General Watch Care:
Avoid direct contact with: fragrances, lotions, cosmetics, skincare, hairspray, detergents, solvents / other chemicals. Avoid damaging the movement by sudden impact or shock. Vibrations to the movement can be caused when participating in physical activities such as by playing sports (eg: tennis, golf…).
Avoid extreme temperature changes (saunas). For mechanical watches, avoid prolonged exposure to magnetism, as it can cause minor interference or if exposed to stronger sources, it can stop the watch. To prevent scratches, avoid wearing a bracelet on the same wrist.
Water Resistance:
Many watches are labelled as “water resistant”, this means that it is only humidity protected. So, whilst it can withstand accidental splashes (rain/washing your hands), it is not suitable to be submerged in water (shower/swimming). Atmospheres and Bars are used to measure the amount of pressure (not depth!) a watch can withstand. Water Resistance cannot be constantly nor permanently guaranteed. It may be affected by many factors such as aging of the gaskets or deformation of watch parts, due to accidental shock. Over time the water resistance level will drop. Exposure to hot water conditions (such as: baths, showers, saunas), chlorinated swimming pools or salt water will cause corrosion and wear and tear of parts. Therefore depending on your lifestyle, many watch connoisseur's will advice on testing your watch yearly.
Setting The Date:
The internal movement of either a quartz or mechanical watch, requires more power and energy to change the date, than it uses to move the hands. The movement accumulates power, before and after midnight, in order to move the date change mechanism. To avoid causing damage to this mechanism, never adjust the date between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am, as the adjustment period is already set in motion.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless Steel is hypoallergenic, it is an alloy of iron, chromium, carbon, nickel and titanium. It will not rust, oxidise, corrode or tarnish - if the protective surface layer of chromium, is maintained and not damaged. Hence, it is important to avoid abrasive chemicals (as these can also cause staining) such as: tooth paste, detergents, bleach, chlorine, salt water etc… If it is constantly exposed to environments, whereby these chemicals or elements are prevalent, then it will be prone to develop rust and you will begin to see discolouration and tarnishing. Stainless Steel is easily scratched and dented, so it is important to be mindful of sharp objects when wearing or storing. Clean using warm mild-soapy water, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Or, gently rub parallel to the direction of the grain, using a microfibre cloth.
Gold Plated:
Electroplating is a chemical process which consists of using electrical currents, to bind one metal to another metal. Gold Plated is when a base metal, such as: stainless steel, brass, copper or other low-end metals have been electroplated, with a thin layer of gold (either yellow or rose). These base metals, can be plated using any carat of gold (9ct, 14ct, 18ct…) in any thickness. Generally and unless otherwise noted, the layer of gold used is very thin, and hence is susceptible to being easily scratched or worn. It will tarnish if it comes into contact with acidic solutions, perfumes and other abrasive chemicals. Avoid exposure to: chlorine, salt water, lotions, cosmetics, nail polish and oil-based substances. Avoid wearing whilst excising as perspiration and excess moisture can cause tarnishing. It is good practice to wipe gold plated items after wear, with a soft cloth.
