Learn the best tips from our experts at Exclusively Diamonds regarding how to maintain the value of your luxurious watches.
Luxury timepieces are an investment, and, as such, you want to make sure to protect your stellar collection to maintain its value. Ensuring you are doing the most for your impressive timepieces will help in the long run as these watches become family heirlooms. Our experts at Exclusively Diamonds have put together a list of tips to help preserve the value of your watches so they will be around for more generations to enjoy.
Avoid Extended Periods of Direct Sunlight
Leaving a watch in the sun is risky. The dial, strap, and case can fade in color due to heat and UV rays. This neglect can also shorten the battery life of your quartz watches and damage the intricate machinery in mechanical or automatic watches.
It is best to store your watches in a darkened, cool location to prevent unnecessary stress on your timepieces while not wearing them. If you know you plan on being out in the sun – especially if you’re on the beach – consider leaving it at home. Alternatively, find a highly resistant watch made for those situations.
Stay Away from Magnets
Magnetism will adversely affect the precision of your watches, making them run slow, fast, or stop altogether. Adverse effects can last even after the magnet is moved away. If the watch is exposed to a magnet long enough, it may need to be demagnetized.
Watchmakers are constantly innovating with new materials or different metal alloys to slow or stop the effects magnets cause on these luxurious pieces. This is especially important today, as many of the technologies we hold dear contain magnets that can then unknowingly cause damage to the value and precision of watches.
Know the Watch’s Water Resistance
Water-resistance refers to a watch’s ability to withstand humidity and pressure. Diving watches are made specifically to withstand the forces that build up at great depths, but even then, you want to ensure you don’t take the watch too far.
Non-diving watches may have slight water resistance to minimal depths. Those that do not mention water resistance can still handle an occasional and accidental splash, but it is still unwise to subject them to such things. Leather straps should also not get wet as they will degrade faster.
Regular Cleanings for Watches
Wiping down a watch after wearing it will help preserve its value. A soft cloth will remove oils transferred from your skin, as well as dirt and grime. Warm water and gentle soap can help disrupt grime from body care products, dust, and more that may affect the watch's overall aesthetic. Being careful with the crystal and dial will help prevent scratches.
Professional Services by Trusted Watch Experts
Every two to three years, you should have your watches professionally serviced even if there are no apparent problems. Trained watchmakers can prevent damage by replacing weakened parts, replenishing oils, and more. Choosing a trusted, local jeweler with the capabilities to maintain the value of your precious timepieces will be an irreplaceable service in your life.
Find Valuable Watches at Exclusively Diamonds
Explore our superb selection of watches in our Exclusively Diamonds showroom. Our family-owned and operated shop houses some of the finest timepiece designers available to our Minnesota neighborhoods. Visit our Mankato jewelry store for an incredible atmosphere to shop for the finest accessories to best highlight your style.