Caring for Your Mechanical Watch

A mechanical watch is one of the few machines most people own that's designed to run continuously for decades — but only with basic maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend a full service every 4 to 6 years, even if the watch seems to be running fine, since lubricants inside the movement degrade slowly and invisibly.

Day-to-day, the biggest threat to most watches isn't impact, it's moisture and temperature swings. Avoid hot showers and saunas even with a water-resistant watch — rapid temperature changes can compromise gasket seals over time in ways a single splash of water never will.

Leather straps age fastest with regular wrist contact and sweat; rotating between two or three straps, and wiping the case down after wear, noticeably extends how long a strap looks good before it needs replacing.

Finally, store watches you're not wearing away from direct sunlight — UV exposure fades dial lume and can yellow acrylic crystals over years of consistent exposure.