For many people, a watch is more than just a tool to tell time; it is a memory on the wrist. Whether you have two watches or ten, the way you treat them when you aren’t wearing them determines how long they will last. You don't need a high-tech vault to keep your timepieces in great shape, but you do need a few good habits.
If you are just starting to grow your collection, here are five simple ways to keep your watches safe, organized, and ready for any occasion.
It is tempting to leave your watch on the bedside table or in a random drawer at the end of the day. However, this is the easiest way to get "flea bites"—those tiny, annoying scratches on the metal.
By using a dedicated leather watch case, you provide a soft, dust-free environment for your timepieces. Leather is a popular choice for collectors because it is sturdy enough to protect against a bump on the table but soft enough that it won't scratch the polished lugs of your favorite watch.
When you put a watch away, always store it face up. This protects the crystal (the glass over the dial) from rubbing against hard surfaces. If your watch has a metal bracelet, storing it flat or on its side can sometimes cause the links to rub against the case back, leaving permanent marks. Most storage boxes come with small pillows that mimic the shape of your wrist, which is the healthiest position for a watch to rest in.
Most people know to keep watches away from water, but there are other "invisible" dangers in a typical home.
If you like to switch watches during the day—perhaps a rugged one for the gym and a nicer one for dinner—you shouldn't just toss the spare in your gym bag.
Many enthusiasts use watch rolls for this exact reason. These are compact, tube-shaped cases that slide easily into a backpack or briefcase. They keep your watches separated from your keys, coins, and chargers, ensuring that your "dinner watch" stays pristine until it’s time to put it on.
It sounds like a small thing, but wiping your watch with a simple microfiber cloth before putting it away is vital. Your skin produces natural oils and sweat that can be slightly acidic. Over months and years, these oils can sit on the metal and slowly dull the shine. A quick five-second wipe keeps the steel bright and prevents dirt from building up in the links of the bracelet.
Watch winders are helpful if you have "automatic" watches with complex features, like a moon phase or a perpetual calendar, that are hard to reset. However, for a standard watch, it isn't strictly necessary. Letting a watch stop for a few days won't hurt the movement.
Leather is a natural material that likes to stay dry. If you wear it daily, give it a wipe with a dry cloth once a week. Avoid using water or soap, as this can cause the leather to become brittle and eventually break.
Yes, a safe is great for security. However, safes can sometimes be very humid. If you store your watches in a safe for a long time, it’s a good idea to put a small "silica gel" packet (the little bags found in shoe boxes) inside to keep the air dry.
You can, but manufacturer boxes are often very large and take up a lot of space. Most collectors find it easier to have one compact case that holds multiple watches rather than ten separate boxes cluttering up a closet.
