Protecting Your Watch Against the Elements

Protecting Your Watch Against the Elements

Transitioning Through the Seasons

As the crisp, falling leaves of autumn give way to the freezing temperatures of winter, you may be wondering what the best ways are to protect your watch or watch collection. The more you spend on a timepiece, the more vested interest you have in preserving it through these harsher, colder months.

Unless you’re a certified watchmaker, you’re likely going to lack the specialized knowledge and resources to keep your watch in pristine condition entirely on your own. Below, My Jewelry Repair goes over a few essential ways you can protect your watch—and your investment—against the changing seasons and the harsh hand of Mother Nature.

---

Keep Your Mechanical Watch Wound

Winding your watch is incredibly important, provided you have a mechanical watch. You can easily tell if yours is mechanical because it will never say “Quartz,” “Kinetic,” or “Eco-Drive” on the watch face. If you do have a mechanical piece, it will need to be wound every once in a while in order to operate properly, especially if you are wearing it less frequently during the colder months.

To safely wind your watch:

• Remove it from your wrist.
• Unscrew the crown.
• Wind the dial clockwise, giving it about 20-40 full turns.
• When you start to feel resistance, it’s a good time to stop winding.
• When finished, turn the crown of your watch back 5-6 turns to lubricate the gears and reduce watch strain.

---

Gentle Cleaning for Crisp Weather

Autumn and winter bring their own unique elements, from dusty autumn winds to dirty winter slush. If your watch’s water resistance can stand up to it, occasionally dip it in warm water with a very small amount of mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it immediately with a soft microfiber cloth.

It is also highly recommended to invest in a soft-bristle toothbrush. Using this to clean your watch regularly will help get rid of tiny debris particles that can build up in the crevices of the band and bezel.

---

Smart Storage: Beating the Cold and Damp

Think of humidity and dust as the two primary adversaries to your watch. With autumn rains, winter snows, and fluctuating indoor heating systems, keeping your watches dry is of paramount importance. Because of the steam and moisture, the bathroom is a place you absolutely do not want to keep your watches.

If you managed to hold onto the original packaging of your watch, this is usually the best method for seasonal storage. Additionally:

• Never store or set down your watch face-down: This will compromise your watch glass and scratch your metal surfaces.
• Avoid bubble wrap: Do not use any sort of bubble wrap for watch storage, as it can trap and house unwanted moisture.

---

The Hidden Danger: Everyday Magnets

During the colder autumn and winter months, we naturally spend more time indoors huddled around electronics. Keeping your watch away from magnets is crucial. Magnets can adversely affect the delicate internal components of your watch and are commonly found in laptops, TVs, and other electromagnetic devices. While some modern watches feature anti-magnetic technology to help prevent damage, it is always best to err on the side of caution.

---

Give Your Watch the Routine Maintenance it Needs

Do you have the necessary workbench, Horotec crystal tools, pin vises, watch case and movement holders, and the numerous additional expert tools it takes to properly maintain and repair a high-quality watch?

If not, My Jewelry Repair is here to make the process simple and pain-free for you. We fix watches of showcase quality and successfully complete over half a million repairs each year across the nation.

Safeguarding the Legacy of Your Extraordinary Timepieces

Because Fine Watches Deserve Care You Can Trust with My Jewelry Repair

Your watches represent more than mere luxury or tools to tell time. They accompany you through every season, embodying personal milestones, family history, and the stories of your most cherished adventures. Whether you are hiking through crisp autumn trails or braving the harsh winter snow, pieces of this significance deserve thoughtful care, where expertise and attention to detail are just as important as the complex mechanics themselves.

At My Jewelry Repair, we bring together master watchmaking and a modern, transparent service experience designed to protect what matters most against the elements. From routine seasonal maintenance to repairing the hidden wear and tear caused by changing temperatures and moisture, our specialists ensure that every timepiece is returned not only restored, but ready to be appreciated for generations to come. With our easy online mail-in process, you can get started right away and give your watch the expert attention it deserves before the worst weather hits.