Your Watch Is an Investment — Treat It Like One
A luxury watch is one of the few things you can wear every day that may actually appreciate in value over time. But that outcome depends, in no small part, on how well you care for it. Whether you have just acquired your first Rolex or you are adding to a growing collection, understanding proper watch care is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from daily habits that prevent damage to professional service recommendations that keep your timepiece running for decades.
Daily Wear Tips
The best thing you can do for your watch is wear it. Mechanical watches benefit from regular use — the oils in the movement stay distributed, the mainspring stays wound, and the watch performs as designed. That said, daily wear comes with responsibilities.
Put Your Watch On Last, Take It Off First
This old rule exists for good reason. Cologne, hairspray, lotions, and cleaning products can all damage a watch's case finishing, gaskets, and bracelet. Apply your grooming products first, let them dry, and then put on your watch. At the end of the day, remove the watch before washing your hands with soap or applying moisturizer.
Avoid Magnets
Modern life is full of magnetic fields — smartphones, tablets, laptop speakers, magnetic clasps on bags, and even refrigerator doors. While many modern movements (including Rolex's calibres and Omega's Master Chronometer movements) feature antimagnetic properties, older watches are vulnerable. Magnetization can cause a watch to run fast, sometimes by minutes per day. If you suspect your watch has been magnetized, a watchmaker can demagnetize it in seconds.
Crown Care
Your crown is the gateway to the movement, and it is also the most common point of water ingress. On screw-down crowns (found on most dive and sport watches), always ensure the crown is fully screwed in before exposing the watch to water. Never operate the crown when the watch is wet. And never force a crown — if it feels stuck, have it examined by a professional rather than risking damage to the threads.
Cleaning Your Watch at Home
Regular cleaning keeps your watch looking its best and prevents the buildup of dirt, sweat, and grime that can affect bracelet articulation and case finishing.
For steel and ceramic watches with adequate water resistance (100m or more), a gentle rinse under lukewarm water with a soft brush (a clean, soft toothbrush works well) is sufficient for routine cleaning. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
For precious metal watches (gold, platinum) or watches with lower water resistance, use a slightly damp cloth instead. Never submerge a watch unless you are confident in its current water resistance — gaskets degrade over time, and a watch rated to 30m when new may not be water-resistant at all after years without service.
What to Avoid
Never use chemical cleaners, solvents, or ultrasonic cleaners on a watch at home. Chemical cleaners can damage gaskets, strip coatings, and discolour certain metals. Ultrasonic cleaning is used by professional watchmakers, but it requires removing the movement first — submerging a complete watch in an ultrasonic bath can force moisture into the case.
When to Service Your Watch
Every mechanical watch requires periodic servicing, regardless of brand or price. A full service typically involves disassembling the movement, cleaning every component, replacing worn parts, re-oiling, reassembling, and regulating. Gaskets are replaced, and the case and bracelet are cleaned (and optionally polished).
General service intervals vary by brand — Rolex recommends approximately every 10 years for modern calibres, Omega suggests every 5 to 8 years, and most other manufacturers fall somewhere in between. However, you should have your watch examined sooner if you notice any of the following: significant loss or gain of time, the power reserve seems shorter than usual, the crown feels different when winding, or condensation appears under the crystal.
Insurance and Documentation
Caring for your watch also means protecting it financially. Make sure your watch is adequately insured — either through a dedicated jewelry and watch policy or as a scheduled item on your homeowner's or renter's insurance. Keep purchase receipts, authentication documents, and photographs in a secure location.
In Canada, specialized watch insurance providers offer coverage for theft, loss, accidental damage, and even mysterious disappearance. The annual premium is typically 1 to 2 percent of the insured value — a small price for peace of mind.
For more detailed guidance on protecting your watch from physical damage, explore our guide to STYX watch protection film — a virtually invisible film that shields your watch from scratches and scuffs without altering its appearance.
The Bottom Line
A well-maintained luxury watch can last generations. The habits you develop today — careful daily wear, regular cleaning, timely professional service, and proper insurance — will determine whether your watch remains a source of pride and value for decades to come. If you have specific care questions about a watch in your collection, our team at Watches Established is always happy to help.
