Common issues when using watches

　　What are the common issues regarding watch usage? How should we handle them? Let us take a look below.

　　Common issues in watch usage

　　1. Watch turning green

　　Watches turn green when exposed to sweat because manufacturers use copper-based alloys plated with gold for ease of processing and an attractive colour; however, if the gold-plating technique is poorly executed, oxidation will occur. Modern watchmaking generally employs stainless steel plating techniques, so this phenomenon is now rarely seen. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase watches made of stainless steel or solid gold.

　　2. Wrist turning black

　　As for the issue of the wrist turning black when wearing a watch, it is directly related to poor air quality and dust trapped in the bracelet over a long period. In such cases, it is best to have it cleaned by a professional watch shop, and daily wear should also include attention to the cleanliness of the watch.

　　3. Internal cleaning

　　What has been discussed above refers to the exterior case and bracelet. As for internal servicing, oiling, or thorough cleaning, the watch should still be sent regularly to a watch shop for professional care. Ultrasonic cleaning is very popular in some watch shops, but because this equipment cleans watches through vibration, it easily causes internal components to loosen. Consequently, this cleaning method tends to cause trouble for consumers because many high-end watches involve intricate and complex constructions that often have to be sent back to Switzerland for servicing. Therefore, it is not advisable to use such equipment for cleaning watches.

　　4. Simple cleaning

　　Therefore, industry insiders remind consumers that the key to watch maintenance lies in diligent wiping and cleaning. The method is very simple: wipe first with a damp cloth, then follow up with a dry cloth. However, sending the watch to a professional shop every three years for a thorough cleaning and service remains an important detail that should not be overlooked.

　　Maintenance methods for automatic mechanical watches

　　(1) Wear normally while avoiding shocks. Only adequate physical activity can keep the mainspring continuously wound; generally, when the wearer's activity level is low, the watch may run slightly slow, which is normal. It is recommended that consumers rotate the crown 20-30 times upon initial use to ensure the mainspring functions properly. Additionally, although watches are shock-resistant, strong external impacts can easily snap the balance staff or gear pivots, and shock the regulator index, thereby affecting timekeeping accuracy.

　　(2) Prevent magnetisation. Although watches are made from materials that are not easily magnetised, timekeeping is heavily affected by magnetic fields, so please keep away from magnetic environments.

　　(3) Water resistance. Try not to wear the watch while swimming or doing laundry. Once exposed to rain or water, do not pull out the crown to adjust the watch at that moment; dry it off immediately instead. Because the crown protrudes, try to avoid knocking it. Also, pay attention to the clearance between the crown and the case; if it is too small, it will affect operation, while if it is too large, it will compromise water resistance and detract from the aesthetics.

　　When wearing an automatic mechanical watch normally, try to keep it away from magnetic fields and avoid getting it wet. Although self-winding mechanical watches feature magnetic and water resistance, taking a little extra care in daily use will prolong their lifespan.