“How to Care for Your Watch: A Detailed Watch Maintenance Guide + Servicing Tips”

Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog

A quality watch is more than just a way to tell the time, it’s a statement piece, an heirloom, and in many cases, a trusted daily companion. Whether you wear a classic mechanical watch, a modern quartz, or something with sentimental value, looking after it properly will help keep it in great condition for years (or even generations) to come.

At Stephen Alan’s Jewellers, we’re often asked how to best care for watches. So we’ve put together this helpful guide to keep your timepiece running smoothly — plus a few signs it might be time for a service.

1. Keep It Clean — But Gentle

Watches pick up dust, sweat and everyday grime more quickly than you’d think, especially if you wear yours daily. Regular cleaning not only keeps your watch looking good but also helps preserve the materials, particularly if you have leather straps, which can absorb oils and moisture.

Use a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth to gently wipe the watch case and strap. For metal bracelets, a lightly dampened cloth with mild soap can help clean between the links — just be cautious if the watch isn’t fully water-resistant.

Do:

• Clean it weekly if worn daily

• Use a dry toothbrush to gently get into small crevices on metal watches

Don’t:

• Soak your watch unless it’s rated for full water immersion

• Use harsh cleaning products, vinegar, or any kind of abrasive pad

If you’re unsure, pop into Stephen Alan’s Jewellers and we’ll give you the right advice for your particular model.

2. Service It Regularly

Even the most reliable watches benefit from a regular check-up. Over time, oils inside mechanical movements dry out, and tiny components can wear down or shift.

Mechanical watches typically need servicing every 3–5 years. Quartz watches, while lower maintenance, still benefit from occasional servicing to check the battery, seals, and overall condition.

A professional service includes:

• Complete movement cleaning and re-lubrication

• Timing regulation

• Gasket replacement and water-resistance testing (if applicable)

• External cleaning and polishing

At Stephen Alan’s Jewellers, our watch servicing is carried out with expert precision, using genuine parts wherever possible. Whether it’s a simple battery change or a full movement overhaul, your watch is in safe hands.

3. Keep It Away from Magnets

Many people don’t realise how easy it is to accidentally magnetise a watch — and how much it can throw off its timekeeping. Exposure to phones, tablets, speakers, and even handbags with magnetic clasps can disrupt the delicate balance of mechanical movements.

If your watch starts running fast or slow unexpectedly, this could be the culprit. Fortunately, de-magnetising a watch is quick and affordable — and something we can take care of for you in-store.

Tip: Store your watch away from electronics when not in use, and avoid placing it directly on laptops, wireless chargers or next to smart devices.

4. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

Watches are built to withstand a range of conditions, but sudden shifts in temperature can cause problems. Moving from cold outdoor air to a hot shower or sauna, for example, can lead to condensation forming inside the watch case — a potential disaster for the movement.

This is especially risky for vintage watches or those with older seals that may have deteriorated over time.

To protect your watch:

• Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods

• Take it off before entering hot tubs or saunas

• Be cautious when wearing it in very cold or very humid conditions

5. Store It Safely

A good watch deserves a safe resting place when it’s not on your wrist. Proper storage helps prevent unnecessary scratches, dust buildup, or accidental drops.

If you don’t wear your watch daily:

• Keep it in a watch box or fabric-lined pouch

• Store it face-up, especially if it’s mechanical

• Consider a watch winder for automatic watches — this keeps the movement running and reduces wear from starting and stopping frequently

Bonus tip: If your watch came in a presentation box, use that — it’s usually designed for safe storage.

6. Water Resistance Isn’t Forever

Many people assume their watch is waterproof for life, but the truth is that seals, gaskets and adhesives degrade over time.

Even if your watch is water-resistant to 100m, it’s good practice to have it pressure-tested annually, especially if it sees regular water exposure. Something as simple as washing your hands or being caught in the rain could cause damage if a seal has failed.

If you notice condensation under the glass, bring it in immediately — early intervention can prevent costly repairs.

7. Notice the Small Changes

Your watch is designed to be precise. If it starts losing or gaining time noticeably, skipping seconds, or feels different to wind or wear, it might be telling you something.

Common signs it needs attention:

• The second hand skips a few seconds (common with quartz battery issues)

• Timekeeping is off by more than a few minutes a week

• It feels gritty when winding

• Water has gotten inside

These small signs, if ignored, can lead to much bigger problems. At Stephen Alan’s, we can assess and advise before it turns into a bigger (and more expensive) issue.

8. Don’t Forget the Strap (The Overlooked Detail)

Often missed in watch care guides, your strap or bracelet deserves just as much attention as the case. A tired or cracked leather strap, a stretched metal bracelet, or a broken clasp can take the shine off an otherwise beautiful timepiece.

Leather straps should be kept away from moisture and conditioned occasionally to prevent drying out. Metal bracelets can be professionally cleaned and polished to restore their shine.

We offer strap replacements, adjustments, and bracelet cleaning in-store — whether you need a style refresh or a simple fix.

Looking After the Details

A well-cared-for watch will serve you for decades. Whether it’s your everyday favourite, a special occasion piece, or a treasured family heirloom, taking the time to look after it properly is always worth it.

If your watch needs a clean, a battery replacement, a full service, or if something just feels “off”, bring it into Stephen Alan’s Jewellers in Leighton Buzzard. Our in-house team can take a look, offer advice, and carry out repairs or servicing to keep your watch ticking beautifully.

Find us at 30B High Street, Leighton Buzzard or feel free to call us on 01525 373177.