A Comprehensive Guide to Watch Maintenance

 1, It is best to place a desiccant where you store your watch, but avoid using chemicals such as mothballs or insect repellents.
2, Leather watch straps should avoid contact with water as much as possible to prevent the strap from hardening, developing odours, and consequently breaking.
3, If the watch shows any abnormalities, it should be immediately taken to a nearby specialist watch shop for inspection.
4, Automatic watches must be kept under conditions of sufficient physical activity, meaning they must be worn for more than 10 hours daily.
5 Different occasions require different watches; for example, it is best to choose a sports watch with excellent water resistance and shock resistance when exercising.
6, If the case back is marked with WATER RESISTANT or 3ATM, it indicates that its water resistance is limited to splashes or light rain without pressure.
7, A special reminder: no watch should be worn in warm water or a bathroom, even if it is a water-resistant model. This is because the watch seals are made of rubber, which ages easily when exposed to heat, and water vapour molecules are small enough to penetrate the case, causing damage to the internal movement.
8, Due to the different internal mechanical structures of each watch, under normal usage conditions, the daily deviation for a mechanical or automatic watch is within 30 seconds, while quartz watches are less prone to error and are more accurate.
Tips for Bracelet Maintenance—Metal Bracelets
Perhaps due to technical focus, the bracelet often receives less attention than the movement, but in reality, it is the most important part of the "wearing experience". Bracelets can be simply divided into metal bracelets and leather straps. Metal bracelets are the preferred choice for many enthusiasts due to their durability and unique metallic lustre. However, if not maintained properly, a bracelet known for its ease of care can significantly detract from your appearance!
1. What to do if there are scratches? A smooth, flat bracelet that shines under bright light is a favourite for many, but because of this proud characteristic, a single scratch can make the whole watch look dull. What to do if there are scratches? You can buy a "gold polishing cloth" (or magic cloth) from a watch shop to wipe it yourself; if the scratch is not deep, it can be removed, or you can wait for a professional service during regular maintenance. If the damage is severe, it must be handled by a professional. 2. Oh dear! Why has it become like this? After wearing a metal bracelet for a long time, the sludge formed by sweat and dirt accumulated in the joints or on the surface can emit a foul odour. In this case, use a soft toothbrush with a little toothpaste or detergent to gently scrub the bracelet and the joints, then rinse with water, wipe with a soft cloth, and dry with a hairdryer. Additionally, gold watches may discolour due to oxidation over time; besides professional cleaning, you can also use tooth powder, which will surely give satisfying results. For jewellery watches, besides checking if diamonds are loose, you can use a toothbrush with mild detergent to clean the diamonds, and soaking in jewellery cleaning solution is also a good method. During cleaning, no matter how careful you are, there is still a risk of water ingress. If cleaning the bracelet causes the watch head to get wet, it is not worth the risk; it is better to leave it to a professional. 2. If a metal bracelet gets wet (water, sweat, etc.) and is not treated, it will easily rust. Metal rust or dirt can seep out from the joints, staining clothing or even causing skin allergies. Therefore, after removing the watch or washing it with water, remember to wipe the joints dry before wearing it again. Also, for diving watches, simply rinse with fresh water after "coming ashore"; using chemical agents can easily cause damage. 3.K Gold bracelets are softer and prone to scratches when subjected to impact or improper contact. Furthermore, exhaust fumes, chlorine in swimming pools, or human sweat can cause gold watches to discolour. Keep the bracelet dry and wear it with care. For titanium or high-tech ceramic watches that boast high hardness, you must also avoid impacts or drops; after all, hard does not mean indestructible.
Tips for Strap Maintenance—Leather Straps
Besides metal bracelets, leather straps are the other major category. Leather straps not only look elegant and fashionable but also feel warm and comfortable during the cold winter. However, the difficulty of maintaining leather straps is a common pain point for many enthusiasts. This article will provide you with the correct concepts for strap maintenance so that your strap can accompany you for a long time—after all, straps costing thousands are not cheap!
