Caring for Your Brand Name Watches

Brand name watches need to be treated like any other luxury item - they need to be maintained and properly cared for. A high quality watch is not cheap and you should care for it just like your other pieces of jewelry. Not only will caring for it protect its beauty, it will also ensure it tells time accurately. Although each brand will have specific guidelines, here are basic tips to keep all high quality watches working for a lifetime.

Some general rules to always follow include avoiding water damage, extreme temperatures, chemicals or solvents, and strong electric fields. If your watch is water resistant, check the manual to see how much water it can withstand. If water or condensation ever appears on the inside of the face, always have it checked by a specialist. Most high quality watches are made to withstand shock, but you still need to avoid extreme impact. Unless your watch is corrosion resistant, avoid contact with salt water. If salt water seeps in, you'll have to take another trip to get it fixed.

Whether you have a leather strap or a metal bracelet, there are a few precautions you can take to ensure it does not wear. Don't use perfume/cologne or moisturizers around your wrist. The chemicals can erode the strap, no matter if it is leather or metal. If you have a leather strap, don't leave it in direct sunlight because it will cause it to fade. To clean a metal bracelet, first remove it (if you can, otherwise don't let the face come into contact with water).Soak the bracelet in water with dish soap or rubbing alcohol. The longer it soaks, the more the dirt will loosen and it will be easier to clean. Scrub carefully with a soft bristled toothbrush. Rinse the bracelet and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

To clean the face of the watch, use a very slightly moistened soft cloth and carefully dry. If you own a leather watch, try to wipe the band often with a soft cloth to get rid of perspiration. You can clean it with a little bit of water and mild soap. Use a soft cloth and never immerse the cloth in water - it should be slightly damp. Rinse the cloth and dampen it again to wash away the soap. Then dry it thoroughly. Leather conditions can also be used to keep the leather moist. Most are relatively inexpensive, but always read the label to make sure it can be used on the watch strap.

Besides cleaning, watches will also need to be wound regularly to ensure that they continue to keep time accurately. If the watches have a manual mechanical movement, wind the watch once a day. Do not over-wind it and stop when you feel resistance. If the watch has automatic mechanical movement, wind the watch once every two weeks if you wear the watch every day. Otherwise, you can wind it twice weekly. Regardless of the type of watch, have it serviced by a professional every two to three years.

With a little bit of care, you can provide your brand name watch with longevity and keep it telling time for years to come.