How to Care for Your Luxury Watch: The Definitive Maintenance Guide

Your Watch Deserves the Best Care

A well-maintained luxury watch can last for generations. Rolex, Patek Philippe and other leading manufacturers design their timepieces to be serviced and enjoyed indefinitely. But proper care requires knowledge — and some habits that may surprise you.

Watch care and maintenance

Daily Wearing Habits

Putting On and Taking Off

Always place your watch on a soft surface when removing it. The caseback and crystal are vulnerable to scratches from hard surfaces like marble countertops or glass tables.

Best practice: Keep a small microfibre cloth or watch cushion on your bedside table or bathroom counter.

Activities to Avoid

Even robust sports watches have limits:

• Golf and tennis — the impact shock can damage the movement
• Saunas and hot tubs — extreme heat can compromise gaskets and lubricants
• Magnetic fields — keep watches away from speakers, laptops, MRI machines and magnetic phone cases
• Chemicals — perfume, sunscreen and cleaning products can damage gaskets and discolour dials

Water Resistance: Understanding the Ratings

Water resistance ratings are tested under static laboratory conditions. Real-world use involves movement, temperature changes and ageing gaskets.

Critical: Water resistance degrades over time. Have gaskets checked annually if you swim with your watch.

The Crown

Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down on Rolex and similar watches) before any water exposure. A partially unscrewed crown is the most common cause of water damage.

Storage

Watch Boxes and Cases

Invest in a quality watch box with individual cushions. Key features:

• Soft, non-abrasive lining (Alcantara or microfibre)
• Individual compartments to prevent watches touching
• Stable temperature and humidity
• Protection from direct sunlight (UV can fade dials)

Luxury watch storage box

Watch Winders

For automatic watches not worn daily, a watch winder keeps the movement running and the date correct. Choose a winder with:

• Adjustable turns per day (TPD) — most watches need 650–950 TPD
• Bi-directional rotation capability
• Quiet motor (you'll hear a cheap winder across the room)
• Quality construction (avoid winders with strong magnets)

Recommended settings:

• Rolex: 650 TPD, bi-directional
• Patek Philippe: 800 TPD, clockwise
• Audemars Piguet: 750 TPD, bi-directional

Travel

When travelling with luxury watches:

• Use a dedicated travel case (hard shell preferred)
• Never pack watches in checked luggage
• Carry documentation for customs purposes
• Consider insurance specifically for travel

Cleaning

At Home

You can safely clean your watch at home between professional services:

1. Bracelet and case: Gently brush with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm soapy water (only if water-resistant to 100m+)
2. Leather strap: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth; never submerge
3. Crystal: Clean with a microfibre cloth; for stubborn marks, use a drop of glass cleaner on the cloth (not directly on the watch)
4. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth

What NOT to Do

• Never use ultrasonic cleaners at home — they can damage gaskets and loosen stones
• Never use abrasive cleaners or cloths
• Never spray cleaning products directly onto the watch
• Never attempt to open the caseback yourself

Professional Servicing

When to Service

Signs your watch needs service:

• Losing or gaining more than 10 seconds per day
• The power reserve has noticeably decreased
• The crown feels gritty or loose
• Moisture appears under the crystal
• The chronograph pushers feel sticky

What Happens During a Service

A full manufacturer service typically includes:

1. Disassembly — the movement is completely taken apart (often 200+ components)
2. Cleaning — all parts are ultrasonically cleaned in specialised solutions
3. Inspection — each component is examined under magnification
4. Replacement — worn parts are replaced with genuine components
5. Reassembly — the movement is rebuilt and lubricated
6. Regulation — timing is adjusted in multiple positions
7. Case work — gaskets are replaced; case and bracelet are refinished if requested
8. Testing — water resistance, power reserve and accuracy are verified

Service Costs (Approximate, UK)

Insurance

Luxury watches should be specifically listed on your insurance policy. Standard home contents insurance often has limits on individual items (typically £1,500–£2,000).

What to insure against:

• Theft (including from your person)
• Accidental damage
• Loss
• Worldwide coverage

Documentation needed:

• Purchase receipt or professional valuation
• Photographs (including serial number)
• Box and papers details

At Sterling Diamond, we provide detailed valuations for insurance purposes.

Sterling Diamond Watch Care Services

We offer:

• Professional cleaning and inspection
• Gasket replacement and water resistance testing
• Movement servicing (via authorised service centres)
• Insurance valuations
• Bracelet sizing and adjustment

Sterling Diamond — Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London