The feeling of owning a luxury watch is priceless. It functions as both a status symbol and an heirloom that you can pass down through generations. 

But, while these watches are built with the highest standards of engineering, you’ll have to take good care of them to keep them running properly for years on end. Proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage are also essential to keep their value if you want them to serve as a valuable gift or just in case you want to put them up on the market. 

With that said, when you’re looking for investment value, Frédérique Constant watches are not one to be overlooked. The Swiss luxury brand has been around since 1988 and is acclaimed for manufacturing high-quality, classic watches at sensible prices. In 2005, the company introduced a manually-wound Moonphase watch edition whose quality is supreme yet remains accessible than most men’s watch brands of today. 

Below are the tips to store and maintain your luxury watches:

1. Regular Cleaning and Servicing 

Your watch has to look good, and while it may seem to be clean and working fine, it is recommended that you clean its surface regularly to remove any small particles—dirt, dust, sand, etc.—that can scratch it and affect its luster. Gently wipe its case with a microfiber cloth soaked in mild soapy water. Assuming that your watch is water-resistant, you can also wash it at least every week or every month, depending on how often you wear it. 

A service should also take place at least every 2-3 years for maintenance and to prevent rusting or any other issue. It is particularly essential if you either damage the watch or when it’s starting to lose accuracy. 

1. Store in a Clean, Dry Place

When not in use, store your watch in a clean, dry place, preferably in the box it came in. It should keep the timepiece safe from dents, scratches, or even getting misplaced. But, that’s not the only reason to keep the watch box—any luxury watch will sell for a higher value with its original container, with all the paperwork included. 

Additionally, keep your watch away from extended exposure to sunlight. Aside from fading the color on your watch, sunlight and heat can also shorten its battery life. Avoid contact between your wristwatch and chemicals as well. These include cleaning products and perfume, both of which can weaken the band and eventually cause it to tear. 

1. Keep Away From Moisture 

Moisture and condensation are natural enemies of luxury watches women. They can coagulate the oils inside the wristwatch and lose their lubricating properties. It is a problem in a cold safe where there’s a higher risk for moisture. 

To prevent such damage, it is advised to store watches with silica gel. You can recycle the desiccant gel packets that come with shoe boxes and practically all electrical gears. 

1. Check Water-Resistance

How water-resistant are your watches? The ability of wristwatches to resist water often vary. Even the ones categorized as waterproof may not be completely impervious to water. While they may be able to handle a splash of rain, it may be a different case when they are submerged in water. Add that to the fact that their parts deteriorate over time due to oxidation and condensation, further lowering their resistance to water damage. 

Have your watches checked at least every year to assess their water resistance? This should ensure that any compromised parts will be repaired immediately. 

 

1. Prepare for Long-Term Storage 

Watches are like cars. They have to run regularly, otherwise, their parts will eventually stop working altogether. Give them some attention now and then by wearing them alternately. If that’s not possible, prepare them for long-term storage. For example, quartz watches are at risk of battery corrosion and leakage. With that, make sure to remove their batteries to avoid damage. Even when idle, you also have to send your watches for regular service. This much is true for mechanical watches, which you have to wear and wind periodically. 

Takeaway 

It is not always clear that when you buy a luxury watch, you are committing to a lifetime’s worth of regular servicing. Make it your goal to have it checked by an accredited service center or by the manufacturing brand itself regularly. In case you encounter any problems outside of that schedule, take your watch to the professional anyway. 

Unless you’re qualified, never open your watch by yourself. Otherwise, you risk exposing it to dust, dirt, and other particles that could either damage its case or compromise its movement. Looking after your luxury watches isn’t cheap, but the efforts can guarantee a life-long investment that will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine. While there are many approaches you can take toward maintaining your watches, this article serves as a good starter. 

Do you have any other tips to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below.