How to Store Watches: Tips for Proper Care and Maintenance

A watch is an important device, an investment, and most of the time, a much-loved piece of your personal history. But just as any other object of matter, it could wear out over time. The number of watches does not matter, be it one or ten, you should always have the right way of storing your watches to ensure that they maintain their good shape even after a number of years. To prevent scratches to some fragile mechanism, one should understand how to store watches to extend their longevity of beauty and efficacy.

So in this guide, we are going to discuss some of the best practices when it comes to storing your watches and taking care of your precious time pieces so they remain as classic as the memories they hold.

Top Ways for Storing Your Watch

Correct storage is all that matters concerning keeping your watch secure and preserving its functionality, fashion, and durability. The following are the best options to keep/store your watches:

• Utilise a watch box or case:

A watch storage box is one of the most popular solutions to the problem of watch collectors and those people who need to preserve their timepieces. These boxes are designed in such a way that they have cushioned walls dividing up individual watches, thus avoiding scratches and other forms of damage. In case you want to display your collection along with a preservation of it, choose a glass-top watch box.

• Storage in an upright position:

Never put your watch sideways, as you may end up getting scratches on the case or stainless steel bands accidentally. You may need some sort of watch roll or cushioning that should assist you in holding your watch in position, particularly when storing it long-term.

• Adopting watch cushions:

A watch cushion is a soft, resilient piece of material which secures your timepiece firmly. It is a very good choice when it comes to some kind of watch straps, such as straps of watches made of delicate materials, such as leather strap dress watches or old watches that may not carry a lot of pressure on the band and the case.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight:

Direct sunlight decays your watches, makes them fade or even discolour or damage parts of the movement, at least in fine watches or watches that time does not mark like a simple watch. One should always find a safe and shaded area which is not in a bright light.

• Store watches in a dry place:

Your timepieces can be spoiled by extreme humidity and temperatures. Keep your watches somewhere cool and dry so that the moisture does not accumulate; otherwise, it may wear off or ruin a watch case and the strap prematurely.

• Keeping Watches Away from Magnets:

The magnets may affect the accuracy of your mechanical watch and automatic watch, causing it to gain or lose time. Retain your timepieces' place by not keeping them near electronic equipment, a magnetic substance or other things liable to affect their performance.

How to take care of your RoyalBliz watches?

You may have a slim smartwatch, an elegant dress watch, or a robust sports watch, but maintenance of your RoyalBliz watches will ensure that you have them all shiny and as good as new. Here is a breakdown of some of the important care steps:

• Clean Your Watches Regularly: 

You need to understand how to clean your watch before you store it. But how? Just start by carefully cleaning your watch using a soft tissue paper to remove oil stains, dirt or smudges. In the case of leather straps, do not allow them to get wet and also keep them stored separately using a cloth pouch. In the meantime, stainless steel and high-end watches have the advantage of being polished regularly to shine.

• Use a Watch Winder for Automatic Watches:

A watch winder is a necessary storage device, especially when you have automatic watches. It sustains the movement in a smooth and very regular manner by imitating the wrist movement. This is particularly useful for long-term storage.

• Store Valuable Watches Safely:

For valuable watches or family heirlooms, consider using a safe deposit box or contacting your insurance company to extend protection. Keeping them in a safe place will guarantee security and safety against loss or destruction.

• Keep Watches Organised:

Unless you want to keep them in a box that has multiple slots, a watch roll, or a case where the size is small, what an organised system does is, it is quick to take care of them and get your collection. The organisation of watches also assists you in rotating your watches through your collection, thus each watch receives its fair share of wear and a watch keeper. It also makes it easier to clean up and makes it possible to quickly find the right watch on any occasion.

Ways To Take Care Of Different Types Of Watches

Various watches need special care methods because of their different mechanism and structures. Being aware of these differences, one will be able to maintain everything properly and avoid damages accidentally caused by using improper care methods. All watches come with their own level of requirements, which, when they are correctly adhered to, can ensure that the watch lasts longer and performs better.

• Mechanical watches should be wound every day when manual, and on a watch winder when automatic. To make sure that there is an evenly spread quantity of lubricants in the movement, keep the mainspring wound. See the power reserve indicator(in case it exists) and do not allow the watch to stop entirely over long lines.

• Quartz watches require batteries, which can be replaced within 1-3 years or more as necessary, according to the usage. Have professionals resealed batteries and tested water resistance. When you observe the second-hand leap in four second period, this normally means it's a low battery that is supposed to be changed as soon as possible to avoid leakage. We offer our top-selling Clix C300 with Japanese quartz movements. 

• Diving watches are never used as diving watches, but still, they need special consideration of their waterproofing properties. The screw-down crown should be well fastened, and gaskets should be checked and replaced frequently. Any salt water that comes in contact with the rotating bezel, in this instance, should be washed in fresh water regularly to avoid the development of the salt crystal.

• Vintage watches (in most cases, over 25) require special attention because of their age and possible weak parts. Do not make contact with water, no matter what the original water resistance ratings, because seals will wear out. The temperature fluctuations ought to be slow so as not to stress the older materials.

• Chronograph watches are made in such a way that their pushers ought to be operated with ease. Do not use chronograph functions when underwater, even with waterproof models. This is vital, especially in the chronograph, since they have some additional interests which require regular service.

• Smart watches need special attention devoted to their electronic components. It is a good idea to keep charging ports clean, dry, and keep updated with software, and protect against extreme temperatures that will influence battery life and display performance. Most especially, water should not be allowed near charging ports.

Watch Care Mistakes To Avoid

Here is a list of some of the major watch care actions that need to be avoided to enhance the shelf life of your watches. 

• Avoid adjusting the date and calendar-related issues on a mechanical watch between the following slots (9 pm and 3 am). The reason behind it is that in such a time slot, the date change process is actively engaged, and manual adjustments can only harm the gears. If you want to adjust the date, first set the time outside this window, then ensure you make the date adjustments accordingly. 

• Avoid exposing your precious timepiece to strong magnetic fields, which are more common in modern environments than you may think. Laptops, smartphones, refrigerator doors, and magnetic clasps on bags can all affect your wristwatch’s accuracy. Professional-grade demagnetisation often demands your watch to be magnetised. 

• Water resistance isn’t permanent and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Even if you think the watches are marked with a water resistance label. There is still a possibility that they are going to lose their sealing capability with the passage of time. To overcome this issue, you can have your water-resistant watch checked yearly by a professional.  

• Even watches marked as water-resistant can lose their sealing capability over time. The best way to minimise this issue is to have your water-resistant watch checked at least once a year by a good watchmaker. A pro tip is never to press the chronograph pushers or adjust the crown underwater by yourself.

• Mechanical shock is one of the top reasons for severely damaged watch movements. Take off your watch during high-impact activities or sports, even if marketed as a sports watch. The continuous use in such a harsh environment can lead to malfunctioning of the sensitive part of the watch and result in accuracy issues. 

Bottom Line!

If you are a watch owner, then learning the basics of how to take good care of your watch is compulsory. These basic tips range from keeping a watch box or roll to prevent direct sunlight exposure. These small but basic steps can make a huge difference in maintaining your watch collection. At RoyalBliz, we don’t just focus on creating timeless watches. We are dedicated to assisting you regarding your watch issues and sharing the key points of maintaining your watch with love and care. So, are you excited to discover a new favourite timepiece? Check out our men’s collection, and find the ideal timepiece to fit your style and needs. Cherish every moment with a watch that is made to last.