1. Hmm... what is that smell? Finely crafted and elegantly styled leather straps have always been popular. In terms of overall aesthetics, besides the watch itself looking good, a well-matched strap makes the wearer look more refined. However, the development of odours is the biggest problem for leather strap wearers. When a strap develops an odour, use a toothbrush with a little soapy water to quickly scrub the dirty areas, then wipe with a slightly damp cloth. To prevent soapy water from soaking into the leather, the entire process should ideally be completed within 20 seconds. Additionally, consumers can apply leather oil to the strap, which has a protective effect and makes the maintenance more thorough. 2. Leather strap hardening. When a leather strap is worn for a long time, besides odours, "hardening" is a common symptom. If the strap is frequently in a humid environment, it will accelerate the hardening process. Sweat also erodes the leather, causing the strap to deform, harden, or even break, which can inexplicably lead to the loss or damage of the watch. Therefore, in addition to diligent daily maintenance, do not bend the strap when it hardens, and timely replacement is absolutely necessary. Spending a little money to maintain an attractive appearance while avoiding unnecessary losses is a win-win situation—why not do it? Our advice: 1. A snug and comfortable fit is the most attractive feature of a leather strap, but it is also a hassle to maintain. It is recommended that consumers wear leather straps in winter; they are prone to sweat in summer or after exercise, so avoid wearing them then. If you must wear them, wipe off the sweat before putting them on to extend the life of the leather strap. 2. There are many types of leather, generally including crocodile, lizard, ostrich, shark, and calfskin. Regardless of the material, odours will develop after long-term wear, so thorough cleaning and keeping it dry is the golden rule of strap maintenance. If the strap gets wet, it should be wiped dry immediately with a cloth; if there is dust, it should also be wiped off with a cloth (if using a damp cloth, dry it after cleaning). Additionally, prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the strap to deteriorate, which is also something to watch out for. 3. Do not wear a leather strap watch all the time; if you have more than two watches, it is best to rotate them. Leather needs to breathe, and a ventilated environment can extend the life of the strap. Wearing different watches (straps) not only reduces the risk of human-induced damage but also allows the strap to get sufficient rest. Furthermore, wearing a leather strap is a process of constant wear and tear; if you do not overwork it, it will naturally stay with you for a longer time.
Maintenance of Mechanical Watches
The most common reasons for sending a mechanical watch for repair are water ingress and impacts. Unless a mechanical watch is explicitly marked as water-resistant, you must avoid getting the case wet, as water causes severe mechanical corrosion and is highly destructive. Seawater must be avoided at all costs. Even watches specified as water-resistant only offer one year of water-resistance protection because the rubber seals degrade over a year of wear, combined with sweat, dust and other unavoidable external factors. Therefore, the seals must be replaced annually, otherwise they will lose their water-resistant capability. Beyond water resistance, protection against impacts is equally important. If your budget allows, having two or three watches to alternate between in daily life is advisable: wear a mechanical watch during sedentary activities and a sports watch when exercising. Rotating your watches appropriately helps extend their lifespan. Mechanical watches operate through the driving force of gear trains and mainsprings, and movement inevitably creates friction. Therefore, they require periodic oiling and lubrication over time to reduce component wear rates. Waiting until a fault develops before sending a watch for repair often means the problem has already become severe. Ideally, a mechanical watch should be serviced annually to check for improper use or water ingress. Particularly in humid climates, the long-term accumulation of sweat, rainwater and polluted air causes chronic erosion to the mechanism, with the frequency and severity of damage being much higher than in Europe, North America or Japan. Hence, regular inspections are crucial. Furthermore, a complete cleaning and service should be carried out every three years. The safest approach for maintenance and repairs is to entrust them to an authorised dealer. While internal cleaning must be handled by a professional watchmaker, owners can easily carry out external cleaning themselves: use a soft brush dampened with a mild cleaning solution to scrub the bracelet, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Water-resistant cases can also be cleaned in this manner; cases without water resistance must never be washed. Routine external cleaning is essential because even imperceptible sweat grime and dust continuously accumulate. If left unwashed, the bracelet may rust, degrade or become brittle. Owners are therefore advised to clean their watches diligently.
