Watch Care Guide

A watch is a small machine you wear. Treated well, it will outlast its first owner. This guide covers the essentials for every reference we sell — mechanical, automatic, quartz, and smartwatch.

1. Daily Wear

Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry cloth at the end of each day. This removes skin oil, perfume, and dust before they migrate into the lugs. For polished cases, a microfibre cloth is enough; for brushed steel, follow the grain.

• Avoid spraying perfume, hairspray, or sunscreen onto the wrist while wearing the watch — the alcohol attacks gaskets and clouds sapphire over time.
• Take the watch off before showering. Even with a 10 ATM rating, hot water expands gaskets and shortens their service life.
• Store on a watch winder only if you wear that piece less than once a week. Continuous winding wears the mainspring needlessly.

2. Water Resistance

The number on the dial (e.g. 5 ATM, 10 ATM, 20 ATM) is the static pressure rating. Real-world activities translate roughly as follows:

• 3 ATM (30 m): Splashes only. Hand-washing is fine. Do not swim.
• 5 ATM (50 m): Light swimming in fresh water. No diving, no jets.
• 10 ATM (100 m): Recreational swimming and snorkelling. Avoid hot tubs.
• 20 ATM (200 m) and ISO 6425 divers: Recreational scuba.

Have gaskets pressure-tested every 2–3 years if you swim with the watch. Always rinse the case in fresh water after sea or chlorinated-pool exposure.

3. Magnetism

Modern movements with silicon escapements are largely immune. Older mechanical movements are not. Keep the watch at least 5 cm from:

• Laptop speakers, induction cooktops, and refrigerator magnets.
• iPad covers, magnetic phone cases, and MagSafe chargers.
• Hair dryers and magnetic clasps on bags.

If your watch suddenly runs +30 seconds per day or stops, magnetism is the most likely cause. We demagnetise complimentary at the Carmel atelier — email concierge@chronoluxe.com to arrange.

4. Service Intervals

Recommended interval depends on the movement:

• Mechanical / automatic: Full service every 4–5 years. Lubricants degrade even when the watch is unworn.
• Quartz: Battery every 2–4 years; full service every 8–10 years if the case shows wear or the seconds hand stutters.
• Smartwatch: Software updates monthly; battery replacement at the manufacturer when capacity drops below 80%.

5. Strap Rotation

Leather straps wear out faster than the watch. Plan to replace every 12–18 months for hygiene — body oil and sweat break down lining quicker than the topside shows. We carry replacement straps in saddle leather, NATO, and rubber, sized for every reference we have ever sold.

• Rotate two straps if you wear the watch daily — letting one rest doubles its useful life.
• Steel bracelets benefit from a soft-bristle toothbrush and warm soapy water once a quarter; dry thoroughly before re-wearing.
• Rubber straps last longest of all but yellow under UV. Store away from windows.

6. Storage

Original presentation box is ideal. Failing that, a soft pouch in a drawer away from direct sun. Avoid bathrooms (humidity), kitchens (grease), and car gloveboxes (heat). For collections of three or more, a watch roll keeps cases from contacting one another.

7. When to Send It In

Email concierge@chronoluxe.com if you notice any of the following:

• Condensation or fog under the crystal.
• Loss of timekeeping accuracy beyond the published spec.
• Crown that no longer screws down or feels gritty.
• Loose links, hairline crack on the crystal, or a hand that has fallen.

For watches purchased from ChronoLuxe, diagnostic is free in the first two years.

Questions?

Our concierge team replies within one business day. Write to concierge@chronoluxe.com with photos of the issue, the reference number, and your order ID if you bought from us.