Your Watch Is Built to Last — But Only If You Treat It Right
A quality automatic watch is one of the few purchases that can genuinely last a lifetime. The NH35A movement inside most CrownCraft Atelier watches is rated for millions of cycles. The 316L stainless steel case will not corrode. The sapphire crystal will not scratch under normal conditions. But "built to last" and "will last without care" are not the same thing.
This guide covers the essential maintenance habits that keep a mechanical watch running accurately and looking sharp for decades — no watchmaker visits required for most of them.
Daily Habits That Protect Your Watch
Wear It Regularly
Automatic watches are designed to be worn. The rotor needs motion to wind the mainspring and keep the oils distributed through the movement. If you own multiple watches and rotate them, a watch that sits unworn for weeks at a time will not be harmed permanently, but the lubricants can settle and the power reserve will deplete. Give each watch in your rotation at least a day or two of wrist time per week.
Avoid Magnetic Fields
Strong magnets are the silent enemy of mechanical watches. Magnetic fields can magnetise the hairspring, causing the watch to run fast — sometimes dramatically (minutes per day instead of seconds). Common sources include:
- Laptop speakers and tablet covers with magnetic clasps
- Phone cases with magnetic mounts
- Magnetic bag clasps
- Induction hobs and microwave doors
Brief exposure is usually fine. Prolonged contact (resting your wrist on a laptop while typing, for example) can cause issues. If your watch suddenly starts running several minutes fast, magnetisation is the most likely cause — and it is easily fixed with a demagnetiser tool (€10-15 online) or a quick visit to any watchmaker.
Keep It Away from Chemicals
Remove your watch before applying perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent, or cleaning products. These chemicals can degrade gaskets (reducing water resistance), discolour case finishes, and damage leather straps. The steel itself is resistant, but the rubber seals and strap materials are not.
Water Resistance: What You Can and Cannot Do
Water resistance is not permanent. The gaskets that seal the case degrade over time — heat, cold cycles, UV exposure, and chemical contact all contribute. A watch rated to 100m when new may not maintain that rating after three or four years without gasket replacement.
Practical rules for water-resistant watches:
- 100m-rated watches (like most CrownCraft Atelier models) — Safe for swimming, showering, and rain. Avoid hot tubs and saunas (heat degrades seals rapidly).
- Always rinse after saltwater — Salt crystals are abrasive and corrosive. A quick rinse under fresh water after ocean exposure protects the case, bezel, and bracelet.
- Never operate the crown in water — Pulling or unscrewing the crown underwater breaks the seal. Adjust the time on dry land only.
- Annual gasket check — If you swim with your watch regularly, have the gaskets tested annually by a watchmaker (usually €10-20). This is far cheaper than a water damage repair.
For the full breakdown, read our guide on what 100m water resistance actually means.
Storage: When the Watch Is Not on Your Wrist
When you take off your watch for the night or rotate to another piece:
- Lay it dial-up or on its side — Not dial-down. The crystal is tough, but the bezel and case back have finishing that can pick up scratches from hard surfaces.
- Use a watch box or soft pouch — This prevents scratches from contact with other objects (keys, coins, other watches).
- Avoid extreme temperatures — Do not leave your watch in a car dashboard in summer or near a radiator. Thermal shock can crack gaskets and affect lubricant viscosity.
- Watch winders are optional — A winder keeps an automatic running when you are not wearing it, but it is a convenience, not a necessity. Letting an automatic stop and restarting it does no harm to the movement.
Cleaning Your Watch at Home
For a steel-cased watch on a steel bracelet or rubber strap:
- Remove the watch from any leather strap first (leather should not be submerged).
- Use lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap.
- Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to bracelet links and the area around the crown.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Dry with a lint-free microfibre cloth.
For leather straps: wipe with a damp cloth only. Allow to air-dry away from direct heat. Condition with a leather conditioner every few months to prevent cracking. If you are looking for a replacement strap, CrownCraft offers quality leather straps designed to match specific models.
When to See a Professional
A full service (disassembly, cleaning, re-lubrication, and reassembly of the movement) is recommended every 4-5 years for an automatic watch that sees daily wear. Signs that a service is due:
- The watch loses or gains significantly more time than its rated accuracy (e.g., ±60 seconds/day instead of the NH35A's rated −20/+40)
- The power reserve has noticeably decreased
- The crown feels gritty or stiff when winding
- Moisture appears under the crystal (seek immediate service — this can cause rust)
A standard service costs €50-150 depending on your location and the watchmaker. It is the single best investment in your watch's longevity.
Quick-Reference Care Checklist
- Wear the watch regularly or store it properly
- Keep away from strong magnets
- Remove before applying chemicals or cleaning products
- Rinse after saltwater; never operate the crown underwater
- Clean monthly with mild soap and soft brush
- Service the movement every 4-5 years
- Test gaskets annually if you swim with it
For more information on what goes into every CrownCraft watch, visit our transparency page or browse the complete CrownCraft collection.