Pay attention to the water resistance of your watch
1. Non-water-resistant: ultra-thin watches, art watches, ladies' watches and jewellery watches largely fall into this category. It is recommended to keep them away from moisture and store them in a dry, moisture-free location. 2. Water-resistant watches 30M; standard water resistance, usually featuring a press-fit case back to protect against moisture ingress, but unsuitable for immersion or swimming as it only provides basic water resistance. 3. Water-resistant watches 100M and above, featuring a screw-down case back; suitable for immersion but not for swimming or diving. 4. Diver's watches 200M and above; during diving and daily use, always ensure that all crowns and pushers are securely screwed down after adjusting the time.
How should I care for my watch on a daily basis?
Like undergarments, the watch case or strap/bracelet is in direct contact with human skin. If dirt is not cleaned off, it can easily soil clothing cuffs and cause skin itching or allergic reactions. Therefore, they must be kept clean regularly. When you take off your watch, gently wipe the watch body, strap/bracelet and clasp with a soft cloth to extend the lifespan of your watch.
Precautions for using self-charging silicone straps:
As silicone is a very soft material, when threading the strap through the metal buckle, do not pull forcefully on the head of the strap. Instead, gently push it through to extend its lifespan.
Am I someone who is prone to metal allergies?
● Please loosen the bracelet to increase ventilation
● As individual physical constitutions and health conditions vary,
　Symptoms of itchy skin and skin allergies may also differ
● Itchy skin and rashes can be categorised into the following two types:  
Allergic reactions caused by metals or leather
Reactions caused by rust, grime or sweat on the watch case itself or the bracelet
● Should you experience any skin abnormalities, please stop wearing the watch immediately and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
※ How should watches be stored and kept?
Temperatures below -10°C or above 60°C will reduce watch performance and may even cause it to stop.
When worn on the wrist to maintain a specific level of accuracy, watches are adjusted to suit a range of 5°C to 35°C. Consequently, accuracy will be affected to some extent by different temperatures, but will return to normal once standard temperatures are restored.
● Avoid placing the watch near sources of strong magnetic fields (such as televisions, speakers, magnetic necklaces, etc.).
● Avoid placing the watch near substances that easily emit fumes or evaporate (such as nail polish remover, thinners or other organic solvents, or liquids containing such solvents, petrol, nail polish, cosmetic sprays, heavy-duty bathroom cleaners, superglue, etc.) and mercury.
● Avoid immersing the watch in hot springs or placing it in drawers containing mothballs or similar special environments.

※ Can you tell me about water resistance performance?

Regarding water resistance
How to distinguish between water-resistant and non-water-resistant watches
Water-resistant watches will have "WATER RESIST" marked on the case back, while non-water-resistant models will lack this marking.
Water-resistant watch
Seiko water-resistant watches can be divided into three main categories: everyday water resistance, enhanced everyday water resistance, and diving water resistance.
Non-water-resistant watch
When using a non-water-resistant watch, please avoid direct contact with moisture and dry it as soon as possible if it gets splashed with water drops.
Leaving it unattended can cause stains or rust to form on the dial. Please remove the watch when sweating heavily or using water.
Everyday water resistance (WATER RESIST)
Resistant to sweat, rain, or water drops from washing your face. While it resists splashed water drops, it is not suitable for bathing, swimming, diving, and similar activities.
Enhanced everyday water resistance (WATER RESIST 5BAR. 10BAR. 20BAR.)
Can be used for work or sports involving frequent exposure to water (swimming, surfing, etc.) or skin-diving.
Diving water resistance (WATER RESIST 100m. 200m)
Can be used during skin-diving or scuba diving.
Depending on the diving depth, it can be further classified into air-diving water resistance, saturation diving water resistance, and professional (600m-1000m) water-resistant functions.
