5 Watch Maintenance Myths You Should Stop Believing

Watches have endured popularity for centuries as objects of fascination, combining functionality and style in one elegant package. However, along with their allure, a variety of myths and misconceptions about watch maintenance have emerged over time. In order to keep your timepiece in optimal condition, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. Our experts have compiled a guide to the facts behind the myths so that you'll be equipped with accurate knowledge to provide your watch with the care it truly needs, ultimately prolonging its lifespan and preserving its performance.

1. You Need a Watch Winder

Watch winders are not necessary for everyone. They are primarily useful for watch enthusiasts who own multiple mechanical watches and wish to keep them wound and ready to wear at all times. Mechanical watches, especially those with complex complications, require regular winding to maintain accurate timekeeping. Contrastively, automatic watches, which rely on the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring, do not necessarily need a watch winder. In fact, automatic watches may benefit from occasional manual winding to secure precise timekeeping and prevent power reserve depletion. Investing in a watch winder should be a decision based on individual needs and preferences rather than a mandatory requirement for all watch owners.

2. Your Heirloom Watch is Still Water Resistant

Despite their water-resistant qualities, heirloom watches often require special care around water due to various factors. One common issue with vintage watches is the potential failure of gaskets, which are crucial components that provide a waterproof seal. Gaskets deteriorate over time, compromising the watch's water resistance. It's essential to have these gaskets inspected and replaced by a professional watchmaker to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, it's critical to note that watches produced before 1965 typically lack gaskets altogether, thus leaving them highly vulnerable to water damage. To protect the integrity of these cherished artifacts, it's best to avoid exposing them to water entirely.

3. You Must Send a Watch to its Manufacturer

While manufacturers certainly have expertise in servicing their own watches, there are numerous skilled and experienced local professionals who can provide top-quality work on your timepiece. These local watchmakers often specialize in various watch brands and have the necessary knowledge, tools, and training to perform precise repairs and maintenance. Moreover, opting for a local professional can often be more convenient, cost-effective, and time-efficient compared to shipping your watch to a distant manufacturer. By selecting the right professional, you can be certain that your watch receives expert care without the need for it to ever leave your region.

4. Choose a Horologist With Fast and Cheap Service

When selecting a horologist or watchmaker to service your valuable timepiece, it's important to prioritize qualifications and experience over speed and cost. While it may be tempting to jump on the fastest and cheapest option, remember that your watch is a delicate and intricate mechanism requiring a skilled hand and extensive knowledge to properly service. By choosing an experienced horologist with thorough training under their belt, who possesses a deep understanding of watch mechanics, you can be sure that your timepiece is in capable hands. Look for certifications, professional affiliations, and testimonials that vouch for the horologist's expertise and pristine track record. Quality craftsmanship takes time, and rushing the process can lead to suboptimal results or can even sustain irreversible damage to your watch.

5. Sapphire Crystals are Unbreakable

While sapphire is an extremely durable material and highly resistant to scratches, it is not impervious to damage. Even though sapphire crystals are highly resilient, they can still develop hairline fractures under stressful circumstances. These fractures may not be immediately noticeable, but over time they can propagate and compromise the integrity of the crystal. Additionally, a significant impact or force applied to the crystal can cause it to shatter or crack. Regular inspection of the crystal by a professional watchmaker is recommended to identify and address any potential hairline fractures early on, preventing further damage that could harm the functionality and beauty of your watch.

Care for Your Watches with Kirk Jewelers

At Kirk Jewelers, your trusted local Miami jewelry store, we deeply understand the importance of proper watch care and maintenance. Our team of professional watch experts is fully dedicated to providing your fine timepiece the utmost care and attention it deserves. With years of experience in the industry, our skilled watchmakers maintain the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of watch repair services. Whether it's a routine maintenance check, battery replacement, or complicated mechanical repairs, we will take care of everything. Visit Kirk Jewelers for all your watch repair needs, and let our experienced team of professionals breathe new life into your cherished timepiece.