How to take care of your watch this summer

The nights are, slowly, getting lighter, temperatures are on the up and the shops are full of swimwear and suncream. It can only mean one thing: summer is on its way. While we may look forward to summer fun, it's not necessarily the best time of year for our watches. If you own a high-value watch then this article is for you.

We’re going to be looking at how to take care of your watch with our handy watch care tips. We’re also going to be considering watch insurance so that you can be sure that your timepiece is protected.

How to take care of your watch

When you’ve invested in a top-quality watch, you need to be sure that you’re doing all that you can to take care of it. These high-value items are different to others in that you wear them on a daily basis, whereas others are locked away. There are watch care tips that come into play no matter what the time of the year, but summer brings some unique challenges.

While being aware of these challenges may allow you to mitigate the risks, we still advise that you take out the appropriate level of watch insurance. This allows you to enjoy your timepiece while knowing that you’re covered, should the worst ever happen.

Let’s move on and take a look at the risks posed to your watch during the summer months:

Water resistance

If you're heading to the beach while wearing your high-value watch, it may be tempting to take a dip in the sea. Before you do, just take a moment to consider how water-resistant your watch really is. Your watch may well state that it's water resistant, but you'll need to do some reading to find out what this means for your particular one.

Something else to be aware of is that no watch will ever be 100% waterproof. Yes, many watches carry claims in relation to this but, as with many things, you need to pay attention to the small print. Also, bear in mind, the longer that your watch is exposed to water, the greater the risk.

Exposure to salt

When it comes to how to take care of your watch, the sea poses more threats than just water. The salt present here can also cause damage, as can the salt contained in your sweat. Salt is corrosive so this means that exposure can cause significant damage to your watch. Yes, there are certain Rolex models that state that they are safe to be worn in saltwater, but there are still actions that need to be taken to keep them in good order over the long term.

As well as the issue of corrosion, there are other issues caused by the salt drying. With drying, salt crystals are formed and these can clog up the workings of your watch. Certainly, if your watch has a rotating bezel, you’re likely to experience issues.

High-intensity activities

When looking at watch care tips, it's worth checking if yours is shock resistant. Even if it is, it's probably a good idea to avoid extreme activities unless your watch is expressly certified as being one that can deal with extreme treatment. If you feel that you can't avoid such activities, removing your watch is the best option.

Exposing your watch to extreme activities can lead to damage such as cracks and scratches. If things go a step further, and a watch falls to the floor, the impact can damage the casing as well as the internal workings.

Exposure to sand

Sand is another enemy when it comes to looking at how to take care of your watch. Sand can find its way into the smallest of gaps, and it poses a significant risk to a rotating bezel. The result is often a bezel that’s stiff and crackly, in need of expensive repair.

Sunlight

You may love the summer sun and hot temperatures, but your watch doesn’t. If your watch is exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time, you can be sure that damage will follow. It may result in fading and discolouration.

Top watch care tips

Having looked at some of the risks that your watch faces during summer, it’s good to know the actions you can take to minimise these. Here’s a look at some top watch care tips:

Rinse your watch with fresh water

If you really must wear your watch in the sea then you need to take action to counter the risk posed by the salt. A really simple solution is to just rinse it in fresh water at the end of each day. This will avoid the formation of crystals and minimise any corrosive effects.

Select the right strap

If you’re wearing your watch during the hot weather, it’s worth looking at changing your strap. Choose a strap that allows your skin to breathe and that doesn’t lead to damage being caused by sweat. A perlon strap is a perfect solution. This can still look great, all while offering protection.

Clean with a soft cloth

As well as salt and sand, your watch is exposed to a build of dirt during the summer months. This dirt can find its way into the dial and cause no end of issues with the movement. Simple cleaning, with a soft non-abrasive cloth, can keep your watch in good working order.

The need for the right watch insurance

The majority of people who own expensive jewellery don’t think twice about insuring it. That’s despite the fact that it’s only worn occasionally and, at all other times, it’s stored securely. Yet, some people will wear watches worth tens of thousands of pounds without even considering insurance.

The right watch insurance means that you can enjoy your timepiece throughout the year. You can be covered for damage, as well as theft, meaning that you can be worry-free while wearing your pride and joy.