Precautions for water-resistant watches
1. Please avoid high water pressure impacts directly on the watch, such as water jets from car washes, strong tap water, or shower heads.
2. Do not operate the crown or pushers while moisture is present on the watch.
3. Excessive soap or shampoo may accelerate the degradation of the gaskets, so please pay special attention.
4. Because hot springs contain components that discolour and corrode metal and degrade gaskets, please remove your watch when bathing.
Do you recommend regular maintenance checks?
To ensure long-term use, we encourage users to have an adjustment and check carried out approximately every 2-3 years (at your own expense).
Regular inspections can prevent damage that is invisible to the naked eye, allowing you to use your watch with greater peace of mind.  
To check the lubrication status and the ingress of sweat or moisture, please visit the authorised dealer where you purchased the watch, and send it for servicing depending on the inspection results.
Urethane straps may experience a loss of elasticity, hardening, and other phenomena; please visit a Seiko boutique or dealer to purchase a replacement strap.
How should I care for a leather strap?
Compared to metal bracelets, leather straps are more susceptible to damage from sweat and moisture. Therefore, if they accidentally get wet, please dry them as soon as possible with an absorbent, soft cloth. After removing the watch, please place it in a well-ventilated area. In seasons when you sweat easily, you can loosen the strap slightly to improve breathability. An ideal fit is one that allows about one finger's space. Since straps are prone to fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight, please try to avoid leaving them in a car for extended periods.
Soft plastic straps, such as polyurethane, may harden or discolour after 2 to 3 years of use. Degradation occurs even faster, leading to breakage or cracking, especially when left damp for long periods, placed in humid locations, or subjected to direct sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, you should avoid leaving the watch in such environments for a long time.

How should I care for a metal bracelet?
If a metal bracelet is left stained with sweat, it is prone to rusting. When you sweat, the bracelet may look clean, but metallic rust can still seep out and potentially soil your cuffs. Wash soiled metal bracelets with soap. When dirt is quite severe, gently scrub it away with a soft toothbrush (please be careful not to get the watch case wet if it is non-water-resistant). After cleaning, carefully dry it with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from remaining in the bracelet crevices. Do not use nail polish remover, thinners, or chemical agents during maintenance. Furthermore, after using an enhanced everyday water-resistant watch in seawater, do not use chemicals; simply clean it with fresh water.
For watches equipped with a mainspring, dirt tends to accumulate around the winding components, making the stem increasingly stiff. In this case, please clean the winding area.

What is an amalgam?
An alloy created by combining mercury with other metals is known as an amalgam.
Metals frequently used in watch case construction, such as gold and silver, can form various alloys when fused with mercury.
Amalgam
If mercury comes into contact with a metal bracelet, an amalgam will form within minutes, resulting in a greyish-white discolouration. Over several days, the affected area may expand depending on the amount of mercury present.
How to identify amalgam formation
If mercury is detected in the discoloured area, it can be confirmed as amalgam formation. Alternatively, if there is no clear boundary between the greyish-white area and the gold-coloured section, it can be presumed to be an amalgam. Once this occurs, the affected part has been transformed into an alloy and cannot be removed by polishing or filing; the case or bracelet must be replaced.
Do electromagnetic fields affect electronic watches?
What is magnetic resistance?
Analogue watches use a stepping motor to drive the hands, which relies on magnetic properties to function. Therefore, exposure to strong external magnetic fields can cause the watch to malfunction, run fast, run slow, or stop entirely. Digital watches do not use motors and are unaffected by magnetic fields. If a watch fails to display the time correctly due to magnetic interference, the internal mechanism is not damaged; simply moving the watch away from the magnetic source will allow it to resume normal operation, and the time can then be reset.
Please be aware of the following items that generate magnetic fields
● Direct magnetic fields: Can cause the watch to stop or run slow. Examples include magnetic health products, headphones, loudspeakers, and magnetic refrigerator doors.
● Alternating magnetic fields: Can cause the watch to run fast or slow. Examples include electric blankets, blenders, electric mahjong tables, and induction cookers.