HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WATCH?

Your watch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a statement, a conversation starter, and sometimes, a sentimental piece of jewellery.

Like anything you wear regularly, it’s bound to get dirty. Whether it’s dust, sweat, or grime, keeping your watch clean is essential for maintaining its look and longevity.

The best method is to treat the case and strap separately, especially if they’re made from different materials or if you’re unsure about water resistance.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to clean a watch, from the case to leather, rubber, steel, and nylon straps!

• Check water resistance before cleaning.
• Remove the strap for a thorough clean.
• Use mild soap and soft cloths.

• Submerge a non-water-resistant watch in water.
• Use harsh chemicals, scrubs, or excessive force.
• Forget to let your watch dry completely.

Before you begin, check the water resistance of your watch. Different levels mean different cleaning methods:

3 ATM / 3 bar / 30 m / 100ft can withstand light splashes and brief contact with water. Clean gently with a damp cloth; avoid submersion.

5 ATM / 5 bar / 50 m / 165ft can handle brief submersion in water. Safe to rinse under running water, but avoid prolonged soaking.

10 ATM / 10 bar / 100 m / 330ft is suitable for cleaning under water. Can be submerged during cleaning without issues.

20 ATM / 20 bar / 200 m / 660ft is highly water-resistant and can be cleaned thoroughly under water, including submersion.

1. Lege Deine Uhr auf eine weiche Unterlage. Dies verhindert, dass sie zerkratzt oder beschädigt wird.

2. Wenn Deine Uhr an der Unterseite Schnellverschlussstifte hat, drücke den kleinen Hebel nach innen, um das Uhrenarmband zu lösen.

1. Wenn Deine Armbanduhr gebohrte Bandanstöße hat - kleine Löcher in den Bandanstößen, die vom Hauptgehäuse der Uhr ausgehen - benutze einen scharfen, spitzen Gegenstand, um den Federsteg hineinzudrücken und das Band zu lösen. Achte darauf, dass der Federsteg nicht aus dem Uhrenarmband rutscht und verloren geht.

1. Wenn Dein Uhrenarmband keines dieser Merkmale aufweist, verwende ein Federstegwerkzeug. Dieses kleine Werkzeug hat eine V-förmige Spitze. Drücke damit den Federsteg an der Bandunterseite zwischen den Bandanstößen auf der rechten Seite zusammen. Drücke mit dem Werkzeug die Kante des Federstegs nach unten, um das Band zu lösen.

Prüfe als erstes die Bandanstoß Breite Deiner neuen Uhr, um sicherzugehen, dass sie 20mm beträgt. Du findest alle unsere Uhrenarmbänder hier. Dank unserer Filter kannst Du Deine Uhrenarmbänder nach der passenden Breite filtern und Dir unsere Auswahl ansehen.

Wenn Dein Ersatz Uhrenarmband mit Schnellverschlussstiften ausgestattet ist, drücke den Stift nach innen und schiebe ihn zwischen die Ösen. Du wirst spüren, wie er in der richtigen Position 'einrastet'.

Wenn Dein neues Uhrband keine Schnellverschlussstifte hat, verwende wieder das Federstegwerkzeug. Setze ein Ende des Federstegs ein und benutze dann das Werkzeug, um den Federsteg zusammenzudrücken, während Du ihn in seine Position schiebst. Du wirst spüren, wie er in der richtigen Position 'einrastet'.

Lass Dir Zeit und achte darauf, dass Du die Bandanstöße nicht zerkratzt oder das neue Uhrenarmband beschädigst.

The watch case houses the heart of your timepiece, so it deserves some special attention. Cleaning the case separately from the strap ensures you don’t damage any of the materials.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild dishwashing soap
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Toothpicks

Steps:

1. Remove the case from the strap.
2. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap.
3. Dampen one microfibre cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe the case, paying special attention to grooves and tight spots.
4. Use toothpicks to gently pick out dirt from hard-to-reach areas like the bezel or crown.
5. Wipe down the case with the second clean cloth and allow it to dry completely before reattaching the strap.

Leather is a delicate material that needs a gentle touch to maintain its supple texture and colour.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild hand soap or dish soap
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Leather conditioner

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Wipe both sides of the strap with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any loose dirt.
3. Dampen a jewellery cloth and apply a small drop of mild soap.
4. Gently wipe the strap using tapping or circular motions. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the leather.
5. Wipe the strap clean with a second, damp cloth and let it air dry.
6. Apply leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and protected.

Rubber straps are practical and durable, but they still need care to keep them looking fresh.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild dishwashing soap
• A microfibre cloth
• Toothpicks

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Soak the strap in the soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with your microfibre cloth.
4. If any dirt remains in the grooves, use toothpicks to clean them out.
5. Rinse the strap with clean water, dry it with a towel, and allow it to air dry before wearing.

Steel straps need a bit more muscle to keep them sparkling but still require a gentle touch.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl

• Mild dishwashing soap
• Microfibre cloths or a soft toothbrush

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water and mild dish soap.
3. Place the strap in the water and scrub it gently with the cloth or a soft toothbrush, focusing on areas where dirt may build up.
4. Rinse the strap with warm water and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Nylon straps are pretty low-maintenance and are usually machine washable.

What you’ll need:

• Small mesh laundry bag
• Your laundry machine

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Place the strap in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from getting tangled or damaged in the wash.
3. Throw the bag in with your laundry, using a cold water setting, and let it air dry.

If you wear your watch daily, aim to give it a proper clean every 2-3 months.

For leather straps, regular conditioning is key to prevent cracking.

And don’t forget—if you swim, sweat, or spend time in dusty environments, you might want to clean your watch even more frequently!

Keep your timepiece gleaming and functional with these simple tips. Your watch will thank you, and so will your style!