Megan website@walterbull.co.uk
2025-06-14T13:06:56Z

From everyday wear to family heirlooms, watches deserve proper care to keep them running smoothly and looking their best. In this guide, we share simple, practical tips to help you look after your watch.

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Watch Care

A well-made watch is more than just a way to tell the time, it’s often a companion for life. Whether you wear yours every day or only on special occasions, a little care can help keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Daily Wear and Storage

Avoid exposing your watch to extremes of temperature, humidity or magnetism, all of which can affect the movement. Try to keep it away from steam (including showers and saunas) unless it's rated for that level of water resistance.

When not being worn, store your watch face-up in a lined box or pouch to avoid scratches. If it’s automatic and worn infrequently, consider using a watch winder to keep it moving.

Winding and Setting

If your watch is manual, wind it at the same time each day. Turn the crown slowly and stop when you feel resistance, over-winding can cause damage. When setting the time or date, avoid doing so between 9pm and 3am, as this is when the date-change mechanism is engaged on many watches.

Water Resistance and Servicing

Even if your watch is marked as water-resistant, seals degrade over time. We recommend having water resistance checked annually, especially if you swim or shower with your watch on. Never operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or underwater

For mechanical watches, regular servicing, every 3 to 5 years, ensures the movement stays lubricated and accurate. Our workshop handles a wide range of servicing needs, from routine maintenance to more complex movement repairs.

Cleaning Your Watch

Wipe your watch regularly with a soft cloth to remove sweat and dust. If it has a metal bracelet, a gentle clean with a soft brush, warm water and mild soap can restore shine. Always dry thoroughly and avoid getting water into the crown or case back.

Avoid cleaning leather straps with water. Instead, wipe gently with a dry cloth and allow them to rest between wears to reduce moisture build-up.

Bring it in for a check

We offer in-store strap adjustments and battery changes, and our watchmaker can advise on anything more technical. Whether your watch is vintage or modern, mechanical or quartz, we’re here to help it last a lifetime, or even longer.