So you’ve invested in a stunning luxury watch, and now you want to ensure it maintains its value for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, preserving the value of your luxury watch is essential. In this article, we will explore the top ways you can protect your investment and keep your timepiece in pristine condition. From regular servicing to proper storage and handling techniques, these tips will help ensure that your luxury watch retains its value and remains a treasured possession for generations to come.
Regular Maintenance
Service your watch regularly
To keep your luxury watch in top condition and preserve its value, it’s important to schedule regular servicing. This typically involves taking your watch to a reputable watchmaker or authorized service center for a thorough inspection and maintenance. Regular servicing helps prevent potential issues, such as lubricant degradation, worn-out components, or misalignments, from becoming major problems that can affect the watch’s performance and value.
Keep it clean
Proper cleaning is essential in maintaining the appearance and value of your luxury watch. Regularly wipe the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and other contaminants. If the watch has a water-resistant rating, you can also use a mild soap and warm water to clean the case and bracelet. However, it’s important to avoid immersing the watch in water, especially if it’s not explicitly designed for submersion.
Check for water resistance
If your luxury watch is water-resistant, it’s crucial to periodically check its water resistance to ensure it remains intact. You can consult the watch’s manual or take it to a professional to perform a water-resistance test. This test involves subjecting the watch to various water pressure levels to verify that it can withstand exposure to moisture. Regular testing helps to keep your watch protected and prevents any potential water damage that could decrease its value.
Store it properly
When you’re not wearing your luxury watch, proper storage is essential to minimize the risk of damage and maintain its value. Ideally, store your watch in its original box or a dedicated watch box that provides cushioning and protection against dust, sunlight, and potential impacts. Avoid storing your watch near strong magnetic fields, such as speakers or electronics, as this can interfere with its delicate internal components.
Avoid Extreme Conditions
Avoid extreme temperatures
Extreme temperature variations can have a detrimental effect on the performance and longevity of your luxury watch. High temperatures can cause lubricants to degrade faster, while low temperatures can affect the watch’s accuracy. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid exposing your watch to extreme heat or cold for prolonged periods. If you’re in an environment with extreme temperatures, it’s best to remove your watch and store it in a safe place until conditions normalize.
Protect from direct sunlight
While luxury watches are designed to withstand regular exposure to sunlight, prolonged and direct sunlight can cause discoloration or damage to certain components. To avoid this, it’s advisable to store your watch in a cool and dry place when not in use, away from direct sunlight. If you’re wearing your watch outdoors for an extended period, consider using a protective cover or wearing clothing that provides shade to minimize direct exposure.
Keep away from magnets
Magnetic fields can affect the accuracy and performance of mechanical watches. To preserve the value and functionality of your luxury watch, it’s important to keep it away from magnets. This includes keeping it at a safe distance from devices such as speakers, smartphones, and magnetic closures commonly found in bags or wallets. If your watch happens to come into contact with a strong magnetic field, it’s advisable to have it demagnetized by a professional watchmaker.
Avoid exposure to chemicals
Chemicals can potentially cause damage to the components and finishes of your luxury watch. It’s important to avoid exposing your watch to substances such as solvents, detergents, perfumes, and lotions. These chemicals can corrode the metal, fade the dial or bezel, and degrade the seals, leading to water damage. It’s best to remove your watch before applying any chemicals or engaging in activities that involve contact with potentially corrosive substances.
Handle with Care
Avoid dropping or banging the watch
Accidents can happen, but it’s crucial to handle your luxury watch with care to avoid impact damage. Dropping or banging your watch can cause scratches, dents, misalignments, or even damage to the internal movement. Always make sure to handle your watch with a firm grip and be cautious when taking it off or putting it on to minimize the risk of accidental drops.
Handle the crown and buttons gently
The crown and buttons of your luxury watch are essential components that allow you to set the time, date, and other functions. It’s important to handle them with care to prevent any damage or misalignment. Avoid forcing or pulling the crown too forcefully, as this can damage the internal mechanism. When using the buttons, apply gentle pressure without excessive force to ensure smooth operation and avoid any potential damage.
Avoid wearing during high-impact activities
Luxury watches are often delicate precision instruments that are not designed for high-impact activities. It’s best to remove your watch before engaging in activities such as sports, heavy lifting, or any other physical tasks that may expose it to significant vibrations, impacts, or sudden movements. These activities can potentially damage the movement, case, bracelet, or crystal, which can affect the value and performance of your watch.
Remove before sleeping or showering
To avoid unnecessary wear and tear, it’s advisable to remove your luxury watch before going to sleep or taking a shower. Moisture from showering can penetrate the watch’s seals over time and potentially lead to water damage. Furthermore, movement against bedding or bathroom fixtures can potentially scratch or damage the watch’s case, bracelet, or crystal. To ensure the longevity and value of your watch, it’s best to store it safely while you sleep or shower.
