What protective measures should I take to safeguard my preowned watch from damage?

Protecting a preowned watch requires controlling its exposure to impact, moisture, chemicals, magnetism, temperature changes and poor storage. Wear it for appropriate activities, keep the crown and crystal secure, store it separately in a soft-lined case, and arrange professional checks when its condition or performance changes. These measures help preserve both the watch’s mechanical function and its appearance.

Protect the watch from impacts and pressure. Even when the case and crystal appear undamaged, a sharp knock can affect the movement, dislodge hands, damage the winding system or compromise the seals. Remove your watch before contact sports, manual work, gardening, DIY, lifting or any activity involving vibration or impact. Take particular care with door frames, desks and vehicle interiors, as repeated minor knocks can cause noticeable wear over time.

If the watch is dropped or struck, do not rely solely on a visual inspection. Check whether it is keeping time normally, whether the hands move correctly and whether the crown feels different when winding or setting the watch. A professional inspection is advisable after a significant impact, especially if the watch has stopped, gained or lost time, or developed a loose component.

Manage water exposure carefully. Water resistance is a tested condition, not a permanent guarantee that a watch is waterproof. Gaskets age, crowns can become damaged and previous repairs may have affected the seals. Keep the crown fully pushed in or screwed down where the design requires it, and never operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or submerged.

Unless its water resistance has been confirmed as suitable, remove the watch before bathing, showering, swimming or using a hot tub. Steam and heat can force moisture past ageing seals, while sudden changes in temperature can create condensation inside the case. If water or condensation appears beneath the crystal, stop using the watch and seek professional attention promptly. Do not try to dry it with a hairdryer or place it on a radiator, as heat can cause further damage.

Keep chemicals away from the case and strap. Perfume, aftershave, cosmetics, sunscreen, household cleaners, chlorine, salt water and hand sanitiser may affect case finishes, seals, plating, leather or rubber. Apply toiletries before putting the watch on and allow them to dry. After exposure to perspiration or salt water, wipe a suitable water-resistant watch with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly. Leather straps should not be soaked; persistent moisture can cause staining, odour, stiffness and deterioration.

Reduce the risk of scratches. Avoid placing the watch directly on hard or abrasive surfaces, even for a short period. Keep it away from keys, coins, tools and other jewellery when carrying or storing it. A soft microfibre cloth can remove surface marks, but abrasive creams, polishing cloths intended for other metals and unapproved cleaning products may alter brushed or polished finishes. Do not attempt to remove deeper scratches yourself, because excessive polishing can change the shape of the case and soften its original edges.

When wearing the watch, be aware of cuffs, bracelets and bags that may rub against the case or clasp. If preserving the original finish and value is a priority, a professional can advise whether cleaning or refinishing is appropriate. On a preowned watch, retaining its existing case profile and original components may be important, so cosmetic work should be considered carefully rather than carried out routinely.

Limit exposure to strong magnetic fields. Strong magnets can affect the accuracy of a mechanical movement. Keep the watch away from magnetic clasps, loudspeakers, magnetic tools and equipment that generates a powerful field. Everyday electronic devices are not normally a concern when used sensibly, but if the watch suddenly runs unusually fast or slow after being near a strong magnet, arrange a professional check. Demagnetising may resolve the problem, although the movement should also be assessed if the change in timekeeping persists.

Avoid extremes of heat, cold and rapid temperature change. Do not leave the watch in direct sunlight, on a dashboard, near a radiator or in an unheated vehicle. Temperature changes can affect lubricants, accuracy, batteries, seals and the materials used in the strap. Allow a watch that has been exposed to cold or heat to return gradually to room temperature rather than applying direct heat or cold.

Store it securely when it is not being worn. Use a clean, dry, soft-lined watch box or pouch that supports the case without putting pressure on the crown or crystal. Keep the watch separate from other jewellery and avoid loose storage in a drawer, where it may be scratched or knocked. Close the clasp gently and do not force a bracelet around a cushion that is too large. Store the watch in a stable, low-humidity environment, away from bathrooms, windows, heaters and strong magnetic sources. Keep service records, valuation documents, spare links and original accessories together, but not in a way that allows them to rub against the watch.

Handle the crown and bracelet correctly. Wind a mechanical watch with clean, dry hands and stop if the crown feels unusually tight, loose or gritty. Never force the crown, pushers or clasp. Have bracelet sizing, link removal and strap replacement carried out with the correct tools to avoid marks or distorted screws. Inspect the clasp, spring bars and strap regularly; a worn spring bar or weakened strap can allow the watch to fall even when the movement is working perfectly.

Arrange appropriate professional care. A qualified watchmaker can inspect the movement, case, crystal, crown, bracelet and seals, and can test water resistance where suitable. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended servicing guidance, but arrange an earlier assessment if timekeeping changes, the power reserve reduces, winding becomes difficult, the watch stops unexpectedly or moisture is suspected. A service should address the movement and its lubrication as well as cleaning, seal replacement and functional testing where required. A preowned watch may have an unknown service history, so an initial condition assessment is useful even if it appears to be running well.

Finally, insure the watch for its current replacement value and keep photographs, purchase information, valuation documents and service records in a secure place. Check that the policy covers accidental damage, theft, loss and relevant travel or water-related risks, and follow any storage or security conditions. If damage occurs, stop wearing the watch, retain any detached parts, document the condition and contact us for advice on inspection, repair, valuation or restoration before authorising work elsewhere.