Owning a mechanical masterpiece brings a unique sense of pride, yet the longevity of such a refined instrument depends entirely on how you treat it today.
These timepieces represent decades of engineering excellence, designed to withstand deep-sea pressures and scaling mountain peaks, but the micro-environment of your daily life poses its own set of challenges. Dust, perspiration, and microscopic grit gradually accumulate in the fine crevices of the bracelet and case, acting like an abrasive if left unchecked.
By adopting a proactive approach to maintenance, you ensure that your heirloom continues to keep perfect time while retaining its lustrous aesthetic appeal.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
To maintain the brilliance of the steel or precious metals, you should wash your watch every few weeks.
Start by ensuring the Twinlock or Triplock winding crown remains screwed down tightly against the case to prevent any moisture from entering the movement. Submerge the watch in a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of mild, ammonia-free soap.
Using a very soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the links of the bracelet and the area behind the lugs where skin oils typically build up. Rinse the watch thoroughly under a low-pressure tap and dry it using a clean lint-free or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming on the sapphire crystal.
Professional Servicing
Internal lubrication eventually breaks down or dries out over time, which increases friction between the delicate gears of the movement. Most modern Rolex watches require a comprehensive overhaul every ten years, though older vintage models often benefit from attention every five years.
During a professional service, a certified watchmaker completely disassembles the calibre to clean each component in ultrasonic baths before applying fresh, synthetic oils. This process also involves replacing the rubber gaskets that seal the sapphire crystal, bezel, and case back to guarantee the depth rating remains intact.
You’ll receive a renewed two-year service guarantee that provides peace of mind regarding the precision of the chronometer.
Proper Storage Practices
When you remove your watch for the night, placing it in a dedicated watch box lined with soft fabric prevents the polished surfaces from scratching against hard furniture. If you own multiple pieces, a watch winder keeps the perpetual rotor in motion, which ensures the lubricants remain evenly distributed throughout the movement.
Avoid leaving your timepiece on top of electronic equipment or in areas subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, as heat can thin the internal oils and affect the timing. Seek out a cool, dry environment like a home safe to protect the dial from fading due to prolonged exposure to direct UV sunlight.
Avoiding Common Risks
Strong magnetic fields from tablet covers, speakers and security scanners often cause the hairspring to stick together, which results in the watch running significantly fast. You should also remove your watch before applying perfumes, colognes or heavy sunscreens because these chemicals can damage the waterproof seals over time.
While the Oyster case provides robust shock resistance, significant impacts during high-impact sports like golf or tennis can still displace the escapement. Check the tightness of the winding crown every morning to verify that the internal gaskets remain protected from the invisible threats of humidity and dust.