Watches are comparatively basic little machines that do a simple job and should bring you joy: nothing too intimidating or high-maintenance. At least, they don’t have to be. With a little care, the right tools and some basic knowledge, you can have a satisfying watch experience that lasts decades.
All the information out there regarding watch maintenance can be overwhelming sometimes, though — we get it. And that’s why it’s helpful to have the ABCs of watch care collected in one place as a handy reference. The following wisdom will help you avoid problems with watches, and guide you to the best solutions when issues do occur. (Even veteran watch collectors sometimes need to be reminded of best practices.) Whether your watch needs a new battery, a good cleaning or something more complicated and expensive, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s the place to start if you just got a new watch; and it’s the place to refer back to when you’ve got questions down the road.
A Complete Guide To Mechanical Watch Maintenance
RolexGet an overview of how mechanical watches work and why certain practices are important.
AmazonByniiur Watch Repair Kit
For around the price of a battery change at a watchmaker, you can buy this kit and do it yourself — and adjust bracelets, change straps and more — every time.
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$24.99 (41% off)
AmazonPaddsun Watch Demagnetizer
If your mechanical watch is running fast, it may have become magnetized. Use this simple and cheap device to demagnetize it and save yourself a trip to the repair shop.
AmazonRitche Professional 360pc Spring Bar Kit
Vintage watches sometimes come with old, dirty spring bars. Replace them with good ones and restore your peace of mind with this kit.
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$10.59 (6% off)
AmazonBarton Bands Spring Bar Tool
This handy tool will help you change straps, while a built-in ruler allows you to measure lug widths.
