Keeping your
watch in perfect condition requires attention and care. Besides a proper service to ensure its optimal functioning, it is also paramount
to keep a close eye on its cleaning. Daily use and contact with chemical products can alter a timepiece’s original appearance, that shine that initially drew your eye to it. Discover
how to clean your watch
and let it catch your fancy once again.
How to clean a watch according to its water resistance
To
clean a watch, you first need to make sure its technical checks are up to date and ensure the crown is screwed properly. Also, you need to
determine its water resistance in order to choose an appropriate cleaning method that doesn’t endanger the timepiece’s integrity.
Water resistance determines how the process should be carried out. Let’s see some of the distinguishing characteristics, depending on the type of watch.
How to clean watches that are not water-resistant
When it comes to cleaning watches that are not water-resistant, we must be very careful. Normally, we speak of timepieces with a leather strap. During its natural life cycle, a strap of this kind will
change colour and, with the passing of time, its original appearance alters. If you need to clean a non-water-resistant watch with a leather strap, you must take into consideration the following:
• The leather strap must not be soaked.
• Wiping lightly with a damp cloth should be enough to get rid of any dirt.
• Look into using some sort of gel, oil or cream to keep the watch’s leather strap hydrated.
How to clean water-resistant watches in 4 steps
Learn how to clean a water-resistant watch in four easy steps:
1- Submerge the timepiece in lukewarm water with liquid soap for a few minutes. It is worth reminding you should never press the pushers while the watch is wet or underwater.
Of course, neither should you touch the crown at any point of the cleaning process.
2- Use a brush with soft bristles for each metallic link in the bracelet.
3- Rinse with abundant lukewarm water.
4- Dry completely with a cloth that does not leave any debris or lint.
How to clean watches with a fabric strap
Watch straps that are made of fabric are easy to wash by hand. The most advisable course of action would be to separate them from the case and rinse them softly with water that has an appropriate temperature to the fabric’s composition,
using a mild and neutral detergent.
Watches with rubber straps, as good as new
To clean watches with rubber straps, it would be convenient to follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Generally this material can be washed with soap and water, but make sure of it before you begin cleaning your timepiece.
What do you need to clean a watch?
Once you have determined what sort of watch you own and its unique features, it is time to roll up your sleeves. First, however, prepare all the necessary tools for a basic cleaning of your timepiece at home:
• Neutral liquid soap.
• Lukewarm water.
• Jewellery or toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Cloth that doesn’t leave behind debris or lint.
• Cotton buds and toothpicks, should you wish a more exhaustive cleaning, or in case there are any difficult-access areas.
Tips to clean your watch and keep it like the first day
1.
Frequency. Prolong your watch’s original gleam by
cleaning it with a regularity that is in accordance to how often you use it. If you wear it daily, you ought to clean it more frequently than if you only bring it out during special occasions.
2.
Materials. Dedicate some time to get to know your watch, and to determine what it is made of. Depending on your timepiece, the cleaning process may vary.
3.
Separate the straps from the cases. This must only be done when the watch in question has a quick and easy changing system for its straps or bracelet. If you entertain the smallest doubt,
it would be best to check with expert staff, such as ours at Relojería Alemana.
4.
Watches designed for the sea require a fresh water cleaning after any nautical sporting session. This is to eliminate any lingering salt, sand and other residues.
5.
Family heirloom. If you have a jewellery timepiece with precious gemstones that has been passed down by your family members, or else a
vintage-style bronze watch, it would be best to
turn to the services of a professional. They know best how to look after such a special piece.
Use these
cleaning tips and boast of a shiny watch. If you run into any qualms about how to
maintain your timepiece in tip-top condition,
get in touch with our experts at Relojería Alemana.
They will help you bring out its gleam as if it were the first day. You can also access specific information about servicing
Tudor Watches and
Rolex timepieces on our website.
If you are looking for exclusive pieces and
watches from the best brands, you will find them at our
shops in Mallorca, either to gift,
or to treat yourself. We would be delighted to help you choose!
