A high-quality luxury watch is more than just a timepiece - it is an investment, an expression of personal style and often an heirloom for generations to come. To ensure that your valuable watch from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or other premium brands retains its beauty and precision for decades to come, proper care is essential. In this guide, we share the expert knowledge of our watchmakers on how to properly maintain and care for your luxury watch.
Daily care: small gestures with a big impact
Regular maintenance of your luxury watch starts with simple daily routines:
Cleaning after wearing: Gently wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth after wearing it. This removes sweat, skin oils and environmental dust, which can otherwise penetrate into small gaps and cause corrosion in the long term.
Correct cleaning technique for steel watches: For steel cases and bracelets (like a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster), you can occasionally use a very mild soap solution and a soft toothbrush. Make sure that the crown is firmly closed and then rinse the watch thoroughly with clear water. Dry it immediately with a soft cloth.
Special care should be taken with leather watch straps: Leather wristbands should never get wet. Keep them away from water, sweat and moisture. A slightly damp cloth is sufficient for cleaning, followed by natural drying away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Storage when not in use: Keep your watch in a dry, dust-free place, ideally in its original box or a special watch case. If the watch is not used for a longer period of time, we also recommend placing a silica gel packet in the box to absorb moisture.
Dealing with mechanical watches
Mechanical watches are masterpieces of precision engineering and require special attention:
Wear automatic watches regularly: Automatic watches such as most modern Rolex models or the Patek Philippe Nautilus are wound by the movement of the wrist. If worn regularly (at least 8-10 hours a day), they remain optimally wound. A watch winder can be useful for infrequent use.
Manual winding: For manually wound watches, you should establish a regular rhythm. Ideally, wind the watch at the same time of day, preferably in the morning. Turn the crown gently and stop as soon as you feel resistance - overwinding can damage the movement.
Date and moon phase functions: Avoid setting the date, day of the week or moon phase between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am. During this time, the switching mechanisms of most watches are active and settings could damage the movement.
Operating chronographs correctly: With chronographs such as the Rolex Daytona or Omega Speedmaster, you should always press the stop button fully and not leave the chronograph function running for long periods of time if it is not needed.
Special challenges: Water, magnetic fields and shocks
Even robust sports watches need protection from certain influences:
Water resistance: Even diving watches such as the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster should be checked for water resistance after about 2-3 years. Seals age and need to be replaced regularly, especially if you actually wear the watch for swimming or diving.
After contact with salt water: After swimming in the sea, be sure to rinse your watch with fresh water to remove corrosive salt residues.
Avoid magnetic fields: Modern electronic devices, speakers, tablet cases with magnets and even fridge magnets can magnetise mechanical movements. A magnetised watch often goes too quickly and must be demagnetised by a specialist. Newer models such as the Rolex Milgauss or Omega with Master Chronometer certification offer improved magnetic field protection.
Minimise shocks: Despite robust construction, you should avoid heavy shocks. Take your luxury watch off before intensive sporting activities such as golf, tennis or chopping wood - the forces generated can damage movement components.
Professional maintenance: When and why?
Regular professional maintenance is essential for the longevity of your luxury watch:
Recommended service intervals: Most manufacturers recommend a full service every 5-7 years, depending on the model and frequency of use. Vintage watches or watches with complex complications may require more frequent inspections.
What happens during professional maintenance:
- Complete dissection of the movement
- Cleaning of all components
- Replacing worn parts
- New oiling and greasing of the mechanics
- Checking and adjusting the accuracy
- Renewal of the seals
- Polishing of the case (on request)
- Pressure test for water resistance
Signs that maintenance is due:
- Inaccuracy of the time display (more than +/- 15 seconds per day)
- Unusual sounds
- Stagnant or irregular movement of the second hand
- Fitting under the glass
- Sluggishness of the crown or pushers
- Visible condensation inside
Vintage watches: Special consideration for classics
Vintage luxury watches require special attention:
Preserve patina: The patina of a vintage watch - such as a cream-coloured dial on an old Rolex Submariner or the oxidised luminous material on a Patek Philippe Calatrava from the 1950s - is often an important part of its charm and value. Do not try to remove or "improve" them.
Protect original parts: For vintage watches, original components such as the dial, hands and crown should be preserved if possible. Even if they no longer look perfect, they add to the authenticity and value.
Be careful with water: Never expose vintage watches to water, even if they were originally designed to be waterproof. Over time, seals can become brittle and lose their function.
Proper storage: Store vintage pieces at stable humidity (between 40-50%) and room temperature, away from direct sunlight, which can fade dials.
Common mistakes in watch maintenance
Avoid these common mistakes that can damage your luxury watch:
Keep chemicals away: Perfume, hairspray, sun cream and other chemicals can attack seals and damage the surface of your watch. Only wear the watch after these products have been completely absorbed.
No opening without expertise: Never open the case of your luxury watch yourself. The inside is extremely sensitive and even a speck of dust can cause damage. It is better to leave this to certified watchmakers.
Take care when cleaning: Never use alcohol, solvents or aggressive cleaners on your watch. These can damage seals, coatings and even the dial.
Use the right tools: Always use specialised watchmaking tools or professional help for strap changes or resizing. Improvised tools often leave scratches or damage spring bars.
Conclusion: A lifelong relationship
Taking proper care of your luxury watch is not only a question of preserving its value, but also of appreciating exquisite craftsmanship. A well-maintained watch from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or another premium brand can last not just decades but generations, retaining its precision and beauty.
At Time Boutique, our team of experts is always at your disposal - whether for professional maintenance, advice on proper care or selecting the next timepiece for your collection. Rely on our expertise to get the best out of your luxury watch.
Do you have questions about maintaining your specific watch? Contact our team of experts for personalised advice and professional service.