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The short answer: To clean and maintain your watch, you’ll need a soft cloth, mild soap, a toothbrush, and a watch case opener (if you want to service it). The process involves wiping the case and bracelet, brushing the crevices, rinsing with lukewarm water (if water resistant), and drying thoroughly. Regular maintenance, like changing the battery or servicing the movement, is best left to a professional unless you have experience.
Your watch is exposed to sweat, dust, and daily wear. Over time, these can build up and cause the bracelet to become stiff, the crystal to get cloudy, and the case to corrode. Regular cleaning not only keeps your watch looking sharp but also prevents long-term damage. Plus, a clean watch is more comfortable to wear and easier to read.
Before you start, make sure you have the following items:
Avoid using harsh chemicals, alcohol, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip protective coatings and damage gaskets.
First, remove the watch from your wrist. If it’s a leather strap, you should not get it wet; instead, wipe it with a damp cloth and let it air dry. For metal bracelets or rubber straps, you can wash them more thoroughly.
Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild soap. Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the case, lugs, and bracelet. Pay extra attention to the areas where the bracelet meets the case, as dirt accumulates there. Use a toothpick to dislodge any stubborn buildup. After scrubbing, rinse the watch under lukewarm running water (if it’s water resistant to at least 30 meters) or use a damp cloth to wipe off the soap. Then, dry with a microfiber cloth.
The crystal (the glass or synthetic sapphire covering the dial) is prone to smudges and scratches. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it in a circular motion. If there are stubborn fingerprints, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a tiny bit of soap. Avoid applying pressure, especially on anti-reflective coated crystals, as they can scratch.
For the bezel, use the toothbrush with soapy water to clean the grooves, but avoid soaking the watch if it’s not water resistant. For rotating bezels, you can rotate it while cleaning to work the soap into the mechanism.
After cleaning, dry your watch thoroughly. Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow out any water trapped in the crevices, but keep it at a distance. For metal bracelets, you can apply a tiny drop of silicone-based lubricant to the pivot points of the links to keep them moving smoothly. However, be careful not to over-lubricate, as it can attract dust.
Cleaning is only part of the equation. To keep your watch running accurately, it’s recommended to have it serviced every 3 to 5 years, depending on the model. This includes oiling the movement, replacing gaskets, and checking water resistance. If your watch is quartz, the battery typically needs replacement every 2 to 3 years. You can do this yourself with the right tools, but if you’re not confident, a professional will do it for a reasonable fee.
Also, always store your watch in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures and magnetic fields. If you own an automatic watch, consider a watch winder to keep it running when not in use.
Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the crystal and case. It’s better to use a mild soap and water solution.
At minimum, wipe your watch with a soft cloth daily. Do a thorough cleaning every few months, or more often if you wear it during workouts or in harsh conditions.
If your watch is not water resistant (marked with a “WR” rating of less than 30 meters), avoid submerging it. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth and a toothbrush with minimal water, and dry immediately.
For more tips on choosing a durable and easy-to-maintain watch, check out our best watches buying guide. It covers models that are both stylish and built to last.
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