How to Care for a Pocket Watch
Pocket watches should be cared for in the same way that you care for fine jewelry. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
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You Will Need
- Pocket watch
- Owner's manual
- Water- and humidity-free environment
- Suitable pocket
- Dry cloth
- Watchmaker or manufacturer
- Battery
- Jeweler's cloth (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Follow instructions
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual for proper care and maintenance of your watch.
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Step 2
Protect from environment
Do not submerge the watch in water. Protect it from high humidity.
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Step 3
Wind watch daily
Wind a mechanical watch daily at a fixed time, taking care not to over-wind it. Pull on the knobs carefully when winding it.
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Step 4
Carry in safe pocket
Carry an open-face watch in your pocket with the dial facing your body. Do not carry it with objects like keys that can cause scratches on the case or crystal.
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Step 5
Wipe clean
Wipe a watch with a clean dry soft cloth before storing if it has a solid brass or stainless steel case.
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Wipe cases made of precious metals with a jeweler's cloth.
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Step 6
Get professionally cleaned
Have mechanical watches cleaned and oiled every three to five years by a qualified watchmaker or by the watch's manufacturer.
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Step 7
Change battery
Change the battery in quartz pocket watches every one to two years to keep your watch working like new.
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The first watch was invented in Nuremberg, Germany in 1509 by Peter Henlein.
