Watch Care Guide
A well-made watch is designed to be worn and enjoyed, but a few simple precautions can help preserve its appearance, performance and reliability over time.
The guidance below applies generally to watch care. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions supplied with your particular watch, as construction, movement, materials and water-resistance specifications vary between models.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is not permanent.
Seals, gaskets, crowns and other components can deteriorate through age, wear or accidental impact. A watch that was water resistant when new may therefore require periodic inspection to maintain its original level of protection.
Always use your watch within its confirmed water-resistance rating and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model.
For a more detailed explanation of common ratings, please see our Water Resistance Guide.
Hot Water, Steam and Temperature Changes
Avoid exposing your watch to very hot water, steam rooms, saunas or hot tubs unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that the watch is suitable for those conditions.
Extreme or sudden temperature changes can affect seals and create conditions that may compromise water resistance or cause condensation.
A watch rated for water resistance should not automatically be assumed suitable for exposure to hot water or steam.
Crowns and Pushers
Do not operate the crown or pushers underwater unless the manufacturer expressly confirms that they are designed for underwater operation.
If your watch has a screw-down crown, make sure that the crown is correctly and securely screwed into the case before exposing the watch to water.
Never force a crown, pusher or other control if it does not move normally.
After Exposure to Salt Water
If a suitably water-resistant watch has been exposed to salt water, sand or mud, follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidance.
Where the watch is suitable for rinsing, fresh water can help remove salt and particles that might otherwise accumulate around the case or bracelet.
Dry the watch carefully afterwards using a clean, soft cloth.
Do not rinse a watch unless its confirmed water-resistance rating and manufacturer instructions make this appropriate.
Leather Straps
Leather is naturally more sensitive to moisture than many metal or synthetic bracelet materials.
Regular exposure to water, perspiration, oils and chemicals can cause leather to discolour, harden, soften, crack or deteriorate.
If a leather strap becomes damp, gently dry it with a soft cloth and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature.
Do not use direct heat, hair dryers or other artificial heat sources to dry a leather strap.
Remember that a water-resistant watch case does not necessarily mean that the strap fitted to the watch is suitable for water exposure.
Impact and Shock
Watches are designed to withstand normal everyday use, but severe impacts, falls or knocks against hard surfaces can damage the movement, crystal, case, crown or other components.
Impact may also affect seals and therefore reduce a watch's water resistance.
If your watch receives a significant impact and you are concerned about its operation or water resistance, have it assessed before further exposure to water.
Chemicals, Perfume and Cosmetics
Avoid unnecessary direct contact between your watch and strong chemicals, solvents, cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics or similar substances.
Depending on the material, these substances may affect finishes, coatings, seals, lubricants, leather, rubber or other components.
Where possible, allow perfumes, lotions and other cosmetic products to dry before putting on your watch.
Cleaning Your Watch
For routine care, gently wipe the watch with a clean, soft and dry cloth.
More extensive cleaning methods should only be used when compatible with the watch's materials, construction and water-resistance rating.
Do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals or rough materials that could damage the case, crystal, bracelet or strap.
Always follow manufacturer-specific cleaning instructions where available.
Magnetism
Strong magnetic fields can affect the performance of certain mechanical and electronic watches.
Where practical, avoid prolonged close contact with powerful magnets or strongly magnetic equipment.
If a mechanical watch suddenly begins gaining or losing an unusual amount of time after exposure to a strong magnetic source, it may require professional assessment.
Changing the Date
Some watches with mechanical calendar mechanisms have a period during which the movement is already engaging the automatic date-change mechanism.
Manually using a quick-set date function during that period can damage certain movements.
The restricted period varies by movement, so there is no universal time window that applies to every watch.
Always consult the manufacturer's manual before manually adjusting the date or other calendar functions.
Automatic Watches
An automatic mechanical watch may stop after it has not been worn for a period of time. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate a fault.
The movement stores a limited amount of energy when wound. Once that power reserve is exhausted, the watch will stop until it is wound or worn again.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for winding and setting your particular watch.
Do not force the crown if you feel unusual resistance.
Quartz Watches and Batteries
Quartz watches rely on a battery or other electrical power source, depending on the movement.
Battery life varies according to the movement and functions of the watch.
When a conventional quartz battery requires replacement, we recommend having it changed appropriately rather than attempting to open the watch yourself.
Leaving a depleted battery inside a watch for an unnecessarily long period may increase the risk of leakage or damage.
Condensation
A brief mist may occasionally appear following a sudden temperature change, but persistent condensation or visible droplets beneath the crystal should not be ignored.
If moisture remains visible inside the watch, avoid further exposure to water and seek professional assistance as soon as reasonably possible.
Storage
When your watch is not being worn, store it in a clean, dry environment away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
Where possible, avoid storing the watch in prolonged contact with strong magnetic sources, chemicals or materials that may cause scratches.
The original watch box or another suitable protective watch case can provide additional protection during storage.
Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself
Do not open, dismantle, modify or attempt to repair a watch yourself unless you are appropriately qualified to do so.
Watches contain small and precisely fitted components, and improper intervention can cause additional damage or compromise water resistance.
Unauthorised repair or modification may also affect applicable warranty coverage where the work causes or contributes to a fault.
Water Damage and Warranty
Water damage caused by use inconsistent with the watch's confirmed water-resistance specification, improper operation or misuse is not covered by the Stalder & Reid limited warranty.
Water resistance should never be assumed where a confirmed rating has not been stated for the watch.
For full details of our two-year limited movement warranty, please see our Warranty.
Manufacturer Instructions Come First
Watches vary significantly in their construction, movement, materials, functions and resistance to external conditions.
Always read and follow the manufacturer's manual or product instructions supplied with your particular watch.
Where manufacturer guidance differs from general information in this guide, the instructions applicable to your specific watch should be followed.
Need Help With Your Watch?
If you purchased your watch from Stalder & Reid and need assistance with its care, operation or warranty, please contact:
Stalder & Reid Client Services
Email: clientservices@stalderandreid.co.uk
Where possible, include your order number and the watch name or manufacturer reference so that we can assist you more efficiently.
Last updated: August 2026