LUXURY TIMEPIECE CARE

Just like fine jewelry, you will have to clean your timepiece. And just like fine jewelry, you need to clean your watch with care. Luxury timepieces are built to last, but the wrong cleaning products can do permanent damage to them. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean your metal watch cases and bracelets. Try to avoid getting leather straps wet. If they get to moist, it can permanently damage their appearance. Do NOT immerse your watch in hot water, even if your watch is water-resistant. Hot water can damage the watch's gaskets.

If your watch has a rubber strap, it can be cleaned by immersing the strap (not the watch itself) in soapy water. Any diamond or gemstone embellishments on your watch should be gently scrubbed with a soapy brush. The key word here is gently: You don't want to end up scratching or scuffing your watch. You don't need to clean your watch every day with water, but you should wipe it down every night before going to bed to make sure your watch is free of any dust, dirt, or clinging perspiration.

Take care to keep your watch away from extreme temperatures. High levels of heat can shorten the life of your watch's battery! Extremely cold temperatures can mess with your watch's ability to tell time accurately. When you are not wearing the watch, store it in a soft cloth in a temperate environment.

If your watch is not water resistant, you should remove it before swimming, working in water, taking a shower, etc. If the watch gets wet, you need to dry it as soon as possible. Water can penetrate the case and damage the movement of your watch. If you have a water resistant timepiece, you still should dry it after getting wet. Saltwater and chlorine can cling to the watch and cause damage over time. It is also important to realize that a watch's water resistance isn't permanent: It can be worn down over time. The gasket or crystal in your watch can weaken and cause water to leak into the watch. 

Think of your luxury timepiece like a fine automobile: Every once in a while, it is going to need to be taken into the shop for a tune-up. When purchasing a luxury timepiece, ask how often it should be brought in to be serviced. Not all watch companies suggest the same frequency of visits. Frequent servicing can be seen as an added cost, but consider this: Doing regular service will keep your luxury timepiece going strong and ticking away in great shape. Most luxury watches are built to last for a long, long time. With the right amount of TLC, the timepiece can even outlast their owners. If you don't get your watch serviced by a professional, it can break down over time: Just like the parts of a car, the parts that keep a watch going get wear and tear and need to be replaced.