Do you own a luxury watch? Far more than just a simple instrument for telling time, a timepiece is a symbol of prestige and refinement. Whether you wish to preserve its shine to wear it proudly or ensure it retains its value—if you are starting a luxury watch collection, for instance—it is important to know the right steps to care for your collector’s pieces. In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the best methods to effortlessly preserve your luxury watch, ensuring its elegance and longevity.
Discover the most elegant luxury watch brands in this article dedicated to these works of craftsmanship and technology admired worldwide.
What precautions should be taken to protect a luxury watch?
If it’s important for you to maintain the splendor of your watch, you’re certainly keen to protect it from the hazards of daily life. Anticipating potential damage is indeed essential to preserving the timeless beauty of your watch. A few precautions will allow you to keep it in excellent condition, while regular professional maintenance will ensure the protection of the mechanism and parts you cannot access but that are integral to the value of your timepiece.
Whatever your investment choice regarding your watch brand, your timepiece deserves to be handled with the utmost care to avoid any risk of deterioration. To that end, be sure to follow these tips to keep your watch in excellent condition.
Water and humidity
Water and humidity can cause serious damage to your watch. To prevent moisture from seeping into the mechanism and impairing its function, be cautious and avoid contact with water and chemicals as much as possible. If your watch accidentally comes into contact with such elements, wipe it immediately with a dry cloth.
Shocks and dust
Shocks and dust can damage your watch, so it’s crucial to pay close attention. If you find yourself in a dusty environment, like a beach, remove your luxury watch and store it safely in a pocket or pouch. It’s also advisable to take off your precious timepiece before engaging in manual or sports activities.
Proper storage location
To maintain the refined appearance of your luxury watch, ensure you store it in a dry place, away from sunlight. A jewelry storage box, such as a case, is the ideal solution to protect your timepiece from humidity and potential scratches.
Daily maintenance for your luxury watch
To ensure your watch retains its value, simple yet effective gestures are essential. When you remove your watch at the end of the day, get into the habit of using a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe off any dust.
Once a week, you can apply a mild cleaner to gently clean the bracelet. For leather straps, it is recommended to use a product designed to nourish the leather. For steel bracelets, a soft brush can be used to gently remove dust that may have settled in the crevices.
Finally, if your watch features precious stones, it’s advisable to use a specialized cleaner to maintain their shine, which you can purchase from a jeweler.
Have your watch serviced by a professional
Being cautious in daily life may not be enough to fully protect your watch. This precision jewel, composed of numerous mechanical parts that work harmoniously together, needs to be serviced both inside and out.
Therefore, entrust your watch to a professional watchmaker who will thoroughly inspect and maintain your collector’s piece.
Steps in professional maintenance
- The watchmaker disassembles the watch to inspect each component and check for any signs of wear.
- They carefully clean the various parts to remove even the tiniest residues.
- They lubricate the different gears to ensure the mechanism operates smoothly and without friction.
- They reassemble all components, adjusting them with their unique precision.
- Finally, they test the water resistance and the mechanism to ensure the watch functions perfectly.
We recommend having your luxury watch serviced every three years. Of course, the frequency of servicing depends on factors such as its use and mechanism. If it’s subjected to harsh conditions, like heat, humidity, or impacts, more frequent servicing may be necessary.
Where to have your watch serviced in Paris?
Paris, the world capital of fashion and glamour, is the birthplace of luxury brands. It is home to many boutiques and professional workshops where you can have your high-end watch serviced.
Rolex
Rolex is one of the great watchmaking houses, located in the 8th arrondissement. It exclusively services and repairs its own brand watches. The watchmakers are certified and follow strict procedures to ensure optimal performance for each watch.
L’Atelier Cartier
Their boutique is located at 13 Rue de la Paix. The expert artisans who work there are skilled in cleaning and servicing Cartier watches. Every detail is handled with special care to guarantee the precision and longevity of their watches.
Galeries Lafayette
The top luxury department stores like Galeries Lafayette in the 9th arrondissement also offer watch servicing. Most often, they collaborate with partner watchmakers.
Beyer Horloger
Located at 8 Rue de la Paix, Beyer specializes in the maintenance of high-precision Swiss watches. This workshop uses cutting-edge techniques with original parts directly supplied by manufacturers to maintain and preserve your watch.
In summary, take care of your watch daily by protecting it from external aggressions such as humidity, heat, or UV rays. Don’t forget to care for both the dial and the strap, and enlist the help of a professional for deep maintenance of the mechanism and all components to ensure the longevity of your timepiece.
Our hostess and her team will be happy to recommend places where you can have your luxury watch serviced and maintained during your stay in the beautiful capital.
