Nothing ties an ensemble together like a great watch. It grabs the eye and sparks envy without distracting from the rest of the well-groomed package. But time brings corrosion, scratches, and diminished luster, which can ruin a watch’s aesthetic. Watch service experts recommend a professional tune-up, such as that offered by Fast-Fix, every 3-5 years. But plenty of DIY actions can be taken to maintain a watch’s allure in the interim.
Watches differ widely in material and composition, and have varied maintenance requirements as a result. The following is a straight-forward introduction to caring for the enormous variety of popular watch types and combinations.
Metal Bands
Metal watches are ideal “tweeners”. They can class up a casual outfit or complete a formal one. But they often fall victim to rust and corrosion from sweat, rain, and other sources of moisture. To keep a prized metal watch dazzling, the following tips can be employed.
Use glasses/smart phone screen cloth- These are extremely useful in treating surface dirt and grime on both the band and face of a metal watch. Just add vinegar or glass cleaner to the cloth and give the affected area a good rub like you would do with a pair of glasses or a phone screen. Care should be exercised when cleaning the watch face, however, as having an excessive amount of cleaner on the cloth can let drips into the gear area.
Scrub with a toothbrush- This method is especially effective in removing the hard-to-reach scum that accumulates between band links.
The brush can be dipped in either soapy water or glass cleaner according to personal preference, at which point it should be used to firmly (but not too aggressively) scrub away crevice dirt. One word of caution—it is wise to cover the watch face with plastic wrap or a similar product when brushing between links, as seepage can potentially cause damage.
*Notes:
• Neutral detergent can be used instead of glass cleaner or vinegar for watches that are not made of stainless steel.
Leather Band
Leather-banded watches can also bounce between formal and casual, and are ideal for a hybrid or business casual look. But they are also prone to damages from moisture, which can make leather stink and break down on top of becoming discolored. The given steps can reverse some of this damage and help a leather band regain its sophistication.
Gently wipe with a dry washcloth- This will remove dirt that has not worked its way beneath the band’s surface. For sub-surface dirt and entrenched stains, apply the following instruction.
Rub with cotton cloth soaked in warm water and given a couple drops of hand soap- Adding two small drops of hand soap to a damp wash cloth soaked in warm water creates a potent grime and stench fighting tool for deep-seated leather corruption. Simply rub the band in miniature circles with the prepped cloth, remove the remaining soap with a second damp (but soap-less) cloth, and let the watch air dry.
Apply leather conditioner to band- Commercial leather conditioner is perfectly suited to restoring a watch band’s original texture and softness and waterproofing it for future protection against moisture.
*Notes:
• Once again, it is wise to cover the watch face when performing the above actions.
• For maximum longevity, avoid giving the watch excessive sun exposure or interaction with water after applying treatment.
Synthetic
Plastic and rubberized watches are the standard in durability and sports utility. They also form the crux of an attractive athletic outfit. Unfortunately, they are also the most susceptible to dirt and grime of all watch types. Luckily, they are also the most resilient, meaning that a wider variety of methods (including the following) can be used in restoring them.
Rub with an eraser- A surprising amount of dirt can be removed this way. Simply rub the affected area with a pencil, line, or gum eraser until the surface grime disappears.
Wash with soap and water- Given the water resistance of these watches, they can be washed under a faucet with pump soap just as you would wash your hands. Rub the soap and water with your thumbs until scuffs and dirt are removed.
Rub with toothpaste- Either with your fingers or (very delicately) with a toothbrush, rub a standard, pea-sized dab of toothpaste onto the dirtied portion of the watch until desired cleanliness is achieved. When finished, rinse the watch under a faucet and gently dry it with a towel or cloth.
Conclusion
Other watch types and cleaning solutions exist, but the above guide is a great starting point in caring for the most popular varieties. Whether you prize the flash of metal, the unassuming refinement of leather, or the utility and sporty edge of synthetic, you will need to service your watch eventually. Professional tune-ups are a must, but, in the intervening years, applying the above tips will keep your watch looking fresh and grabbing complements.