How to Care for Your Watch: Straps, Cleaning and Storage

A little regular care keeps a watch looking and running its best for years. Here is a practical routine for the most common materials.

Leather straps

• Keep leather away from water, sweat-heavy workouts and perfume, which can stain and weaken it.
• If it gets wet, let it air-dry naturally — never use a hair dryer or direct sunlight.
• Rotating between straps or watches gives leather time to dry and helps it last longer.
• Wear it slightly looser in hot, humid weather to reduce moisture build-up.

Stainless steel bracelets

• Wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove fingerprints and skin oils.
• For a deeper clean, and only if your watch is water resistant, use a soft toothbrush with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry thoroughly.
• Pay attention to the gaps between links, where dirt collects.

Silicone and rubber straps

• Rinse with fresh water after exercise or swimming and pat dry.
• Mild soap removes sunscreen and sweat residue.

The case and crystal

• Clean the case and crystal with a microfibre cloth.
• Avoid knocks against hard surfaces — even sapphire crystals can chip at the edges.

Storage

• Store your watch in a box or soft pouch, away from direct sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Keep watches away from strong magnets such as speakers and magnetic clasps — magnetism can affect the accuracy of mechanical watches.
• For automatic watches you wear occasionally, a watch winder is optional; you can simply wind and set it when you next wear it.

Batteries and servicing

• Replace a dead quartz battery promptly; old batteries can leak and damage the movement.
• Have batteries changed by a professional so the case seals are refitted correctly.
• Mechanical watches benefit from periodic servicing — follow the manufacturer's recommended interval.

Shop leather strap watches or durable stainless steel watches.