The Watch Brother Guide to Caring for Your Vintage Watch
Owning a vintage watch is like possessing a piece of history. These timepieces offer timeless elegance and unique charm and require special care to ensure they remain in excellent condition.
Taking proper care of your vintage watch ensures it functions optimally for a longer period and retains its value. There are several factors to consider when looking after your vintage watch, including at-home cleaning and storage tips, as well as professional servicing. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, here’s our comprehensive “Looking After Your Vintage Watch” guide.
Regular Servicing
Regular servicing would be the ideal option, high service costs and having a large watch collection, may put some off. Sending watches directly to the brands, may be the best option, however, this will not only be the most expensive but may also take several months. An independent local watchmaker may be the best solution, as service costs will be much less and the time taken too will be shorter.
Why It Matters
Regular servicing is crucial to keep your vintage watch running smoothly. The intricate movements inside a vintage watch can wear down over time without proper maintenance.
How Often
Aim to have your vintage watch serviced every 3-5 years by a professional watchmaker who specialises in vintage watches.
What Does That Entail
Servicing typically includes cleaning, lubricating the movement, replacing any worn-out parts, and ensuring the watch is keeping accurate time.
Get Up Close
It’s important from time to time to inspect your watch properly. Grab a magnifying glass or loupe, and give it the once over looking for any slight damage. Check the crown for any unexpected movement and make sure it pulls in/out or screws down easily.
Pay special attention to the edge of the crystal where it meets the case. If you notice a chip in the crystal or any area where it isn’t firmly connected to the case, your watch should be professionally inspected and serviced before continuing with the cleaning. Crystal replacement is thankfully not that expensive if it’s acrylic, Sapphire will cost you slightly more
Proper Storage
We highly advise that your collection is not only kept in the proper storage but also kept safe. Depending on the number of watches in your collection, you may find it easier to store them together in several larger boxes. These should ideally be kept in a safe, which is bolted to the fabric of the building and in a safe location. If you have an expensive collection too, a house alarm would be essential as well as upgrading your locks and adding a CCTV for full protection.
For added security for high-worth watches or large collections, a safety deposit box would be the best option, although this would come at a premium. Looking after your vintage watch, sadly can be expensive, so highlighting these extra costs is important. Keep your watch in a cool, dark place to avoid UV damage that can fade the dial and degrade the materials. If you don’t have the original box, wrap it in paper towels and seal it in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture.
Humidity Control
If you plan to store your watch for an extended period without wearing it, ensure it is kept in a high, dry place since moisture tends to collect at lower levels. Storing your watch in a dry environment can prevent rust and moisture damage. If the moisture levels are high use silica gel packets directly in your storage area.
Watch Box Or Roll
The best place to store your watch is in its original box. If you no longer have the original packaging, you can lay it flat in a drawer or invest in a padded watch box or roll. These will protect your watch from dust and physical damage.
Safe Handling
You have to remember, that some of your vintage pieces could be many decades old. They will have fragile movements, so having a gentle touch is advised. Occasionally, check the strap bars as they can bend or weaken, these are easily replaced with minimal fuss. For watches with tiny crowns, you can buy a crown winder to help grip them if you have large fingers, as they can be extremely fiddly. Now one said that looking after your vintage watch would be hard, but for the most it is not that difficult either. For most of us, it’s common sense and hopefully this guide will assist you.
Clean Hands
Always handle your watch with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils and dirt.
Gentle Touch
Be gentle when setting the time or winding the watch to avoid damaging the movement. Do not overwind it, around 20-30 winds should be enough.
Secure Straps
Ensure that the strap or bracelet is secure to prevent accidental drops. Occasionally check the pins to make sure they are securely in place.
Cleaning Your Watch
Occasionally, your watch will need to be cleaned. This can be done by a professional, but most of the time it’s pretty easy to do yourself. Make sure the crown is screwed in, before any attempt. I often scrub my Nato straps and bracelets in the sink, with warm soapy water and a toothbrush. Then just air dry them, however, leather straps may need a conditioner cream, to keep them nice and supple.
