How to Look After a Vintage Watch
A vintage watch is a remarkable work of craftsmanship; if looked after properly it will bring joy to the wearer for many years. However, in order to ensure they have a long life, older watches should be treated differently to newer models.
Protect Your Vintage Watch
It can be easy to think that because a watch has survived for 50 years or so, it must be rather robust. While it’s true that these quality watches were built to last, their delicate internal mechanisms make them susceptible to damage if they are treated carelessly. Your vintage timepiece may claim to be waterproof or shock resistant, but in the days before consumer protection manufacturers could make all sorts of claims about their products!
Here are 5 ways you can protect your vintage watch:
- 1. Provide a soft landing in case your watch falls when you are putting it on/taking it off. Landing on a bed or cushion will protect the watch from internal damage.
- 2. Don’t leave your watch in the bathroom while showering – the humidity could have a negative effect on the watch’s performance.
- 3. Leave your watch at home when playing sports. Even if you store it in a gym bag, the watch could get knocked or damaged by mistake.
- 4. Mechanical watches can be magnetised if left too close to phone handsets, speakers or electric motors. If you think your vintage watch has become magnetised, it’s best to take it to an experienced jeweller who can fix it for you.
- 5. Do you have the watch’s original box? This is the best place to store it. If not, invest in a dedicated storage case that will keep the watch away from dust and damage.
Using Your Vintage Watch
It feels somewhat counterintuitive to use a vintage watch in order to preserve it – surely keeping it safely stored away will preserve it for longer? Because a watch is made to be worn, regular wear is the best way to keep it in good working order; everything from the movement of your wrist to your body heat contributes to preserving the watch’s accuracy. Winding your vintage watch every day will also help its ability to tell the time. Just remember to remove it for heavy duty activities and refrain from wearing it in very hot/humid weather.
Servicing Your Vintage Watch
On purchasing your vintage watch, you should have it serviced so that any issues are identified and corrected before they get too serious. If you are wearing your watch regularly and looking after it, a service every 3-5 years will be sufficient for maintaining the watch and will hopefully keep expensive repairs at bay.
If you would like any more information about servicing a vintage watch, or if you are looking to purchase your very own timepiece, why not come and visit our Cuttings store in Ramsgate?