Caring for Your Luxury Watch

A fine watch is more than a timepiece — it is a work of craftsmanship designed to be enjoyed for generations. With proper care and regular maintenance, your watch can retain both its performance and beauty for many years to come.

At The Art Watches, we are passionate about exceptional timepieces and believe that every watch deserves the care and attention it was created for.

Understanding Your Watch

Every luxury watch is a precision instrument made up of hundreds of carefully engineered components. Whether your watch is powered by a battery, manual winding, or automatic movement, proper handling and maintenance are essential for long-term reliability.

Factors that may affect a watch’s performance include:

• Strong impacts or shocks
• Magnetic fields
• Extreme temperatures
• Water exposure
• Chemicals, perfumes, and cosmetics
• Lack of regular servicing

Even the finest watches require periodic maintenance to perform at their best.

Recommended Service Intervals

Luxury watches should be inspected and serviced regularly by a qualified watchmaker.

A complete service typically includes:

• Movement inspection
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Lubrication of moving parts
• Replacement of worn seals and gaskets
• Water-resistance testing (when applicable)
• Regulation and performance checks

As a general guideline, we recommend servicing your watch every 5–7 years, depending on the model, manufacturer, and how frequently it is worn.

If you have recently purchased a pre-owned watch and do not have a documented service history, we recommend having it inspected by an authorized watchmaker before daily use.

When Should a Luxury Watch Be Serviced?

While many luxury watches can operate for years without obvious issues, internal oils gradually age and components naturally wear over time. Regular servicing helps maintain accuracy, reliability, and long-term value.

General Service Recommendations

• Mechanical and automatic watches: every 5–7 years
• Quartz watches: periodic inspection and servicing as required, particularly during battery replacement
• Vintage watches: more frequent inspections may be beneficial depending on age and condition

Signs Your Watch May Need Service

Consider having your watch inspected if you notice:

• Loss of accuracy
• Reduced power reserve
• Moisture or condensation under the crystal
• Difficulty adjusting the time or date
• Unusual sounds from the movement
• Crown or pushers becoming difficult to operate

Addressing these issues early can often prevent more extensive repairs later.

Professional Watch Servicing

At The Art Watches, we understand the importance of preserving the performance, reliability, and value of your timepiece.

Our watch servicing specialists can assist with inspections, maintenance, pressure testing, polishing, movement servicing, and repairs for many of the world’s most respected watch brands.

To learn more about our servicing options, please visit our Service Centre.

Whether your watch requires a routine inspection or a complete overhaul, our team is here to help ensure it continues to perform at its best for years to come.

Protecting Your Watch

To preserve your watch in the best possible condition:

• Avoid dropping or striking the watch against hard surfaces.
• Keep your watch away from strong magnets, speakers, and electronic devices that may affect accuracy.
• Remove your watch before activities that involve heavy vibration or impact.
• Avoid exposing leather straps to water, perfumes, lotions, or excessive sunlight.
• Clean your watch regularly using a soft microfiber cloth.

A few moments of care can significantly extend the life of your timepiece.

Caring for the Bracelet and Strap

Leather Straps

Leather is a natural material that develops character over time.

To maximize its lifespan:

• Avoid water and excessive moisture.
• Keep away from perfumes and cosmetics.
• Wipe gently with a dry cloth when needed.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

As leather straps naturally wear over time, periodic replacement is normal and expected.

Metal Bracelets

Metal bracelets are durable but collect dust, oils, and debris through everyday wear.

For routine care:

• Wipe the bracelet with a soft cloth after use.
• Have it professionally cleaned during regular servicing.
• Ensure water-resistant watches are pressure-tested before deep cleaning.

Understanding Watch Movements

Quartz Watches

Quartz watches are powered by a battery and offer exceptional accuracy with minimal maintenance.

Typical accuracy:

±15 seconds per month.

Manual-Wind Watches

Manual watches contain a mechanical movement and require regular winding by hand.

Because they contain many delicate moving parts, they are more sensitive to shocks and environmental changes.

Typical accuracy:

Within several minutes per month, depending on the model.

Automatic Watches

Automatic watches are mechanical watches powered by the movement of your wrist.

If not worn for several days, the watch may stop and require manual winding before use.

Like all mechanical watches, slight variations in timekeeping are normal and part of their character.

Water Resistance

Water resistance should never be assumed based solely on the markings printed on a watch.

Over time, seals and gaskets naturally age and should be checked periodically.

For watches that regularly come into contact with water, we recommend annual water-resistance testing.

General Guide

30m / 3 ATM / 3 Bar

• Everyday wear
• Hand washing
• Light rain

50m / 5 ATM / 5 Bar

• Suitable for occasional water exposure

100m / 10 ATM / 10 Bar

• Swimming and showering

200m / 20 ATM / 20 Bar

• Water sports and recreational diving

Always ensure the crown is fully secured before exposing a watch to water.

Important: Water resistance is not permanent. Gaskets and seals naturally age over time, which is why regular testing is recommended, especially before swimming, diving, or extended water exposure.

Storage

When not wearing your watch:

• Store it in a watch box or protective case.
• Keep it away from humidity and direct sunlight.
• Avoid storing near electronic devices with strong magnetic fields.
• Automatic watches may benefit from a quality watch winder if worn infrequently.

Proper storage helps preserve both the movement and cosmetic condition of your watch.

Our Commitment

Every watch offered by The Art Watches is carefully inspected for authenticity and quality. We believe transparency and trust are essential when purchasing a luxury timepiece.

Whether you own a modern luxury watch, a cherished heirloom, or a collectible vintage timepiece, proper care will help ensure it continues to perform beautifully for years to come.

If you have any questions regarding your watch, servicing, maintenance, or daily care, our team is always happy to assist.

The Art Watches

Timeless craftsmanship. Lasting confidence.