Care & Maintenance

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Simple habits can help keep your watch looking and performing its best for years.

Mechanical watches combine precision components, seals, metal surfaces and decorative finishes. Proper care helps protect both the appearance and mechanical condition of your watch.

DAILY CARE

After wearing your watch, gently wipe the case, crystal and bracelet or strap with a clean microfiber cloth.

This helps remove:

• Dust
• Fingerprints
• Skin oils
• Light moisture
• Residue from daily wear

Avoid using abrasive cloths or aggressive polishing products unless they are specifically designed for watch surfaces.

CLEANING YOUR WATCH

For watches suitable for water exposure, light exterior cleaning can be performed using fresh water and a soft cloth.

A soft toothbrush can be used carefully around areas such as:

• Bracelet links
• Caseback edges
• Bezel edges
• Crown guards

Avoid aggressive brushing on polished surfaces.

After cleaning, dry the watch thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Always make sure the crown is fully closed before exposing the watch to water.

STAINLESS STEEL BRACELETS

Stainless steel bracelets can collect dust, skin oils and residue between the links.

Periodic gentle cleaning helps maintain appearance and comfort.

If the bracelet begins to feel unusually loose, inspect the screws, pins and connecting components.

Loose bracelet hardware should be addressed before continued wear.

LEATHER STRAPS

Leather straps should generally be kept away from water.

Frequent exposure to moisture, sweat, perfume or chemicals may cause:

• Discoloration
• Odor
• Hardening
• Cracking
• Premature wear

If a leather strap becomes damp, allow it to dry naturally.

Do not use direct heat, hair dryers or other heating devices.

RUBBER AND SYNTHETIC STRAPS

Rubber and synthetic straps are generally more resistant to moisture than leather.

After exposure to sweat, seawater or dirt, rinse the strap with fresh water when appropriate and dry it thoroughly.

Avoid prolonged contact with strong chemicals, solvents or oils.

SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL

Sapphire crystal is highly scratch resistant, but it is not indestructible.

Strong impact against hard surfaces may chip or fracture the crystal.

Avoid intentionally testing the crystal against materials such as:

• Stone
• Ceramic
• Metal tools
• Concrete

If the crystal becomes damaged, stop exposing the watch to water and arrange an inspection.

WATER RESISTANCE

Water resistance depends on the specific case and configuration of your watch.

Always follow the water-resistance specification provided for your watch.

Water resistance is not permanent.

Sealing performance may change over time due to:

• Aging gaskets
• Impact
• Crown damage
• Case opening
• Movement servicing
• General wear

If your watch is regularly used for swimming or other water activities, periodic pressure testing is recommended.

AFTER CONTACT WITH SALT WATER

If a suitable water-resistant watch has been exposed to seawater, rinse the exterior with fresh water afterward.

Salt residue can accumulate around:

• The bezel
• Crown
• Bracelet links
• Caseback
• Other external components

Dry the watch thoroughly after rinsing.

CROWN AND PUSHERS

Always make sure the crown is fully closed before exposing the watch to water.

If your watch uses a screw-down crown, make sure it is securely screwed into position.

Do not operate the crown underwater.

Chronograph pushers should not normally be operated underwater unless the watch is specifically designed for this purpose.

MAGNETIC FIELDS

Strong magnetic fields can affect the accuracy of a mechanical movement.

Avoid placing the watch directly next to strong magnets or magnetic devices for extended periods.

Examples may include:

• Strong speakers
• Magnetic clasps
• Industrial magnets
• Certain electronic equipment

If the watch suddenly begins running significantly faster or slower after magnetic exposure, the movement may require demagnetization.

SHOCK AND IMPACT

Mechanical movements contain small precision components.

Avoid strong impacts and repeated heavy vibration.

Activities that may expose the watch to excessive shock include:

• Heavy construction work
• High-impact sports
• Dropping the watch
• Repeated hard vibration

A watch may continue running after an impact while still requiring inspection.

TEMPERATURE

Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures for extended periods.

Rapid temperature changes may also cause temporary condensation in some situations.

If moisture appears inside the crystal and does not disappear quickly, avoid further water exposure and contact WatchModLab for inspection.

CHEMICAL EXPOSURE

Avoid direct or prolonged contact with:

• Perfume
• Solvents
• Cleaning chemicals
• Strong chlorine solutions
• Cosmetics
• Industrial chemicals

These substances may affect:

• Gaskets
• Coatings
• Straps
• Adhesives
• Surface finishes

POLISHED AND BRUSHED SURFACES

Your watch may combine polished and brushed metal finishes.

These surfaces will naturally develop small marks over time.

This is normal wear.

Avoid frequent polishing, as excessive polishing can gradually alter the original shape and finishing of the case or bracelet.

STORAGE

When the watch is not being worn, store it in a dry environment away from:

• Direct sunlight
• Strong magnetic fields
• High humidity
• Extreme temperatures

A watch box or soft pouch can help protect the case and crystal from accidental scratches.

Do not store the watch while it is wet.

AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT CARE

If an automatic watch is not worn for longer than its available power reserve, it may stop.

This is normal.

Simply wind and reset the watch before wearing it again.

There is generally no need to keep an automatic watch running continuously when it is not being used.

MECHANICAL SERVICE

Like other mechanical devices, an automatic watch may eventually require servicing.

The appropriate service interval depends on:

• Movement type
• Wearing frequency
• Environment
• Water exposure
• Overall condition

Consider inspection if you notice:

• Significant loss of accuracy
• Unusual noises
• Difficulty winding
• Problems setting the time or date
• Reduced power reserve
• Moisture inside the watch
• Crown or bracelet problems

BEFORE SWIMMING

Before swimming, confirm that:

• The watch is rated for the intended water activity
• The crown is fully closed
• A screw-down crown is securely tightened
• The crystal and case show no visible damage

Do not assume that all watches are suitable for swimming simply because they are described as water resistant.

KEEP YOUR WATCH IN GOOD CONDITION

Regular cleaning, careful use and periodic inspection can help preserve both the appearance and performance of your watch.

If you are unsure how to care for a specific WatchModLab configuration, contact us with your order number or watch details and we can provide more specific guidance.