Owning a luxury watch is more than a fashion statement – it’s a commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and timeless design. But even the most well-built timepieces can suffer from wear, damage, or early aging if they’re not properly maintained. Unfortunately, many watch owners unknowingly make small mistakes that lead to hefty repair bills.
To help you avoid unnecessary damage, here are the top watch maintenance errors to avoid – plus the right ways to care for your timepiece so it remains in perfect working order.
Wearing Your Watch in the Wrong Conditions
One of the most common and costly watch care mistakes is wearing it in environments that can harm it. Just because a watch says “water resistant” doesn’t mean it’s invincible – especially if the seals haven’t been maintained.
What to Avoid:
- Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools is not recommended because both environments are harsh on the materials and seals that protect your watch. Both corrode stainless steel, while chlorine causes straps to lose colour and breaks the rubber gaskets that make the watch water resistant.
- Hot tubs and saunas because heat causes seals to expand and fail.
- Showering or washing hands with your watch on.
Even small amounts of moisture can lead to condensation inside the case, which is a major issue for mechanical movements. We recommend having your watch pressure tested regularly to ensure its water resistance is in good shape.
DIY Watch Cleaning Gone Wrong
Keeping your watch looking clean is important, but how not to clean your luxury watch is just as important. DIY cleaning is where many well-meaning owners slip up.
Common mistakes include:
- Using household cleaners that are too harsh
- Scrubbing with abrasive cloths or paper towels
- Letting water seep into the crown or pushers
This is especially risky for older models or a used Rolex, where the seals may already be compromised and the finish more delicate. One wrong move can lead to scratches or moisture damage that’s expensive to fix.
The Right Way to Clean:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth for daily wipe-downs.
- Lightly dampen a soft brush to remove dirt between bracelet links.
- Avoid soaking your watch or exposing it to pressurized water.
- Let professionals handle deep cleaning or polishing to preserve value.
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Skipping Regular Servicing
A luxury watch might keep ticking even if it hasn’t been serviced in years – but that doesn’t mean everything inside is working as it should.
Skipping maintenance is one of the most overlooked yet damaging mistakes you can make.
Over time, oils dry up and components begin to wear, affecting accuracy and increasing the risk of long-term damage.
Recommended Servicing:
- Mechanical Watches: Every 3 to 5 years.
- Quartz Watches: Replace the battery every other year and do a full service every 5 to 7 years.
Routine servicing keeps your movement clean, lubricated, and functioning properly – and protects your investment in the long run.
Storing Your Watch the Wrong Way
It’s easy to overlook how you store your watch, especially when you’re in a rush. But how you set it down (or toss it into a drawer) can actually affect how well it holds up as time goes on.
What to avoid when storing your watch:
- Putting it face-down on hard surfaces, which leads to scratches over time.
- Tossing it in drawers where it rubs against other objects.
- Storing near electronics, which can magnetize the movement.
Best Practices:
- Use a watch box with individual padded compartments.
- Avoid magnetic fields (speakers, phones, laptops).
- If your watch is automatic and you don’t wear it often, consider using a watch winder to keep it running smoothly.
Attempting Repairs Yourself
There’s a reason professional watchmakers go through years of training. Attempting to adjust or repair a watch yourself is one of the quickest ways to cause serious damage. Preventing damage during DIY watch care starts with knowing when not to attempt it at all.
What Can Go Wrong:
- Scratching the caseback while trying to open it.
- Stripping bracelet screws.
- Damaging seals or internal parts without proper tools.
Final Thoughts
Luxury watches are built to last, but they still need some TLC to stay in top condition. By avoiding these common watch care mistakes – whether it’s cleaning incorrectly, storing poorly, or skipping service – you’re protecting your timepiece’s performance and long-term value. If you have any further questions or thoughts, call the team at Toronto Watch Exchange today!