Care

How to clean a watch

A soft brush, warm water and a drop of mild soap, with the crown screwed down, is all a water-resistant steel watch needs. The strap decides how careful you have to be.

Metal bracelet and case

1. Check the crown is screwed or pushed fully in.
2. Mix warm (not hot) water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid.
3. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, paying attention to the links, the clasp and the gaps between the lugs and the bracelet, where grime builds up.
4. Rinse under a gentle stream of lukewarm water, crown facing up.
5. Dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Let the bracelet air-dry fully before storing it.

For heavy build-up, the bracelet alone can be removed and soaked, or cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Never put the watch head in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Crystal and dial side

A microfiber cloth handles fingerprints on sapphire. For acrylic crystals, a little polishing paste such as Polywatch will also lift light scratches. Avoid glass cleaners and solvents, which can damage gaskets and some coatings.

Straps

• Leather: keep it dry. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, let it air-dry away from heat, and swap it out in summer or for swimming. Rotating between two straps lets each dry out.
• Rubber and silicone: wash with warm soapy water, and rinse after the sea or pool.
• Fabric and NATO: remove them and hand-wash in soapy water, or put them in a laundry bag in the washing machine. Air-dry.

What to avoid

• Operating the crown or pushers while wet.
• Hot water, steam or a hairdryer.
• Alcohol, bleach and solvents near the gaskets.
• Abrasive pads or polishing cloths on brushed steel, gold or coated finishes. Refinishing is a job for the watchmaker at a service.

While you're at it

Cleaning day is a good time to wind the watches in your drawer. Watch Winder shows which are running low and which have already stopped, so you know which ones to set, and how to set the date safely.