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How to Clean and Maintain Luxury Watches at Home (Without Damaging Them)
A luxury watch is much more than a timepiece.It's an investment you might pass down through the generations. Neglecting your luxury watch cansubstantially reduce its value, but our "how to clean luxury watches" guide can help you preserve its good looks and functionality for decades to come.
Tools for Cleaning Luxury Watches
Youdon't need a professional set-up to clean your luxury watch at home. These ordinary household items can help you get the job done:
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Basic cleaning tools: Soft microfiber cloths, cotton swabs, antibacterial wipes, wooden toothpicks, soft-bristled toothbrush
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Mild cleaning solutions: Mild dishwashing soap, distilled water, 99% isopropyl alcohol
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Drying materials: Lint-free cloths, paper towels
You may also like to add some specialized tools to your cleaning kit. This might mean finding a spring bar tool or a magnifying glass to add to your cleaning collection. You can also opt for a professional watch cleaning kit or pH-balanced watch cleaners with natural ingredients.
Step-by-Step Watch Cleaning Routine
You should wipe down your watch daily, to keep its shine. However, here are a few steps for a more thorough clean:
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Inspect it for damage, especially crystalchips or worn seals.
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Remove the bracelet with a spring bar tool, if comfortable.
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Clean the surface with antibacterial wipes.
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Wipe the surface with cleaner on a microfiber cloth.
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Clean crevices with toothpicks wrapped in a microfiber cloth.
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Clean bracelet links with a clean brush or, for stubborn grime, a toothbrush and mild soap.
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If your watch has a water-resistant metal bracelet, you can wash it in warm, soapy water.
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If your watch is water-resistant, you can rinse it with distilled water.
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Dry components with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
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Reassemble and reinspect your watch.
Avoid Watch Cleaning Mishaps
These tips can help you avoid some of the most common watch cleaning mistakes:
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Never use harsh chemicals, including solvents, bleach, and chlorine.
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Don't expose watches thataren't water-resistant to water
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Avoid ultrasonic home cleaners.
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Don't use excessive force.
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Don't clean your watch between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., as it might upset the gears and get the date display out of alignment.
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Don't touch your watch's internal components.
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Don't expose your watch to extreme temperature conditions, including steam or hot water.
Professional vs. DIY Cleaning
DIY cleaning can helpmaintain your watch between servicing, but there are limits to what you can safely do at home. Professionals can give your watch a better clean using an ultrasonic cleaner. These cleaners can remove tiny debris that might jam your watch's mechanisms. They can also buff and polish your watch to remove tiny scratches and use steam to refresh the metal. Experts recommend having your watchprofessionally cleaned two or three times a year.
Keep Your Luxury Timepieces Pristine
Learning how to clean luxury watches can help you enhance your timepiece's appearance and improve its functionality between professional services. Your DIY efforts and professional maintenance can increase your watch's value and lifespan.Manufacturers typically recommend servicing your watch every five years, although some luxury brands like Rolex recommend longer intervals of 10 years.
When you need expert watch servicing or a professional clean, visit Sky Diamonds. Our certified professionals understand the value of your luxury timepiece and work hard to provide the highest quality of care.