Care of your Timepiece

Water-Resistant versus Waterproof

A watch marked as water resistant without a depth indication is designed to withstand accidental splashes of water only.

Do not submerge such a watch. Higher levels of water resistance are indicated by increasingly higher acceptable depths, usually indicated in meters.

The following usage guidelines are suggested:
• Water-resistant to 30 meters (100 feet). Will withstand splashes of water or rain but should not be worn while swimming or diving.
• Water-tested to 50 meters (165 feet). Suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.
• Water-tested to 100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
• Water-tested to 150 meters (500 feet). Suitable for snorkeling.
• Water-tested to 200 meters (660 feet). Suitable for skin diving.
• Diver's 150 meters (500 feet). Meets ISO standards and is suitable for scuba diving.
• Diver's 200 meters (660 feet). Meets ISO standards and is suitable for scuba diving.

Keeping Your Watch Dry

Always make sure your watch is dry after it has been exposed to water. By taking a few minutes and thoroughly drying your watch with a lint-free cloth, you will prevent rust from forming. This is a key point in ensuring the long life of your watch.

Caring for the Crystal

The crystal is the transparent part of the watch through which you tell time. As we discussed with water, a watch may have a scratch-resistant crystal, however no crystal is truly scratchproof. Therefore, it is not advisable that you toss your watch onto the dresser or into a drawer at the end of the day. It’s better for the watch to store or wrap it in a soft cloth before placing it down. The more care you take with the watch, the less scratches you will end up with. Replace broken or scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can let dust or moisture into the mechanism, threatening its accuracy. If you place the watch in a drawer with other jewelry, this too may scratch the watch, as it might rub against the other pieces. Another suggestion would be to store the watch in its original case, since these cases are generally soft and made specifically for the watch.

Metal Bands versus Leather Bands

If you participate in activities that cause excessive sweat or perspiration, you may want to consider getting a watch with a metal bracelet or rubber strap, instead of a leather strap. Watches that have natural and genuine leather straps will gradually deteriorate with constant exposure to perspiration.

Battery Replacement

Watches that run on batteries are known as 'Quartz' watches. The batteries will last anywhere from one to several years. It is best to have the batteries replaced by a jeweler to maintain the integrity of the water-resistant seal.

Cleaning Your Watch

The best way to clean your watch is by using a lint-free cloth and a toothpick. Use the toothpick to clean out any dirt buildup in the bracelet or casing of the watch and the cloth to wipe it clean. If it is water-resistant, give it an occasional cleaning with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap. If the strap is leather or non-metal, clean only the case.