January 18, 2017

How to Maintain Your Timepiece

When it comes to valuable items, it’s important to maintain them properly. This simple principle is true of luxury sports cars, fine art and jewelry, vintage spirits and, of course, high-end watches. Whether you’re a collector of one valuable watch or many, it is vital to understand their care and what is entailed with their maintenance, so that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come. Should you invest in the best watch winder on the market? What kind of storage solutions do you need for your growing collection? These are the questions to ask to help you create the habits that will preserve your most cherished timepieces. Here at TimeScape, we’ve put together a brief guide for the short-term and long-term care of your favorite watches.

The Basics

To preserve your watch over a number of years, certain small steps can be taken on a regular basis. First of all, keeping your watch clean is vital. This can be achieved partly through proper storage, whether it’s a sturdy leather micro-fiber cloth-lined watch case or a dedicated watch winder that is programmed to your watches exact manufacturers winders' specifications. In addition, you might want to consider a secure lockable storage solution, such as a wall safe that can accommodate not only storage but watch winders . We at TimeScape have numerous solutions and styles for everyone's tastes, even down to do-it-yourself or custom-made options.

All watches also benefit from routine small-scale cleaning, and a microfiber jewelry cloth will typically do the trick. However you will periodically need a full service cleaning to get out all the grime, grit and skin cells that accumulate with regular use of your timepiece. Here at TimeScape we offer a basic spa service where we ultrasonically externally clean the case and bracelet separately, while verifying and testing the fit of your pins and screws for integrity. To address minor surface scratches, you might consider a buff and polish service. This will address minor surface scratches; for more medium to serious damage, you should consider case and bracelet refinishes, as this involves more complex work. Of course, the more frequently you wear a given watch, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned, and keeping your timepiece smudge and dust-free will help it keep its ideal appearance each time it is worn.

Watch Winders

A remarkable device for maintaining the functionality of automatic watches over time, investing in the best watch winder can be an outstanding asset for collectors with multiple watches, or for those who don’t wear a watch every day. By replicating the natural motion that automatic watches require to stay accurately wound, watch winders perform a highly practical function while also offering a very attractive and reliable storage option. Watch winders come in a variety of materials, sizes, colors, and designs, as is particularly well evidenced by the MasterBox watch winder Collection by Swiss Kubik in a variety of colored leathers, woods, and metals. These winders can service anywhere from one to several watches, depending on the model.

Professional Maintenance

While having the best watch winder at your disposal on a daily basis is vital to your timepiece’s long term maintenance, developing and sticking to a servicing routine for your watch is also crucial. Most timepieces should be regularly cleaned, oiled and adjusted by a professional. You want to be assured you take your investment to a WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program) Certified Watchmaker, as this is an internationally recognized professional qualification in the maintenance and care of fine quality watches.Most experts agree that high-end quartz and mechanical watches should receive professional servicing every 3-5 years. In addition staying true to the same watch technician who services your watch regularly will ensure your watchmaker will have familiarity and know the particulars on how your specific watch is suppose to function and run, with a documentation of history and service.

Preserving Your Most Valued Timepieces

By prioritizing the longevity of your luxury timepiece, you will significantly increase the likelihood of achieving and maintaining the integrity and value of your high-quality investment pieces. Investing in the proper storage, maintenance, and performance of your watches will enable to you succeed in protecting them for years to come. In addition you might want to consider insuring your investment and getting your collection appraised. We at TimeScape offer watch appraisals as well as watch authentication.

To learn more about proper watch maintenance, how to choose the best watch winder for your collection, or for questions about preserving particular watches in our collection, reach out to our knowledgeable, experienced team at (877) 525-8880 or info@timescapeusa.com.