A Simple Cleaning Kit
- A dry soft toothbrush
- Toothpicks
- A clean microfiber cloth
- Anti-bacterial wipes
Exterior Cleaning
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the case, crystal, and strap. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Professional Cleaning
For more thorough cleaning, especially if there is visible dirt in hard-to-reach places, take your watch to a professional.
Strap or Bracelet Cleaning
Once removed from the watch, use a soft toothbrush and soapy water and gently scrub the strap or bracelet to remove any built-up debris.
Avoiding Water Damage
This will be one of the most important sections in looking after your vintage watch as most won’t be pressure tested. It is also essential to know what the water-resistance numbers mean, as they are not as you would expect.
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- 30m (3 ATM) Water-ResistantA 3 ATM rating, or 30 meters (100 feet), is the minimum water resistance for modern watches. This rating protects against splashes and light rain but not submersion. Keep the watch away from water as much as possible.
- 50m (5 ATM) Water-ResistantA 50m water resistance rating allows you to wear the watch in the rain and while washing your hands. It’s also generally safe for occasional swimming. However, it’s not recommended for frequent swimming sessions.
- 100m (10 ATM) Water-ResistantWith a 100m water resistance rating, you can confidently wear your watch for swimming, snorkelling, and other surface water sports. It can handle extended periods in the water, as long as it isn’t submerged deeper than 1 meter (3 feet).
- 200m (20 ATM) Water-ResistantA 200m water resistance rating is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and recreational diving up to 40 meters (130 feet). However, actual performance can vary based on the watch and its manufacturer, so there are no guarantees it will withstand the pressure at maximum depth.
Why It Matters
Vintage watches are often not as water-resistant as modern ones, and water damage can be detrimental.
Keep Dry
Avoid wearing your vintage watch while swimming, showering, or in very humid environments.
Water Resistance Check
If your watch is marked as water-resistant, have this feature checked regularly, as seals can deteriorate over time.
Protecting From Magnetism
The modern world is filled with devices and appliances that emit magnetic fields, such as smartphones, computers, refrigerators, and microwaves. Unfortunately, these magnetic fields can adversely affect the intricate workings of your mechanical watch. When exposed to a strong magnetic field, a watch may become magnetized, leading to erratic performance or inaccurate timekeeping.
One of the key components affected by magnetisation is the balance spring. When magnetised, the balance spring can stick together at certain points, shortening its effective length. This causes the balance to oscillate more quickly, making the watch run faster than normal.
Why It Matters
Magnetic fields can affect the accuracy of your vintage watch’s movement.
Demagnetisation
If you suspect your watch has been magnetised, a watchmaker can demagnetise it at a cost. Alternatively, you can buy one cheaply online and do it yourself.
Avoid Magnets
Keep your watch away from strong magnetic fields, such as those generated by electronic devices, speakers, and magnets.
Careful Use
Watches can be delicate and are susceptible to damage from the smallest of shocks. Even more so a vintage watch, so you need to go easy with them. Their modern counterparts are far more robust and built to withstand more. If you drop it, check it immediately and check its accuracy and if it seems out, then getting it serviced is essential.
Should you notice any scratches on the glass, check to see if it’s acrylic or glass. You can use Poly-watch and a soft cloth to work out the scratches if it’s acrylic. You’d be surprised how effective it is.
Why It Matters
How you use your vintage watch daily can affect its longevity. Don’t bang them around, treat them with care.
Rotating Watches
If you have multiple watches, rotate their use to minimise wear on any single piece.
Manual Winding
For manual watches, wind them at the same time each day, and stop winding when you feel resistance to avoid overwinding.
In Conclusion
Looking after a vintage watch requires attention to detail and a proactive approach to maintenance. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your cherished timepiece remains a reliable and beautiful accessory for years to come. Remember, the more care you put into preserving your vintage watch, the more it will reward you with its timeless elegance and historical significance.
Many vintage watches carry sentimental value, perhaps passed down through generations or associated with significant personal milestones. Caring for your watch honours these memories and keeps the emotional connection alive.
With the right care, a vintage watch can last for many years, becoming a timeless piece that you can wear and enjoy daily or pass down as an heirloom. In summary, caring for your vintage watch preserves its functionality, value, and beauty, while honoring its history and sentimental significance.
Read Our Article on Collecting Vintage Watches HERE
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