Quartz watches are some of the most popular watches in the world. Scientists realized early on that by passing a small current through the quartz mineral, they were able to get it to vibrate sharply. This vibration is what creates the reference point for quartz watches to run smoothly.
If you have a quartz watch, you should know that it doesn’t need as much attention as an automatic watch. Do quartz watches need to be serviced? Yes, but certainly not in the way you think. As long as you change the cell once it dies down and keep the watch running, there’s no reason why it can’t last you for quite a while.
However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t ever have to take it for a quartz watch service. There are several important things that you should know about quartz watches and how they work. You can ideally keep your watch in prime condition if you know a thing or two about how to look after it.
How to Look After Your Quartz Watch?
There are several simple things that you need to do to care for your quartz watch. Follow the tips given below to keep your watch in prime condition.
Clean it Thoroughly
Over the passage of time, dust and debris is going to get stuck around the rivets and the tiny gaps in between the crown and the watch. The dust and grime from your skin is also going to get stuck in the tiny pockets on the watch straps. You need to take it off, remove the straps, and then clean it thoroughly.
Use a soft cloth or a brush with soft bristles, and then clean it properly. You need to clean the watch as carefully as possible after every few months. This is going to help loosen all of the dirt that gets stuck on the watch, both on the insides and the outsides.
Keep it Away From the Magnets
Quartz watches have a number of different materials inside that respond to magnets. Bringing the watch closer to magnets is going to affect the timekeeping performance of your watch. You don’t want that. Obviously, this is not always the case. Unless you really bring the quartz watch all the way up close to the magnet, it’s really not much of a problem.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Excessive exposure to the sun is obviously going to have a negative impact on your watch. Sunlight is going to cause discoloration and you will notice the color fading from the watch. More importantly, the heat generated by the sun, along with the heat from your wrist, is going to considerably shorten the battery life of your watch. It’s highly recommended that you do not leave the watch out in direct sunlight.
Avoid Exposure to Chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as bleach or other harsher cleaning supplies, are going to have a negative impact on your watch. It’s also recommended that you don’t let the watch come into contact with perfumes. Perfumes contain a litany of different materials that are not suitable for leather bands. Even metallic bands are bound to suffer if they are exposed to these harsh substances.
With the passage of time, the band is going to tear. If you have to apply perfume or cologne on yourself, it is best to let it dry before you put on the watch. This is going to limit exposure and prolong the life of your quartz watch.
Get a Professional Service
Similarly, one of the best things that you can do is get your watch professionally serviced after every couple of years. When you take it for a professional service, the watchmakers are going to gently take apart the internal components, clean and remove all the dirt and debris from them, and then put it all back together.
If you get it regularly serviced, it’s going to be much easier for you to maintain the watch.
Avoid Tampering with the Watch
If you don’t want to damage the watch, it’s important that you trust the professionals. Don’t open the watch on your own, even if you have the tools. It’s going to be difficult for you to put it all back together, so it’s best to trust the professionals.
Keep it Back in the Box
Saving the box that the watch came with is one of the best decisions that you will make. You will want to make sure that you put it back in the box when you are not using the watch. It’s going to prevent it from any kind of damage and also prevent dust from entering the box.
Water Resistance
Quartz watches are water resistant; they are not waterproof. Make sure that you do not put it deep into the water because each watch comes with a rating for its water resistance.
