THE JOURNAL
Basic Mechanical Watch Maintenance Knowledge
Water ingress and impacts are mechanicalWatchwatches' most common reasons for repair, so learning basic mechanical watch maintenance knowledge is a must.
As a last resort, unless it is amechanical watch with water-resistant functionsotherwise never let its case come into contact with water, as general mechanical watches are easily corroded by water. Seawater, in particular, must absolutely be avoided. Watches specifically noted as having water-resistant functions actually only have one year of water-resistant protection, because typically after a year of wear, various external factors such as hand sweat and rain will inevitably corrode the water-resistant gasket, and the water-resistant performance will definitely diminish. Therefore, replacing the water-resistant gasket annually is a must, otherwise it basically loses its water-resistant function after a year.
Besides water resistance, protection against impacts is even more important. Within your financial means, it is advisable to have two or three watches to rotate in daily life: wear a mechanical watch during static activities, and wear a sports watch when engaging in sports. Tailoring your watch choice to the occasion helps extend the lifespan of the timepiece. Mechanical watches operate through the drive of mechanical gears and mainsprings, and rotation inevitably generates friction, so lubrication and oiling are necessary over time to reduce the component wear rate. Otherwise, waiting until problems arise to send it for repair often means the issue is already severe.
It is best to send a mechanical watch back for a check-up every year to see if there is any improper use or water ingress. Especially in humid climates, the long-term accumulation of sweat, rain, and polluted air causes chronic erosion of the mechanism, with the frequency and extent of damage being much higher than in Europe, America, and Japan. Therefore, "regular checks" are very important; and a thorough cleaning and service should be carried out every three years. The safest approach for maintenance and repairs is to have an authorised dealer handle it securely. Internal cleaning must be left to professional technicians, but watch owners can handle exterior cleaning themselves; use a soft brush dipped in cleaning solution to scrub the bracelet, and finally rinse with clean water. Cases with water-resistant functions can also be cleaned this way; cases without water-resistant functions must never be scrubbed. Daily exterior cleaning is very important because sweat grime and dust, even if imperceptibly fine, continuously accumulate. If left uncleaned, the bracelet will rust, decay, or become brittle. Therefore, owners are best advised to clean them frequently.
As a last resort, unless it is amechanical watch with water-resistant functionsotherwise never let its case come into contact with water, as general mechanical watches are easily corroded by water. Seawater, in particular, must absolutely be avoided. Watches specifically noted as having water-resistant functions actually only have one year of water-resistant protection, because typically after a year of wear, various external factors such as hand sweat and rain will inevitably corrode the water-resistant gasket, and the water-resistant performance will definitely diminish. Therefore, replacing the water-resistant gasket annually is a must, otherwise it basically loses its water-resistant function after a year.
Besides water resistance, protection against impacts is even more important. Within your financial means, it is advisable to have two or three watches to rotate in daily life: wear a mechanical watch during static activities, and wear a sports watch when engaging in sports. Tailoring your watch choice to the occasion helps extend the lifespan of the timepiece. Mechanical watches operate through the drive of mechanical gears and mainsprings, and rotation inevitably generates friction, so lubrication and oiling are necessary over time to reduce the component wear rate. Otherwise, waiting until problems arise to send it for repair often means the issue is already severe.
It is best to send a mechanical watch back for a check-up every year to see if there is any improper use or water ingress. Especially in humid climates, the long-term accumulation of sweat, rain, and polluted air causes chronic erosion of the mechanism, with the frequency and extent of damage being much higher than in Europe, America, and Japan. Therefore, "regular checks" are very important; and a thorough cleaning and service should be carried out every three years. The safest approach for maintenance and repairs is to have an authorised dealer handle it securely. Internal cleaning must be left to professional technicians, but watch owners can handle exterior cleaning themselves; use a soft brush dipped in cleaning solution to scrub the bracelet, and finally rinse with clean water. Cases with water-resistant functions can also be cleaned this way; cases without water-resistant functions must never be scrubbed. Daily exterior cleaning is very important because sweat grime and dust, even if imperceptibly fine, continuously accumulate. If left uncleaned, the bracelet will rust, decay, or become brittle. Therefore, owners are best advised to clean them frequently.
In this regard, learning the basic maintenance knowledge of mechanical watches allows us to better look after our beloved mechanical timepieces.
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