How to Care for Your Watch So It Lasts a Decade

Watches fail in two ways: the movement fails, or the owner ignores it until it is too late. Most watch problems are preventable with a ten minute routine and a little knowledge.

Clean it regularly

Sweat, dust and humidity are the enemies. Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft microfibre cloth after heavy wear. For steel bracelets, a soft toothbrush with mild soap and water clears the links, then dry thoroughly. Leather straps never get wet, they get wiped and conditioned rarely.

Store it properly

Keep watches out of direct sunlight and away from humidity. A simple watch box or a pouch works. Automatics that are not worn daily can sit in a winder or be wound manually every few weeks. Quartz watches can be left running for years.

Know the service cycle

• Quartz: battery every 1 to 3 years, pressure test with each change
• Automatic: full service every 4 to 6 years
• Water resistance: reseal gaskets after battery changes
• Magnets: keep watches away from speakers and strong magnets

When to see a professional

If the watch stops, runs fast or slow, or the crown feels loose, take it to a reputable watchmaker rather than a general jeweller. In Dhaka, established watch service shops handle most brands. Cheap repair jobs create bigger bills later.

A watch you service is a watch you keep. The ten year watch is almost always the one that was cared for.