The easiest way to get rid of greasy marks on your watch face is to use a micro fibre glass cleaning cloth. If you own eye glasses then you may already carry one of these cloths around with you. If not, they are easy to get hold of online or from an optician. A cloth like this will remove unwanted marks and dust from the outside of your watch, without the risk of leaving scratches. 

For a watch that needs a bit more than a wipe over with a cloth, you are going to need some warm water and liquid soap. If your watch is water resistant, it's fine to gently submerge the watch in some water before scrubbing it lightly with a soft bristled toothbrush. Just make sure that the crown is screwed down or pushed in fully, to prevent any water from leaking in.

You have to be a bit more careful with a watch that isn't water resistant or only lightly water resistant, however. You'll need to detach the watch head from the bracelet, keeping this in a dry place while you are washing the bracelet. 

When it comes to leather straps, these can be wiped clean with water, but make sure you dry it off quickly and thoroughly. Exposing leather to water for too long will damage it, and if you wear the watch again before it's not completely dry, the leather could start to rot. 

While there are many ways you can clean and restore your watch on the outside, we would always advise visiting a professional watch maker if there any problems with the mechanics and movement of the watch. You don’t want to be at risk of damaging the intricate pieces that keep the watch ticking!

There are also a few things you can avoid to make sure your watch stays clean. Keeping it in its own box or a separate compartment in a jewellery box will prevent scratches and protect it from gathering dust. When you are wearing your watch, try to steer clear of harsh chemicals such as perfumes, detergents and solvents. If you are working with these sorts of products, you should remove your watch and put it in a safe place. If the watch does come into contact with a chemical, wipe it clean immediately with a damp cloth.

For more information about how to keep your watch clean, there's nothing better than asking the experts direct! Just give us a call and we'll be happy to answer your questions.  

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