Use a Watch Winder
Keep your automatic watch wound
If you own an automatic watch, it relies on the movement of your wrist to keep it running. However, if you don’t wear the watch regularly, it may stop running and require resetting the time and date when you want to wear it again. A watch winder is a device that keeps your automatic watch wound and ready for use, mimicking the natural movement of your wrist. By using a watch winder, you prevent the watch’s lubricants from solidifying, keeping the movement in optimal condition and preserving accurate timekeeping.
Prevent lubricants from solidifying
A watch’s movement relies on lubricants to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. However, when a watch is left unused for an extended period, these lubricants can dry out and solidify, affecting the watch’s performance and potentially causing damage. By using a watch winder, the constant movement prevents the lubricants from solidifying, ensuring that the internal components of your luxury watch remain properly lubricated and in excellent working condition.
Maintain accurate timekeeping
One of the advantages of using a watch winder is that it helps maintain accurate timekeeping for your automatic watch. When a watch remains static for prolonged periods, its internal movement can be adversely affected, resulting in inaccuracies in timekeeping. By using a watch winder, you ensure that your luxury watch is continually running and regulating itself, thereby promoting precise timekeeping and preserving the value of your timepiece.
Avoid Excessive Moisture
Prevent prolonged exposure to water
While some luxury watches are designed to withstand water exposure, it’s important to prevent prolonged or excessive exposure to water. Even if your watch has a water resistance rating, it’s best to avoid immersing it in water for extended periods. Exposure to water can damage the seals, compromise the movement’s integrity, and cause long-term damage that affects the watch’s value. Always be mindful of the water resistance rating of your luxury watch and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Dry the watch properly after water contact
If your luxury watch comes into contact with water, whether from rain or accidental splashing, it’s crucial to dry it properly. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to carefully dry the exterior of the watch, including the case, bracelet, and crystal. Pay attention to the areas where water may accumulate, such as between the links of the bracelet or the gaps around the case. This thorough drying process helps prevent moisture from lingering and potentially causing damage to the watch’s internals.
Avoid wearing while swimming or diving
Despite a watch’s water resistance rating, it’s important to avoid wearing your luxury watch while swimming or diving, unless specifically designed for such activities. The high pressure underwater can exceed the watch’s water resistance capabilities and cause damage. Additionally, chlorine and saltwater can be corrosive to certain materials, such as leather straps or certain metals. To protect the value and integrity of your luxury watch, it’s best to remove it before entering the water.
Use a desiccant in storage
To protect your luxury watch from moisture during storage, consider using a desiccant. Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from the surrounding environment, helping to keep the interior of your watch dry and well-preserved. Silica gel packets are a commonly used desiccant and are readily available. Place a few packets in the storage box or case where you keep your luxury watch to maintain optimal moisture levels and prolong its lifespan.
Protect the Crystal
Avoid scratches by keeping away from rough surfaces
The crystal, usually made of mineral glass, sapphire, or acrylic, is the transparent protective cover of your luxury watch. To prevent scratches and damage, it’s important to keep your watch away from rough surfaces. Avoid placing your watch face-down on hard and abrasive surfaces, and always be mindful when placing it on a table or other objects. By keeping your watch away from rough surfaces, you minimize the risk of scratches and maintain its pristine condition.
Use a soft cloth or brush for cleaning
When it’s time to clean your luxury watch, pay special attention to the crystal. Use a soft cloth or brush specifically designed for watch cleaning to remove any smudges, fingerprints, or dirt that may have accumulated on the crystal. The gentle approach prevents any scratches that may occur with abrasive materials or excessive force. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this can potentially damage the crystal or its surrounding components.
Avoid direct contact with abrasive materials
In addition to avoiding rough surfaces during storage and cleaning, it’s important to keep your luxury watch away from abrasive materials in general. Be cautious when engaging in activities that involve contact with potential abrasive elements, such as sand, concrete, or metal surfaces. Even a slight scrape against these materials can result in scratches or damage to the crystal, which can diminish the value and aesthetics of your timepiece.
Maintain the Strap or Bracelet
Handle leather straps with care
If your luxury watch features a leather strap, it’s important to handle it with care to maintain its appearance and durability. Leather is a natural material that can be prone to damage from moisture, excessive heat, or prolonged exposure to sunlight. Avoid soaking the strap in water or exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods. Additionally, be mindful of the buckle or clasp when fastening or adjusting the strap to prevent unnecessary stress or damage to these components.
Clean metal bracelets regularly
For luxury watches with metal bracelets, regular cleaning is necessary to maintain their shine and functionality. Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the metal bracelet, using a soft brush or cloth to reach between the links and remove any dirt or residue. Pay attention to the areas where dirt and grime may accumulate, such as the clasp or hidden crevices. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the bracelet to prevent moisture from causing corrosion.
