How to properly care for your watch: The art of extending time

A watch is not only a practical timekeeping tool, but also an important accessory that reflects personal taste and style. Whether it is a luxury brand watch or a fashionable style worn daily, regular maintenance is essential to extend the life of the watch, maintain its accuracy and perfect appearance. Here are some practical tips and suggestions on watch care.

1. Daily wear precautions
   Waterproof performance: Most watches have a certain waterproof rating, but even waterproof watches should avoid contact with hot water or steam (such as showers or saunas) because high temperatures may affect the performance of the seals.
   Shock protection: Although modern watches are generally designed with shockproof functions, it is still important to avoid severe collisions, especially mechanical watches, whose delicate internal structures are easily damaged.
   Stay away from magnetic fields: Mobile phones, speakers or other magnetic devices may interfere with the normal operation of mechanical watches and affect the accuracy of time.
2. Regular cleaning
   Exterior cleaning: Use a soft dry cloth or a slightly damp towel to gently wipe the watch case and strap to remove daily accumulated sweat and dust.
   Deep cleaning: For metal straps or waterproof cases, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in warm water and neutral detergent to gently scrub, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Be careful not to let the detergent contact the dial or back cover of non-waterproof watches.
   Professional cleaning: It is recommended to send the watch to a professional repair center for thorough cleaning every 1-2 years, especially for mechanical watches and high-end watches.
3. Special maintenance of mechanical watches
   Regular winding: Manual mechanical watches need to be wound once a day or according to the frequency of use to ensure the normal operation of the movement. For automatic mechanical watches, if they are not worn for a long time, they should be wound manually to keep the movement lubricated.
   Movement maintenance: Mechanical watches require regular maintenance, usually professional maintenance every 3-5 years, including cleaning, changing lubricants and correcting parts.
4. Strap maintenance
   Leather strap: Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight and contact with moisture to prevent leather aging or deformation. Professional leather care products can be used for regular maintenance.
   Metal strap: Regularly clean dust and dirt in the gaps to maintain the metal luster.
   Rubber strap: Wipe with a damp cloth, but avoid contact with chemicals or high temperatures.
5. Storage precautions
   Special storage: When not wearing the watch, it is recommended to store it in a watch box to avoid dust and moisture.
   Constant temperature environment: Avoid placing the watch in an environment with extreme temperature or humidity changes, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
6. Regular inspection
   Even if the watch seems to be running normally, it should be sent to a professional watch shop for inspection every 1-2 years to ensure that the movement is well lubricated and waterproof, and that consumable parts such as waterproof rings and batteries are replaced in time.

Summary
Proper daily wearing habits and regular maintenance are the key to extending the life of the watch. Whether you have a precious mechanical watch or a classic quartz watch, investing a little time and effort in maintenance can not only maintain its appearance and performance, but also ensure that it will accompany you through more good times. Communicate regularly with a professional watchmaker to keep abreast of the status of your watch and inject long-term vitality into your wrist treasure.

Although time is constantly flowing, a watch that is carefully cared for will always be with you faithfully.