We all remember the words of Timex, “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking”. It’s simply not true of high end watches. A watch is a special piece of jewelry. Some are made for show and others are made for functionality and daily use. These intricate pieces of craftsmanship need special care and consideration if you want them to last. Not every watch is built like a Swiss Wenger that is tested under extreme conditions. So below we will cover ways to damage your watch.
5 Ways to Damage Your Watch
1. Shocks and Impacts
Any immediate shock or disruptive jar to your timepiece can cause extensive damage. If you were to drop your watch or bang it onto something while it’s on your wrist it creates a tremendous amount of force for the timepiece to withstand. You may see visible damage in the crystal, case, dial, and hands. There may be non visible damage done to the movement.
If your watch has experience an extreme jolt, it may be worthwhile to visit a watch repair shop to have a technician look at it. They will be able to quickly diagnose if it is working correctly.
2. Moving From Extreme Hot or Cold Temperatures
Dramatic temperature shifts can cause harm to both the watches ability to keep time and provide water resistance. When the watch moves from an extreme hot or cold environment that parts inside can expand or contract. Avoiding temperatures over 60°C/140°F and below 0°C/32°F. The only watches that I recommend exposing to these types of environments are specialty watches that are made to do so.
3. Setting the Chronographer Under Water
If you start the chronographer underwater it can allow water to seep into the case and can rust the movement. When you press the pusher from underwater you put the seal at risk. The proper way to do it is using uni-directional bezel instead of the chrono. If your chrono watch has screw down pushers, make sure they are all the way in before you dive.
4. Magnetic Field Exposure to a Magnetic Watch
When a mechanical watch gets exposed to a magnetic field it can disrupt it’s ability to maintain time keeping. It can cause the watch to either run fast, run slow, or possibly stop.
While you may be thinking where would my watch get exposed to a magnetic field, they are all around you. Speakers, computers, cell phones, refrigerators, all contain magnets. If your mechanical watch has been exposed to a magnetic field often a full movement overhaul is required.
5. Contact with Chemicals
Any contact with chemicals can cause damage to the timepiece. Typical damage can be found on the exposed watch parts like the case, band or strap, lugs, bezel, and the gasket.
Chemicals can be found in many everyday items that you probably use. This includes perfume, cologne, detergents, makeup, and lotion. Not saying you can’t use these items, but take off your watch when you apply them.
Even worse is if you keep your watch on while applying chemicals to your lawn, your car, etc. Even some chemicals in polish made for watches can be dangerous to some watches. This is also why I advise not using watch polish on vintage watches.
Ways to Damage Your Watch
If you love your watch and if you paid a lot for it, it’s in your best interest to protect it. You should follow a regular service schedule and keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance on your own. Following the advise above should help keep your watch working for a long time. If you experience any of the dangers above, you can always to your watch in to a pro technician and have it looked at.