Replace worn-out straps or bracelets
Over time, the strap or bracelet on your luxury watch may show signs of wear and tear, such as fading, stretching, or damaged links. To preserve the value and aesthetics of your watch, it’s advisable to replace worn-out straps or bracelets promptly. Look for genuine replacements from reputable sources, ensuring they match the original design and specifications provided by the watch manufacturer. By maintaining a well-maintained strap or bracelet, you enhance the overall appearance and functionality of your luxury watch.
Avoid contact with lotions or perfumes
Chemicals found in lotions, perfumes, or other cosmetic products can have a negative impact on the materials of your luxury watch strap or bracelet. These chemicals can cause discoloration, fading, or degradation of the materials over time. To preserve the value and integrity of your watch, it’s best to avoid direct contact between the strap or bracelet and any cosmetic products. Apply lotions and perfumes to your skin and allow them to dry before wearing your watch to minimize the risk of chemical damage.
Keep Original Packaging
Store the watch in its original box
The original packaging of your luxury watch is designed to provide optimal protection and preservation. Whenever possible, store your watch in its original box to safeguard it from dust, humidity, and potential impacts. The box often includes cushioning and compartments that keep the watch secure and organized, reducing the risk of scratches or damage. By storing your watch in its original box, you also enhance its value for potential future collectors or buyers.
Keep user manuals and documents safe
Don’t underestimate the importance of preserving the user manuals and documents that accompany your luxury watch. These documents contain valuable information about the watch’s specifications, features, and maintenance requirements. Keep them in a safe place, such as a home safe or lockbox, to prevent loss or damage. Having these documents readily available can be invaluable when it’s time for servicing, repairs, or if you decide to sell or pass on the watch to another collector.
Preserve warranty cards and certificates
Warranty cards and certificates provide proof of authenticity, guarantee coverage, and may offer additional benefits to the owner of a luxury watch. It’s crucial to keep these documents safe and readily accessible. In case of any issues or if you plan to sell the watch in the future, having the original warranty card and certificates can significantly enhance the value and desirability of your timepiece.
Appraise and Insure
Regularly evaluate the watch’s value
To understand the true value of your luxury watch and assess its worth accurately, it’s essential to regularly evaluate its value. Keep track of market trends, historical auction results, and expert opinions to gain insights into the current and potential future value of your timepiece. Regular evaluation helps you make informed decisions regarding servicing, repairs, or potential sale opportunities.
Get a professional appraisal
If you’re unsure about the value of your luxury watch or need an accurate estimate, consider getting a professional appraisal. An expert appraiser can assess the watch’s condition, rarity, and other factors that influence its value. Their expertise provides you with an unbiased and accurate appraisal, giving you confidence in understanding the worth of your watch.
Insure your luxury watches
To protect the significant investment made in your luxury watches, it’s recommended to obtain insurance coverage. Luxury watches can be targets for theft or accidental damage, and having comprehensive insurance policies in place safeguards against potential financial losses. Choose an insurance provider that specializes in watches and offers coverage for theft, loss, damage, and other common risks. Regularly review and update your insurance coverage to ensure it adequately reflects the current value of your timepieces.
Research and Choose Wisely
Consider brand reputation and resale value
When purchasing a luxury watch, it’s essential to consider the reputation of the brand and the potential resale value. Certain watch brands have established themselves as reputable and highly sought after, commanding higher resale values compared to others. Conduct thorough research, read reviews, and consult experts or enthusiasts to gain insight into the long-term value and desirability of the watch brand you’re considering. Investing in a reputable brand ensures that your watch retains its value and offers potential appreciation over time.
Choose timeless designs
Classic and timeless designs often retain their appeal over trends and fads. When selecting a luxury watch, opt for a design that stands the test of time and transcends current fashion trends. This ensures that your watch remains desirable and retains its value even as styles evolve. Iconic designs have a lasting appeal that continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts, making them a wise choice for those looking to preserve the value of their luxury watches.
Invest in limited edition or rare watches
Limited edition or rare watches have a unique appeal due to their scarcity. Investing in these watches often leads to higher values over time, especially when demand exceeds supply. Limited edition models, anniversary editions, or watches featuring unique complications often appreciate in value and become highly coveted by collectors. However, it’s important to conduct thorough research and ensure the limited edition is truly limited or rare to avoid potential disappointment in the marketplace.
Preserving the value of your luxury watches requires a combination of regular maintenance, proper handling, and careful storage. By following the recommendations outlined above, you can extend the lifespan, maintain the appearance, and protect the value of your treasured timepieces. Remember to keep your luxury watches clean, avoid extreme conditions, handle them with care, use a watch winder, protect them from excessive moisture, preserve the crystal, maintain the strap or bracelet, keep the original packaging, appraise and insure your watches, and make informed choices based on research. With these practices in place, your luxury watches will continue to bring you joy and retain their value for years to come.