Owning a fine timepiece is a testament to precision, craftsmanship, and heritage. Brands such as Rolex and Omega represent artistry and innovation built to last a lifetime. However, even the most expertly engineered watches require attentive care to preserve both performance and beauty.
Proper luxury watch care ensures your timepiece maintains its brilliance, accuracy, and value. Whether you wear your watch daily or keep it as part of a collection, knowing how to clean, maintain, and store it properly will protect your investment for years to come.
Understanding the Craft You’re Caring For
A Rolex or Omega watch is a miniature marvel of mechanical engineering. Each one can contain hundreds of tiny parts that work together in perfect synchronization. Even small amounts of dust, moisture, or friction can affect timekeeping accuracy.
While these watches are designed to endure daily wear, they are still precision instruments. Treating them with care ensures that the movement, casing, and bracelet remain in top condition. Attention to detail in handling and storage is what separates a pristine heirloom from one that shows early signs of wear.
Daily Handling and Wear
How you wear your watch each day has the greatest impact on its longevity. Although high-end brands are known for their durability, adopting a few mindful habits will keep your timepiece looking and functioning like new.
● Avoid sudden impacts: Rolex and Omega watches are crafted from high-strength steel and sapphire crystal, but sharp knocks can still disrupt the movement or damage the crystal. Remove your watch before engaging in heavy physical work or sports.
● Limit magnetic exposure: Magnets can interfere with mechanical accuracy. Keep your watch away from strong magnetic sources such as speakers, cell phones, or laptop closures.
● Wipe it down regularly: After wearing your watch, use a soft microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints, sweat, and oils. This prevents buildup that can lead to corrosion or discoloration.
● Be careful with water: Even waterproof models like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster require caution. Always check that the crown is tightly sealed before contact with water. After swimming, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly.
Cleaning Your Watch Safely
Gentle cleaning keeps your watch’s exterior gleaming and prevents dirt from accumulating around the bracelet and case.
For stainless steel or titanium watches:
- Mix mild soap with lukewarm water.
- Dip a soft toothbrush or cloth into the solution and gently clean the bracelet and casing.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
For leather straps:
- Wipe the strap with a damp cloth, then air dry away from heat or sunlight.
- Avoid contact with lotions, perfumes, or oils, which can stain or degrade leather.
- Rotate your watch straps periodically to reduce wear.
For gold or platinum models:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to buff the surface and restore shine.
- Store gold watches separately to prevent scratching or metal transfer.
Never use household cleaners, ultrasonic machines, or abrasives. These can damage gaskets, finishes, and delicate detailing.
Regular Servicing and Maintenance
Mechanical watches need internal servicing in addition to external care. Lubricants inside the movement dry out over time, increasing friction that can affect performance. Both Rolex and Omega recommend a professional service every five to ten years, depending on wear and environmental exposure.
Full service typically includes:
● Complete disassembly and cleaning of the movement.
● Replacement of worn or damaged parts.
● Reapplication of lubricants to reduce friction.
● Pressure and accuracy testing to ensure water resistance and time precision.
Following an Omega watch maintenance schedule or a Rolex service plan is essential for longevity. Think of it as preventive care for your timepiece. A routine service now can prevent costly repairs later and maintain strong resale value if you ever decide to part with it.
Storing Your Watch Correctly
Storage is just as important as cleaning and servicing. A fine watch should rest in conditions that protect it from dust, humidity, and unnecessary strain.
● Use a proper watch box or case: A padded case prevents scratches and shields the crystal and bezel from contact with other objects.
● Avoid storing watches face down: Place them flat or on their sides to relieve pressure from the crown and crystal.
● For automatic watches, consider a watch winder: Winders keep mechanical movements running smoothly when not in use, preventing the oils inside from settling. However, they should be used sparingly and set to the correct rotations per day to avoid overwinding.
● Control humidity and temperature: Watches prefer cool, dry conditions. Avoid placing them near windows, heaters, or damp spaces. If you live in a humid climate, use silica gel packets or a small dehumidifier to prevent condensation.
Travel and Handling Tips
When traveling, pack watches in individual pouches or travel rolls to avoid scratches. If you own multiple watches, consider carrying only one or two to reduce the risk of loss or damage. Always keep luxury watches in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags.
If your watch will not be worn for several weeks, gently wind it every few weeks to keep the internal lubricants evenly distributed. This simple step helps maintain mechanical health between wears.
Shop Our Pre-Owned Luxury Watches from Our Designer Collection
At The Relux, our specialists carefully inspect and authenticate every timepiece from brands like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and more. Explore our curated selection of pre-owned luxury watches and shop with confidence knowing each piece meets our high standards for authenticity and condition.
