fbpx

Get 15% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter

+27 11 517 2417  |  Stores   |  Appointments

Looking After Your Watch

Treat your watch as a piece of fine jewellery. Watches supplied by Wolf Brothers are durable and will last a long time with proper care. We advise that you file your warranty and instructions in a safe place in the event that you need them in the future. Timepieces such as sports watches often have many features that may require you revert to the instruction manual.

To keep your watch running smoothly, it’s a good idea to have it professionally serviced every 2 years. Periodic cleaning and proper care will also ensure that your fine timepiece looks its best and provides many years of faithful service.

Your watch will require care and regular maintenance to ensure its time-telling accuracy and to protect its appearance. It is important to note however, that each unique brand and model of watch has its own specific care guidelines and you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual or warranty that is provided with your watch.

 

We suggest the below generic tips for caring for any watch:

  • Avoid water damage to your watch. Check your watch’s water resistance leveland adhere strictly to instructions according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • To avoid damaging a diver’s watch, be certain the crown and cases are locked down before submerging the watch in water. Also,clean the watch with freshwater after subjecting it to saltwater.
  • Should water orcondensation appear in your watch face, have it checked by a watch specialist as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage
  • Avoid leaving your watch inextreme temperatures which can cause damage. Generally, extreme heat can shorten the battery life of a quartz watch and extreme cold can cause your watch to gain or lose time
  • Avoid contact with chemicals, solvents and gases that can discolour, deteriorate and damage your watch
  • Although most watches are, to a degree, shock resistant, try to avoid extreme shockor impact to your watch. Automatic watches however, are not resistant to shock and any severe bumps may cause the watch to lose or gain time
  • Avoid exposing your watch to strong electric fields and static electricity. Generally, electrical household appliances will not affect your watch
  • If your watch has been worn in salt water and is not designed toavoid corrosion, have it checked by a watch specialist as soon as possible
  • Watches, including their straps, are best cleaned by awatch specialist
  • Be carefulnot to use a jewellery cloth to clean your watch as these cloths often have an abrasive agent in them that can permanently damage the finish on your watch casing and bracelet
  • Have your watchchecked and serviced regularly by a watch specialist. The manufacturer’s instruction manual will tell you how often you should have your specific watch serviced

To keep your watch looking as good as new, ask our staff about the Ernest Jones Jewellery Cleaning Range – an all-in-one solution to cleaning, protecting and storing your watches and jewellery.

If a watch that is not water-resistant, clean the bracelet and casing with a toothpick, then a soft, lint-free cloth. It is important to keep watches that are not water-resistant dry to prevent rusting.

For water-resistant watches, use warm water and mild soap to clean the casing. Use a soft cloth to clean leather straps. Do not use water.

Quartz watches contain batteries that need to be changed approximately every 2 years. Change the battery before it runs out. Dead batteries can leak and ruin the inner workings of the finest watch.

The crystal is the clear cover that protects the watch face. Some crystals are scratch-resistant but not entirely scratchproof.  Replace damaged crystals right away to ensure proper functioning. Storing your watch in its original case will help prevent scratches.

Watches are not truly waterproof.  They are but resistant to water under certain conditions. If you use your watch within the limits of its rated water resistance, you should get many years of dependable service from it.

The case, bezel, crown and crystal of a water-resistant watch are designed to resist moisture.  Different watches have different levels of water resistance, as shown in the chart below. Match the degree of water resistance to the moisture conditions you want your watch to withstand. If you want to wear your watch while swimming, for example, a watch with a water resistance rating of 5 atmospheres (atm) or higher is a good choice.

The term “water resistance” is now widely regarded as the industry standard when referring to the depths to which one may swim or dive with their watch. This ranges from non-water resistant to those suitable for SCUBA diving. When you first purchase your watch, ask the sales person or read the manual that accompanies the watch to learn more about its water resistance level.
A simple outline for water resistance:

  • No indication of water resistance: The watch is not water resistant and is not designed to come in contact with water. This includes rain and even washing your hands.
  • Water resistant or, 30m and 50m: This implies that the watch is designed to withstand water from accidental splashing. Submersion in water should be avoided.
  • 100m or 10 Bar: The watch is designed to withstand pressure up to 100m. This includes water exposure from splashing, swimming and submersion.
  • 200m or 20 Bar: The watch is designed to withstand water pressure up to 200m. This includes SCUBA diving and other recreational water sports. These watches typically have a “lock in crown” which should always be tightly screwed down before submerging in water.

The most important factor to keep in mind about water resistance is that a new watch will meet its water resistance specifications as indicated on its case back. However, over time the gaskets and seals can become dry and brittle, diminishing its water resistance rating. If you notice any condensation under the glass, at any time, visit your nearest watchmaker to have the movement of the watch inspected and resealed if necessary.
If you do swim with your watch, either in chlorinated water or seawater, always rinse your watch with fresh water in order to keep all the seals clean from any possible sediment.

Finally, many people prefer to shower with their watch on. This is not recommended since the regular expansion on contraction of the seals, caused by the exposure to heat, can deteriorate the effectiveness of these seals.

*atm stands for atmosphere, a unit of measuring pressure.