Wristwatches were first introduced in the 16th century.

At that time, all watches and timepieces used a mechanical manual movement (hand-winding).

The oldest known wristwatch is one owned by Queen Elizabeth of England, made by Robert Dudley in 1571. From the 16th century until the early 20th century, wristwatches were primarily worn by women, while men used pocket watches.

However, today, wristwatches are considered an essential item to own. In addition to serving as a time indicator, it's undeniable that watches have become a key accessory to complement both men's and women's fashion. With the growing variety of watch styles, it's easy to match one with any outfit, whether casual or formal. Just like other accessories, watches require proper care to ensure they last and remain durable.

1. Store the Watch in a Dry Place

The simplest way to take care of your watch and keep it durable is to store it in a dry place with normal room temperature. If you place it in a room with a specific temperature (like an air-conditioned room or a place exposed to direct sunlight), the temperature can affect your watch. It's best to store your watch in a box or a special watch case to ensure its safety and preservation.

2. Clean the Watch with a Wet Tissue

Clean your watch using a wet tissue, but not one that's too wet or soaked in water. If you use a regular tissue, it may leave scratches on the watch glass. The best wet tissue to use is one designed for cleaning baby skin, as it won't cause scratches. Let it dry without using a dry tissue or a dryer, as hot air from the dryer can affect the components inside your watch.

3. Clean the Watch Strap

Don’t forget to clean the watch strap as well. Regular cleaning not only maintains its quality but also helps prevent skin irritation caused by bacteria that can accumulate on the strap. The method to clean the strap depends on the material it’s made from:

Rubber or Plastic: To clean rubber straps, simply use soap and a small brush to scrub off any sweat or dirt, which helps prevent mold or unpleasant odors. Dry it immediately.

Fabric or Canvas: For fabric or canvas straps, use a toothbrush and soap to clean them, then dry them with newspaper to absorb moisture quickly and prevent bad odors. Afterward, let it air dry.

Stainless Steel: For stainless steel straps, use a brush to clean, especially between the links, to remove sweat and dirt, and dry it immediately.

Leather: Leather straps require a bit more care. Use a damp cloth to clean the strap, then dry it with a dry cloth. To ensure durability, apply lotion to the leather strap at least once a week.

4. Keep Your Watch Away from Magnets

Many people underestimate the effect magnets have on their watches. However, it's important to know that the magnetic fields created by electronic devices can affect the movement of your watch. If your watch isn't showing the correct time, it might be due to exposure to magnetic fields. Avoid placing your watch near electronic items such as televisions, refrigerators, fans, microwaves, and more.

5. Use a Soft Tissue for Sweaty Wrists

If you tend to sweat easily, especially around your wrist area, it's a good idea to place a soft tissue under your watch. This helps prevent the watch from coming into direct contact with your skin. The salt in sweat can cause corrosion or rust on your watch, especially if the strap is made of stainless steel, which is prone to rust.

With these simple steps, you can keep your watch looking stylish and running smoothly for years to come. Just remember, proper care and attention go a long way in preserving its quality. Let’s all enjoy our watches while keeping them in perfect condition, Lykkers!

7 Expert Tips to Care for Your Luxury Watch | Watch Maintenance Guide | The Classroom

Video by The 1916 Company