A worn-out watch is more than just a scratched finish or faded numbers—it’s the visual cue that tells you what time it is. A well-maintained male watch will keep accurate time for longer, too, which means it’ll be able to tell you the right time every day.
Even better, giving your watch a thorough checkup once every three months instead of monthly means your watch won’t require any extra maintenance in between. If it needs anything at all. The good news is that keeping your watch running smoothly isn’t too complicated. Here are some easy maintenance tips for keeping your automatic and manual watches in top working condition.
Stay on Time
First, let’s talk about timekeeping. Your watch’s ability to keep accurate time is, obviously, dependent on the watch and the environment in which it’s kept. When you wear your watch, it should be in a dry environment, either in a watch winder or on your wrist. Unfortunately, no magic wand can keep a male watch perfectly dry in the shower or underwater in a pool.
If you take it off when you’re swimming or showering, and let it dry out completely before wearing it again, however, it should still keep an accurate time. If you sweat profusely or go swimming with your watch on, it could end up staying a few minutes fast or a few minutes slow. But sweat isn’t a liquid, so the watch will slow down a bit as the moisture moves from your wrist to your hand. Replacing your watch once a year should give you enough time to figure this out.
Take it off once in a while
Wearing a watch for prolonged periods can leave it with serious fatigue. Wrist muscles can get tired after just a few hours of wearing a watch, so taking it off once a week can help avoid cramping and fatigue. If you wear your watch 24/7, however, you’re not doing yourself any favours either. The most important thing you can do for your watch is to keep it clean and well-oiled.
Keeping it clean will keep it lubricated, and keeping it lubricated will keep it from getting worn out and more prone to damage. To keep it clean, remove it from your wrist and use a watch brush or cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Then, use a watch oil such as a Swiss Army male watch spray to keep the movement lubricated. You can also use the clean watch brush to apply oil to the movement and dial.
Don’t forget the bracelet clasp
A male watch’s bracelet clasp isn’t just there for decoration; it’s an essential part of your watch’s function. It’s the mechanism that holds your watch’s band together, so it needs to be able to open and close smoothly. If it’s not working properly, it can pinch your wrist or cause your band to get twisted.
To check the clasp, open your watch and run a finger along the inside, between the clasp and the watch movement. If there’s any sign of wear and tear, now’s the time to get it repaired or replaced.
Clean it regularly
Time can make even the cleanest male watch filthy, which is why regular watch cleaning is essential. Use a watch brush to get into any hard-to-reach areas, such as between the lugs of your watch band, the clasp, and the watch movement. To clean the dial, use a damp cloth and wipe it clean with a clean rag, then dry it with a dry rag.
To clean the inside of the male watch, use a watch winder or a paper towel soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Never use a toothbrush or scouring powder as these can damage the watch’s movement and create microscopic dust particles that could damage your watch’s movement or crystal. Regular cleaning will keep your watch looking and functioning well for longer.
Keep your hands dry
Wet hands can cause your watch to lose time. The lubricant in your skin could temporarily reduce the pressure on the watch’s dial, causing it to stay faster or slower than it should be. If you’re going to be doing any outdoor activities, such as swimming, golfing, or sailing that involve getting your hands wet, make sure to let them dry completely before putting on your watch.
Wet hands can cause your watch to lose time, while dry hands can cause severe damage to your watch’s interior. If you’re wearing gloves, take them off before putting on your watch, or wear a male watch winder while you’re wearing gloves. Water-resistant watches are especially prone to losing time when immersed in water, so be sure to keep them away from any unexpected splashes.
Check your straps
Even if your watch looks brand new, you can still damage it by wearing it on the wrong type of strap or using the wrong type of glue. If you notice any wear or damage, take your watch off immediately and try a different strap or glue.
Unfortunately, most male watches aren’t designed to be swapped out while they’re still on your wrist, so you have to take them off before you can replace the strap. If you don’t have the time to thoroughly clean and oil your watch, you can put on a clean, dry strap and wear it while you clean it.
Conclusion
The male watch is there for you to glance at and see what time it is. It shouldn’t be a chore to take care of, especially since it’s not something you can break if it breaks. All you have to do is keep it clean and lubricated, and take it off once in a while.
