1. How often should I service a mechanical watch?

Think of servicing like a tune-up for your car. Most watch brands say every 3–7 years, but it depends on how often you wear it. If it starts running slow, fast, or just feels “off,” it’s time to see a pro. Learn more about servicing your watch in our detail guide.

2. Can I shower or swim with my watch?

If your watch is rated 100m or more, go for a swim. Under 50m? Stick to hand-washing and rain splashes. And whatever you do, don’t press the crown or pushers underwater. That’s the quickest way to invite water inside. Learn more 

3. How do I clean a watch safely?

For metal bracelets, grab a soft toothbrush, warm water, and a little soap. For leather straps, just wipe them down and keep them dry. Simple is best. Over-cleaning can do more harm than good.

4. How should I store my watches long-term?

Cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight is the golden rule. A watch box or travel case works great. Bonus points if you toss in a silica gel pack to fight off moisture.

5. What should I do if moisture gets inside my watch?

First, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Get it to a watchmaker ASAP. Moisture is like rust’s best friend, and you don’t want that hanging around inside your movement.

6. Do watch winders harm automatic watches?

A good winder set to the right turns-per-day is fine. A cheap one that spins your watch non-stop? Not so much. Think of it like jogging every day versus sprinting 24/7.

7. How do I care for leather watch straps?

Leather and water don’t mix. Wipe straps after wearing, keep them away from lotions and cologne, and maybe rotate between a couple straps so they last longer. A little conditioner every now and then is plenty.

8. How do magnetic fields affect my watch?

Magnets mess with the delicate parts inside a mechanical watch, making it run crazy fast, or stop. Keep your watch away from speaker magnets, phone cases, and laptops. If it does get zapped, a quick demagnetizing at a watch shop usually fixes it. Learn More about magnetic fields and its affect on watches. 

9. When should I replace gaskets and seals?

Seals are your first line of defense against water. They should be checked whenever your watch is opened and usually swapped out every few years if you swim with it. No shortcuts here—gaskets are cheap compared to repairs.

10. Can I polish scratches out of my watch?

Yes, but it comes at a price. Polishing removes a little metal each time. On modern watches, it’s fine once in a while. On vintage pieces, many collectors actually prefer the “honest wear” look. Scratches tell stories.