Vintage watch care 101 5 expert tips for keeping your treasured timepiece in excellent condition

“Just to start with the obvious: a mechanical watch – generally – isn’t meant to be worn when playing tennis or in the sauna. Pay attention to water, such as sailing; shocks and bumps, such as when playing football; and to large changes in temperature – so preferably steer clear of sunbathing. Also remember that if your watch has a leather strap, it’s sensitive to not just water but spritzes of perfume and even the droplets from the food you eat.”

“Regularly clean the case of your watch gently with a soft brush and some water, along with waxing your leather strap to keep it soft and elastic. Even if your watch appears to be in good shape, make sure it is also serviced by a specialist every two or three years. They can determine which part of your watch needs to be fine-tuned, thus preventing it from breaking or coming off later.”

“When it comes to setting the date on your vintage watch, make sure not to set the mechanical clock between 9:00pm and 3:00am as this can interfere with the mechanism that changes the date and, in turn, can damage the watch.”

“Keep your watch safe in a dry, dark and temperature-controlled place. Moisture can cause rust, while light can fade the colours. Although it’s interesting to note that the latter is not always a disadvantage – in exceptional cases, often with Rolex watches, the faded colours make a watch more desirable. This particular patina adds value to some watches, but in most cases, it is far better to keep your vintage watch away from light. The original packaging of the watch is often a good place to store it.”

“If you do not intend to wear the watch every day, keep the pieces moving regularly to ensure that the oil doesn’t dry out and the gears don’t start to stiffen. It’s also worth releasing the tension of the watch’s spring. An automatic winder can help do this by regularly loading automatic watches by simulate human movement and moving the watch, which activates the winding mechanism without overloading it.”