Complete guide: How to properly maintain your luxury watch collection

A luxury watch is more than just an accessory: it is a precious investment that deserves special attention. The complexity of mechanical movements, the delicacy of finishes and the intrinsic value of these timepieces require a methodical and regular approach to their maintenance. Whether you own a single watch or an entire collection, understanding the fundamentals of maintenance will allow you to preserve the value and beauty of your timepieces for future generations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all aspects of luxury watch maintenance, from everyday tasks to more specific care.

Daily cleaning is the basis of effective maintenance. After each use, get into the habit of wiping your watch with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints, dust and perspiration. These seemingly harmless residues can eventually damage the case and strap of your watch. Sweat, in particular, contains mineral salts that can corrode certain metals if they are not removed regularly.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use a cloth slightly dampened with warm water, taking care to avoid the mechanical parts. Critical areas to clean include the back of the case, the junctions between the links of the bracelet and the areas around the crown. When not wearing it, choose suitable storage, such as a wooden watch box such as mahogany , which offers optimal protection against dust and UV rays while maintaining a stable temperature.

Daily protection is not limited to cleaning. It is essential to avoid exposing your watch to potentially dangerous situations. Magnetic fields, present in many electronic devices, can disrupt the accuracy of the movement. Magnetization of a watch can cause variations of several minutes per day, requiring professional demagnetization.

Chemicals, including perfumes, creams and lotions, can damage the gaskets and case. It is recommended to apply these products before putting on your watch. For those times when you need to remove your watch, a marble watch holder from the Elite Collection provides a stylish and secure solution, providing perfect stability while showcasing your timepiece.

Proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving your watches. The ideal environment must meet several specific criteria that directly influence the longevity of your collection:

• A stable temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, significant variations can affect the lubrication and precision of the movement
• Relative humidity between 45 and 65%, excess humidity can cause corrosion while an environment that is too dry can weaken certain components
• Protection from direct sunlight, which can discolor dials and damage some materials
• Isolation from vibrations and shocks, which can disrupt movement

For collectors with multiple watches, a black and beige leather watch box that can hold 12 pieces is a wise investment. These boxes, designed with quality materials, offer optimal protection while allowing an elegant presentation of your collection. The velvet or suede interior protects the watches from scratches while absorbing residual moisture.

For collectors, regular rotation of watches is not just a matter of style. Mechanical movements require regular use to maintain the lubrication of the components. Without regular movement, the oils can congeal and lose their properties, which can lead to premature wear of the components.

An automatic winding system, such as the Comfort Winder for 6 Watches , provides this essential maintenance. These devices keep your automatic watches moving according to customizable programs, reproducing natural wearing conditions. The different rotation modes allow you to adapt the winding to the specificities of each caliber.

Winding a mechanical watch requires care and regularity. For automatic watches that are not worn daily, a quality watch winder becomes essential. The Prestige black watch winder for 2 watches , with its different modes, ensures optimal winding while preserving the mechanism. It is important to understand that each movement has its own specificities:

• Simple movements typically require 650-800 rotations per day
• Complications like perpetual calendars can require up to 1000 rotations
• Some calibers prefer rotation in a specific direction

For larger collections, the Alpha 12 Watch Winder offers a complete solution with different rotation modes adapted to each type of movement. Programming the positions allows you to optimize the winding for each watch in your collection.

Professional review, recommended every 3 to 5 years, is a complex process that includes several essential steps:

• Complete disassembly of the movement, allowing the condition of each component to be assessed
• Ultrasonic cleaning of components, removing all traces of wear and residue
• Replacement of worn parts, ensuring the reliability of the movement
• Precise lubrication with oils specific to each function
• Pressure tightness and chronometric precision tests
• Final control and fine adjustments to optimize performance

Traveling with valuable watches requires careful preparation. A leather travel case for 6 watches offers optimal protection during travel, with padded compartments and a reinforced structure. Adjustable dividers prevent any contact between watches, thus preventing scratches.

For shorter trips, a leather case for 2 or 3 watches may suffice, offering an ideal compromise between protection and practicality. Travel cases should be rigid enough to withstand shocks while remaining compact for easy transport.

When traveling, your watches are exposed to particular risks which require specific precautions:

• Pressure variations in aircraft can affect sealing
• Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation
• Shocks during transport can disrupt the movement
• Exposure to unusual weather conditions may affect materials

Maintaining a luxury watch collection is a commitment that requires attention, regularity and the right equipment. By investing in the right accessories and following these maintenance tips, you will not only ensure the longevity of your timepieces but also the preservation of their value. The key lies in regular care and the use of the right equipment, whether it is a simple storage box or a sophisticated automatic winding system.

Remember that every watch is unique and deserves personalized attention. By combining good daily practices with quality equipment, you create the optimal conditions for your collection to last through the years while maintaining its original splendor. Investing in quality accessories and following maintenance procedures are the best guarantees for the longevity of your collection.