Watch Care & Storage: How to Protect Your Luxury Watch in the Long Term

A luxury watch is exposed to many influences in daily life—dust, sweat, and environmental factors can stress the materials. Even gentle cleaning with a soft microfiber cloth is enough to remove dirt from the case. Metal bracelets can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap, while leather straps should only be wiped dry and treated with special leather care. Since leather is sensitive to sweat, heat, and moisture, regular replacement is advisable.

Especially important: always consider water resistance. From 100 meters depth, the watch can be carefully cleaned with fragrance-free dish soap and water—but only if the crown is screwed down. Watches with lower water resistance should be wiped only with a damp cloth. Cleaning the movement, however, is the job of a professional and should never be attempted on your own.

Protection Against External Influences

To maintain the long-term value of a luxury watch, protection against external factors is crucial. Direct sunlight can fade dials and straps, while moisture and chemicals such as perfume or cleaning agents damage materials. After contact with seawater or chlorinated water, thorough rinsing with fresh water is recommended to prevent corrosion.

Magnetic fields are another underestimated risk, as they can significantly disrupt timekeeping accuracy. Watches should therefore not be stored near mobile phones, laptops, or speakers. A fogged crystal is always a warning sign of internal moisture—at this point, a watchmaker should be consulted immediately. To store and protect your watch from scratches, watch boxes or cases are the best choice.

Proper watch storage is vital when the watch is not being worn. Watch boxes or cases reliably protect against impacts and scratches, especially when traveling. For very valuable models, storage in a safe can also be advisable. For automatic watches, watch winders are useful, particularly for models with complex complications. They keep the watch in motion and preserve the power reserve. However, for simpler automatic watches, constant use may lead to increased wear. Quartz watches, on the other hand, benefit when the crown is set to the hand-setting position—this preserves battery life.

Ideal storage conditions are always dry, dark, and at a consistent temperature. This way, both materials and movement remain well-protected.

Beyond cleaning and storage, regular servicing is key to maintaining value. Luxury watches should undergo a full service every three to five years at a certified watchmaker. This includes checking and renewing accuracy, water resistance, and seals. Such professional servicing ensures both functionality and long-term value, even across generations.

In everyday life, it’s better to remove your watch during sports, manual work, or sauna visits to avoid shocks, sweat, and temperature fluctuations. When traveling, transport in a padded case in your hand luggage is recommended. Chemicals such as perfumes or cosmetics should not come into contact with the case or strap. This way, your watch remains a reliable companion in the long term—and perhaps even a cherished heirloom.

Value Preservation Through Proper Care

Whether as an investment or a beloved possession, a luxury watch deserves special attention. Those who regularly care for their watch, protect it from external influences, store it in a box or case, and service it at the right intervals can enjoy a flawless appearance and long-lasting value. With proper care, every luxury watch remains a piece of timeless elegance that can outlast generations.