The key to keeping your pocket watch in superb condition is common sense. If you use common sense, you’re sure to give your pocket watch a long life for years – decades, maybe even centuries to come – and a good chance that future generations will be able to cherish your treasure too. Whether your watch is new and purchased by you or is a gift or comes from an inheritance, you will want to know how to keep it in top-notch shape. Here are some great tips for common sense best pocket watch maintenance:
1. Scratches are a big faux pas with pocket watches, They ruin the aesthetics and lower the value. To avoid this faux pas, don’t commit another one: pocket watches and metal objects do not mix. If you’ve got coins or keys or other metal objects in your pocket, don’t put your watch in there. Plain and simple, just don’t do it.
2. While it’s nice to see your pocket watch shiny and gleaming in the light, you might want to think twice before grabbing some polishing wax to make this happen. While some waxes might be fine for your watch, you will want to check the guidelines in the manual or talk to an expert before you do this. Some waxes can actually harm your watch. With an antique watch, this can even lower it’s value, so you might want to forgo waxing altogether. Should you decide that polishing is OK for your particular watch, be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth, preferably something made specifically for polishing pocket watches and fine metals, to avoid scratching the surface.
3. If your pocket watch is your treasure, you’re going to want to keep track of it and keep it safe from any kind of damage. If it’s not inside your pocket, keep it in your hand. Should that not be the place you wish to have it at the moment, be sure to put it on a shelf, inside a drawer or in a pocket watch stand for display. Keep it safe and secure so you’ll always have your cherished watch.
4. A little it of arid air or some mild moisture is OK from time to time. It’s bound to happen. However, your watch was not made to weather the extreme elements, therefore, it is important that you protect your watch by keeping it climate controlled as much as possible.
5. It is strongly advised, by both myself and others, that you have maintenance and service performed on your watch every 2-4 years to ensure that time keeps on ticking.
The good news is, you don’t have to worry about doing this yourself. Sure, it’s fine should you want to learn all about it, however, if you don’t care to do that or don’t have the time, it’s perfectly OK. There are many jewelers and professional watch experts who have the education to handle all your pocket watch maintenance needs. Call around and ask about it. If it isn’t offered by a watch shop or jeweler, they’ll most likely point you in the right direction. Service and cleaning estimates often come free. You will want to search for a bargain. Be prepared to give them your brand and model number, should they ask for it and to possibly take the watch to them for a closer look before you get a quote. This protects both the shop and the customer. You want a good price and they want to give you an accurate price, which is often only possible after taking a close gander at the pocket watch.
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