Sounding The Alarm

You’ve finally bought the expensive branded watch that you’ve always dreamed of but are simply too paranoid about ruining it to actually enjoy it! Wipe away your trepidation. Gurjeet Singh Dahri gives you a few dos and don’ts.

Being the proud owner of a Rolex or a Cartier or an A. Lange & Söhne puts you in a different league altogether. But though these watches have stood the test of time in severe conditions, they too need care. What you finally do with your priceless timepiece is ultimately in your hands but here are a few valuable tips to help you preserve your precious possession.

Do not shower with your watch on. The soap, shampoo and other chemical compounds can destroy the gaskets and turn them into goo!

Do not pull out the crown or activate any button on the watch while under water (or in the water). If you do, water will instantly enter the watch!

Do not put off servicing your mechanical watch for more than 10 years. A watch that is not serviced is like a car that’s been running for 20 years minus an oil change. It is not recommended that any mechanical watch be put in a safe or lock box for years, even if it has just been serviced. A mechanical watch needs to be wound and run from time-to-time to keep the lubrication in the watch from congealing.

Water Proofing: A primary factor to keep in mind about water-resistance is that periodic maintenance is needed to preserve original factory specifications. As the watch ages, the gaskets that seal the watch become dry and brittle, diminishing its water-resistant quality. Exposure to environment like chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps can accelerate the drying of the gaskets. It is recommended to change the gasket every 18 to 24 months to maintain the water resistant quality of your timepiece.

Servicing your watch: The time period recommended for this is 2 to 10 years depending on the watch and how much it is worn. If you have a vintage wristwatch that is not sealed and is not dust and water-resistant that you wear daily then the two-year mark may be appropriate. In case of a more modern wristwatch that is sealed and is marked as being dust and water-resistant, then the 10 year figure may be appropriate even if the watch is worn daily.