A mechanical watch is built on traditional engineering principles, meaning everything is done manually. Luxury brands create mechanical watches due to the parts used and the rarity of the timepiece.
One reason why people buy mechanical watches is that they use them as an heirloom. Mechanical watches are not supposed to be mass-produced. It has to be handcrafted by experienced watchmakers. Due to the practice, some people want to create watches themselves. It creates a sense of distinction between the brands and rookies.
When you want to own one, here is how to maintain a mechanical watch. Read on to know more.
Wind the watch when not worn
First-time wearers make this mistake. While it is a must that you need to wind the watch, the gears may experience stress. The watch’s winding stem is a fragile yet important part of the piece. If you wind too much, it can end up a wound watch.
Clean the straps
While you can easily change straps, good maintenance can last longer. If the strap is metal, clean what you can do. Metal straps are one of the most disposable accessories of the watch. When the strap is rubber, it can work against water. But too much exposure to the sun and other chemicals can make it degrade faster.
Polish the crystals
The crystals are the external part of the watch. While the watchmaker knows the watch’s insides, you can still take care of the outer parts. Therefore, you need to polish the crystals with a microfiber cloth. If the watch is waterproof, add some soap and water when needed, but not too much. You can also clean the crystal with a dry cloth to remove any dust.
Keep it away from magnetic fields
Magnetic fields emitted by everyday gadgets can affect the springs of the watch. One component, the balance spring, is sensitive to them. When exposed, it will affect the precision of the movement. Signs that your watch is under the magnetic field include irregular ticking or if it is not working properly.
To address this, the watchmaker can do the repairs for you. After that, keep your watch away from any gadgets, including your smartphone, radio, microwaves, etc. All gadgets emit various levels of magnetism. Mechanical watches can be vulnerable to them due to their builds.
Place your watch to the watchmaker
While you can maintain your watch by yourself, it is better to have expert support. Regular maintenance can make the watch last longer. If your Seiko Presage can still be repaired, do it. All watches of any brand can be repaired too.
In this part, the watchmaker will disassemble the watch and see what to work on. Parts may be replaced when needed. Once done, the mechanical watch can have an extended lifetime.
Conclusion
Mechanical watches are no different from a car. It is an investment that you will take care of it. Good maintenance can outperform the watch when the watchmaker initially made it. It will be a great heirloom for the years to come.
Author’s Bio:
Luther Abrams is quite a jack of all trades type of guy. He loves exploring new things and cultivating his knowledge every now and then. Today, he grows more and more interested in jewelry and watches and even writes about such things in his free time.