Watch It! Have You Worn a Watch Lately?

Isn't it amazing that your smartphone has more computing power than what was used to land men on the moon in 1969? For all the remarkable things that most smartphones can do, we almost forget one of its most basic functions: time and date. The humble watch has somewhat fallen by the wayside now that most people simply glance at their phone's screen to check the time. There's something almost retro about still using a watch to tell the time, and yet the simple elegance of a beautiful watch means it's an accessory that shouldn't be allowed to gather dust in a drawer but should be taken out and worn proudly. Unlike your smartphone, your watch won't become outdated, and you'll rarely feel the need to trade up to a new model. A good watch can keep on ticking for many years, but to ensure that you get the best out of it, there are a few basic maintenance tips that should be followed.

Don't Stress Out (Your Watch)

Watches are made to last, but depending on what sort of activities you undertake while wearing it, your watch can be subjected to unnecessary stress. Water-resistant watches are just that: resistant to water--and this is not the same as waterproof. It can get wet and keep on functioning, but fully immersing your watch under water or even holding it under running water can allow moisture to make its way into the internal mechanism and cause problems.

Cleaning Your Watch

You're wearing your watch every day, so it's hardly surprising that it will become dirty. Avoid using household chemical cleaners on your watch, unless it's a product that has been purchased from a shop that specialises in watch restorations. Simply wipe the watch clean with a dry cloth, or you can dampen the cloth slightly for tough dirt. Make sure you clean it with the crown intact so that moisture cannot enter the watch. Wiping your watch with a slightly damp cloth after swimming in the ocean is a good idea. The salt water can lead to corrosion, even with stainless steel.

Regular Servicing is Smart

Watches are designed to "set and forget", but given the complexity of the internal mechanism, a regular servicing is a good idea. There's no clear timeframe for servicing that covers all watches, but the watch manufacturer will probably have a recommended duration of time between servicing. Simply take your watch to a stockist that offers watch repairs. A new watch battery can last for up to four years, although a replacement battery might need to be replaced yearly, which is a good opportunity to also get your watch serviced, like at Parker Time.

You probably have an old watch or two laying around the house, and in most cases, all it will need is a new battery to bring it back to working order. A good watch is a stylish addition to your look, and is far more unique than that smartphone in your pocket.

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