crown if your model allows it, then wear it regularly to help maintain its power reserve.

5. Keep It Away From Strong Magnets

Strong magnets can affect the accuracy of an automatic watch. Magnetic phone accessories, speakers, tablet covers, and magnetic clasps may affect the movement when placed too close for too long. A magnetised watch may still run, but it can begin gaining or losing time more quickly than usual.

Try not to place your watch directly on magnetic charging stands, speakers, or magnetic phone cases. Keeping some distance from these items is usually enough for normal daily use. If you notice unusual timekeeping changes, contact Hoursphere for advice.

6. Store Your Watch Properly

When you are not wearing your watch, keep it in its watch box or another clean and dry place. Proper storage helps protect it from dust, moisture, sunlight, and unnecessary scratches. It also prevents the bracelet, case, or crystal from rubbing against other metal items.

Avoid leaving your watch loose beside keys, jewellery, or other accessories. Do not leave it in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or near strong heat sources for long periods. A watch box, pouch, or dedicated storage area is usually the safest option.

7. Know When to Contact Hoursphere

Some watch issues should be checked early rather than ignored. Contact Hoursphere if you notice moisture under the crystal, a loose crown, difficulty winding, unusual timekeeping, or visible damage after an impact. These signs may mean that the watch needs professional attention.

Moisture inside the watch should be addressed quickly because it can affect the movement over time. It is always better to ask early if something does not feel right. Continuing to wear a watch with a possible issue may allow the problem to become worse.

A Few Simple Habits Go a Long Way

Regular cleaning, careful storage, and avoiding unnecessary impacts can help your watch stay reliable and look its best over time. A watch is made to be worn and enjoyed. With a little care, it can remain a dependable part of your everyday routine for years.