One of the essential steps in maintaining a mechanical watch’s longevity, performance, and aesthetic appeal is providing it with adequate storage. Protecting your timepiece from exposure to detrimental elements such as dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures can greatly extend its functional lifespan and preserve its beauty. This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to store your mechanical watches safely, highlighting factors like choosing the right storage space, ensuring suitable watch maintenance, and utilizing the appropriate storage accessories.
Choosing the Right Storage Space
The first step in safeguarding your mechanical watch is selecting a suitable storage area. This location needs to be dry, cool, and away from strong magnetic fields which can interfere with your watch’s accuracy. Therefore, areas near electrical appliances or devices that emit strong magnetic fields should be avoided. Additionally, the storage space should also be out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade the watch’s dial and strap.
Utilizing Watch Boxes and Cases
Your mechanical watch storage should not involve simply placing it on a desk or drawer. For individual watches, consider using a watch box or case. These accessories provide a dedicated space for your watch to ensure its protection from external elements. Furthermore, they often come fitted with cushioned compartments tailored to hold watches securely, mitigating the risk of scratches. For collectors with multiple watches, there are watch cases that come with multiple compartments.
Maintaining the Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Another critical aspect of storing mechanical watches safely is maintaining an ideal environment. Watches, particularly those with leather straps, can suffer damage in extreme temperatures and humidity. A too dry environment can cause the leather to crack, while high humidity can lead to mould. A balanced environment with a temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and a relative humidity between 45-55% is typically ideal for mechanical watch storage.
Regular Winding
Mechanical watches require constant movement to maintain their functional integrity. Therefore, leaving your watch untouched in its storage for prolonged periods can lead to the oil’s drying up, which would hamper its operations. To avoid this, consider winding your watch regularly- at least once every two weeks if it’s not being worn. However, ensure to not overwind your watch as it may sprain the watch’s mainspring.
Investing in a Watch Winder
For those owning automatic watches and finding it hard to manually wind them regularly, a watch winder can be an excellent investment. A watch winder is a device that maintains the power in the watch by gently rotating it in patterns that simulate human movement. By keeping the watch in motion, it ensures the oil inside the watch keeps flowing. Always set your watch winder to mimic the natural movement of hands for the optimum winding of your watch.
Ensuring Regular Servicing
Whether stored or worn, mechanical watches require regular servicing to ensure their optimal functioning. During a servicing, the watch is dismantled, cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled- with any worn parts replaced. A watch that is regularly worn should ideally be serviced every five years; however, a watch that is stored most of the time may need servicing every two to three years.
Using Protective Covers
Protective covers can provide additional safeguarding for your watch during storage. They can protect the watch face from scratches or dust accumulation. However, ensure that you use covers made from fabrics that do not shed fibres, like microfiber cloth, to avoid tiny particles from getting into the watch mechanism.
Appropriate Disassembly
If you intend to store your mechanical watch for a long time, consider removing the strap, especially if it’s made of leather or rubber. These materials can degrade over time and affect the watch’s aesthetics. Keeping the strap detached during long-term storage can help prolong the life of the strap.
Remember that storing your mechanical watch safely involves a combination of many factors. Choosing the right storage space and using appropriate storage accessories should be complemented by consistent maintenance routines such as regular winding and servicing. This approach ensures that your watch remains in superior condition, ready to accurately tell the time whenever you decide to strap it on your wrist. Furthermore, investing in a protective cover, especially for costly or sentimental timepieces, can provide an additional layer of protection. By following these tips, you can enjoy your mechanical watch for many years to come.
