How to Properly Maintain Your Quartz Watch
Water Resistance: A common misconception is that a good watch must be waterproof. However, most quartz watches are rated for 30 meters or 50 meters, which many interpret as suitable for immersion at these depths. This is a mistake! In the lexicon of Swiss watches, 30 or 50 meters signifies resistance to splashes or brief immersion in water, not for swimming or diving. Only watches rated for 100 meters or more are suitable for swimming, and true dive watches often exceed 200 meters of water resistance.
Temperature: Wearing dive watches in a sauna can cause the waterproof seals to age prematurely due to the extreme temperature variations. Even watches designed for diving can lose their water resistance before the seals are due for replacement.
Dust: Dust might seem unrelated to quartz watches, but it’s one of the three main enemies of watch movements. Exposure to dusty environments can lead to dust entering the case and causing the lubricants to dry out faster, which is detrimental to the movement. While high-density dust exposure is rare in daily life, wiping down your watch with a cloth can be very beneficial.
Shock: Watch movements are quite “fragile” and can be damaged by sudden, severe shocks. This is a common issue for those who wear their high-end quartz watches while playing sports like golf, where the wrist experiences significant force, especially during a drive. Such activities can lead to watches being sent for repair due to the impact.
Wear and Tear: No matter if it’s made from stainless steel or precious metals, every watch case is prone to wear and tear. Terms like “stainless” or “everlasting” are appealing but unrealistic. Even the best steel cases can show signs of wear, and natural activities like typing can scratch the clasp. Being mindful to minimize unnecessary wear and tear can keep your quartz watch looking new.
Magnetic Fields: A common issue for new mechanical quartz watch owners is unexplained time inaccuracies, often caused by magnetism. Modern homes and environments are filled with electromagnetic fields, which can magnetize a watch if it’s left near strong sources like televisions. Magnetization increases the timekeeping errors, but demagnetization services are available. To avoid the hassle, it’s advisable to keep unworn watches away from strong magnetic fields.
Maintaining a quartz watch requires attention to water resistance, temperature variations, dust exposure, shocks, wear and tear, and magnetic fields. By taking these precautions, you can ensure the longevity and accuracy of your timepiece.
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