There are many aspects to watch care and maintenance that should always be handled by a watch repair specialist, such as internal cleaning and battery replacements, but there are some prevention measures to keep your timepiece running in optimum condition.

Always remove your watch during physical activities such as sports, gardening, and any strenuous work. This will prevent scratches from building up on the crystal and the plating or finish from wearing or scratching the case and band of the watch. It will also prevent dirt and build-up from causing damage to the links or leather strap of the watch band. If your watch band is damaged or worn, have it replaced to prevent the watch from falling off your wrist and causing extensive damage to the movement.

To keep your watch band and case as clean as possible, bring it to Georgetown Jewelers and we will clean the piece thoroughly. Only clean the metal band of your watch with warm, mild soapy water and a soft brush if you can easily remove the band from the case of the watch and replace it yourself. Do not attempt to clean the band while still attached to the watch. Be sure to thoroughly dry the watch band after cleaning.

Moisture is the number one enemy of any timepiece movement (internal mechanism and parts), due to the formation of rust which immediately follows exposure. Even water resistant models of watches can be susceptible to moisture if the seals are worn or damaged, or if the watch is submerged in water. If the case back or dial does not indicate that a watch is water resistant, avoid any contact with water, even from small splashes of water such as when you wash your hands. If your watch does have an indication that the piece is water resistant, small splashes of water will not cause damage due to the seals around the crown and case back of the watch.

This, however, does not mean that the watch should ever be submerged in water, such as while doing the dishes, wearing the piece in the shower, or swimming. Also keep in mind that the gaskets and seals that prevent moisture from seeping into a watch can wear down over time. Exposure to harsh chemicals or soaps can speed up this process. To keep your timepiece water resistant, be sure to have the gaskets replaced every 6-18 months. If the watch is going to be exposed to moisture, make sure that the crown is in a pushed-in or screwed-in position. If you notice any moisture or fogginess inside the face of the watch, bring it in to Georgetown Jewelers immediately so that the piece may be disassembled and dried out to prevent the build-up of rust.

If your watch stops running, bring it right away to check if the battery needs to be replaced. This will prevent leakage of acid from a dead battery, which may damage the watch. In most cases, your watch battery can be changed while you wait in the store. All watch batteries will be guaranteed for one full year, and on average a battery lasts two years, depending on the efficiency of the watch. If the watch does not run with a new battery, we will provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate to repair your timepiece.

Proper maintenance and care of your watch will extend its longevity and minimize the amount of repairs needed to keep the timepiece running correctly. If your watch needs an exterior cleaning, is no longer running efficiently, or stops all together, bring it to Georgetown Jewelers for repair and servicing.