GENERAL PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WITH A WATCH
First, do not engage in high-level physical activities , whether sporting or manual, you risk exposing your watch to damaging shocks. Similarly, we recommend that you wear it snugly on your wrist . By wearing it too loose, you risk hitting it, if its bracelet is made of steel, this will promote its loosening and promote scratches.
Also avoid taking your shower with it . If its strap is made of leather, this goes without saying. But a steel or rubber strap will not appreciate being dirty with soap residue either. Also spare your watch any contact with chemicals or cosmetic products.
In general, remember to protect your watch from excessive sunlight (= do not leave it in direct sunlight for a whole day) but also from excessive humidity which could damage the seals or even create condensation under the glass.
CHECK THE WATERPROOFNESS OF YOUR WATCH AND CLEAN IT
THE WATERPROOFNESS OF A WATCH
Before talking about cleaning itself, we think it is essential to give you some details about waterproofing. You may have noticed a waterproofing indication on the back of your watch. Be careful, the words "waterproof to 30 m" do not mean that you can dive to a depth of 30 m.
The water resistance classification of watches is divided into several levels. These levels are represented by the ATM unit (or Normal Atmosphere) which is always indicated by the manufacturers. This unit of measurement, which is specific to watchmaking, indicates the maximum pressure level that a watch can withstand. To give you an idea, 1 ATM corresponds to the Earth's atmospheric pressure. It is important to break one of the most classic preconceived ideas which consists of believing that the number of meters that accompanies an ATM measurement such as 1 ATM - 10 meters, means that you can go down to 10 meters deep with your watch. This conclusion is totally false.
ATM CLASSIFICATION
3ATM / 30 BAR / 30 METERS
At this level, your watch will be protected from splashes, rain, and humidity. You will be able to keep it in the shower, or when you do the dishes.
5ATM / 50 BAR / 50 METERS
A 5 ATM / 50 meter watch can accompany you in the water. You can wear it in the shower or in the pool as long as you don't dive with it.
10 ATM / 10 BAR / 100 METERS
A watch of this level can accompany you in all your contacts with water. Whether it is swimming in a pool, or water sports that will require more movement and strength. You can also go diving with this type of watch.
20 ATM / 20 BAR / 200 METERS
This type of watch is ideal for scuba diving and deep dives. However, it is best not to keep it at a depth below 50 meters.
30 ATM / 30 BAR / 300 METERS
Watches with a level of 30 ATM / 300 meters are suitable for diving in deep waters up to saturation. These watches are the most pressure resistant.
CLEANING A WATCH
Your watch is perfectly waterproof and you have decided to swim with it? Don't forget to rinse it well with clean water after swimming . Generally speaking, you can clean it from time to time with a very soft brush (an old toothbrush for example) and a little soapy water. After rinsing the watch well, we recommend that you wipe it and then dry it with a soft cloth. You can do the same thing for a steel or rubber strap.
If your watch is not waterproof, clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Then wipe with a soft, dry cloth to complete the operation.
As for leather straps, they obviously do not need to be cleaned. Their longevity depends on a number of factors: the quality of the leather, the acidity of your skin, the climate, and how often you wear your watch.
CHECK THE OPERATION OF YOUR WATCH
You are holding in your hands a small technical gem, capable of operating for thousands of hours without letting you down... It deserves special attention! It is indeed essential to take care of the movement of your watch .
If you have a quartz watch, nothing could be simpler: you just need to change the battery as soon as it is no longer usable. Be careful not to leave a discharged battery for too long. in your watch, it could damage the movement.
If you are the lucky owner of a mechanical watch, you will have a little more "work". First, think about wearing it regularly . If you forget it for too long at the bottom of its case, you risk seeing the oil in the movement solidify.
FOR A SELF-WINDING MECHANICAL WATCH
The principle of an automatic watch is that the energy needed for its proper functioning is provided by the movements of your wrist. The ideal solution would therefore be to wear it every day.
FOR A MANUALLY WINDING MECHANICAL WATCH
In this case, you need to wind it every morning. When you feel resistance in the rotation of the crown, it is perfectly wound. Several Swiss manufacturers have developed movements with a power reserve, you will find them for example in some Jaeger-LeCoultre or Panerai (up to 10 days). We will talk about this in detail in a future article. Our watches generally have a power reserve of 40 hours, which is specified on each advertisement.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WITH A WATCH
This is obvious, but always handle the crown of your watch with care, and especially never when it is wet . If your watch gives the date, remember not to change it between 10am and 2am , this could cause the date disc to jump. This period is called the dead zone.
WHAT TO DO WITH A WATCH THAT IS LAGLING OR FASTING?
If you have noticed that your watch is suddenly running very fast or slow, it may be magnetized. This can happen, and it is not serious! In our modern world, magnetic fields are omnipresent: near electronic devices, household appliances, magnets (the one in your glasses case or the zipper of your bag, etc.). It is therefore not uncommon to magnetize a watch. By placing it next to a compass, you will see the needle start to race: this is a sign that cannot be mistaken. In this case, take it to your watchmaker who will be able to quickly resolve the problem using a demagnetizing box.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR WATCH SERVICED?
On this subject, do not forget that your watch requires regular servicing by a "quality" watchmaker, approximately every 5 to 7 years depending on the age of the watch, unless of course you notice an abnormal malfunction.
Be sure that the watchmaker you call upon is a serious professional with a good reputation . He must carry out a certain number of operations when servicing your watch:
- Opening the case
- Disassembly
- Checking and cleaning each part of the movement one by one
- Replacement of parts if necessary
- Needle control
- Winding and oiling the movement
- Changing the seals
- Closing the case
- Leakage control
- Control of chronometric performance.
If you wish, he can also do a light polishing. As an indication, it will cost you around €80 to €500 depending on the model of the watch, its condition and the quantity of parts to be changed.
CAUTION WHEN SERVICED YOUR VINTAGE WATCH
Vintage lovers, be careful. Be aware that if your timepiece is sent for servicing in the manufacturer's own workshops, you could have some unpleasant surprises. Indeed, the value of a vintage watch is closely linked to the patina of its dial and its original hands . However, for some watchmakers, a patina is equivalent to poor condition... and hey presto, the old hands that you found so beautifully patinated are replaced by brand new hands! Also remember to check that after servicing, if the watchmaker has changed parts, they are returned to you.
Whether you are passionate about watches or simply the owner of a watch that you like, these few tips should help you keep your timepiece in optimal condition and, who knows, perhaps one day pass it on to your children!
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