How to Store Watches at Home: 12 Steps
Introduction:
A watch collection can be a significant investment and a reflection of your personal style. Therefore, it is crucial to store your watches correctly to protect them from damage and keep them in great condition. In this article, we will discuss 12 steps on how to properly store your watches at home.
1.Keep watches away from direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the watch’s dial, fade its color, and cause the watch mechanism to overheat. Choose a storage area that does not receive direct sunlight.
2.Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme heat or cold might affect the accuracy of a watch’s movement and shorten its lifespan. Store your watches at room temperature and avoid places like attics or basements with temperature fluctuations.
3.Avoid moisture and humidity: Humidity can cause rust, corrosion, and mold growth. Keep your watches in a dry place, preferably inside an air-conditioned room with low humidity.
4.Remove batteries from quartz watches: If you don’t plan on wearing your quartz watch regularly, remove the battery before storing it to prevent leakage and avoid potential internal damage.
5.Use a watch box or storage case: A dedicated watch box or storage case with compartments and cushioning keeps your watches snugly fit while preventing scratches and other damages caused by friction or impacts.
6.Store mechanical watches separately from quartz watches: Mechanical watches are more sensitive to magnetic fields emitted by quartz watches, which can affect their accuracy. Keep them separate in different boxes or compartments.
7.Wind mechanical watches regularly: Winding your mechanical watches helps maintain their accuracy, even when they’re not being worn regularly. Wind them every month or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
8.Keep original packaging and documentation: Storing each watch with its original box, warranty card, instruction manual, and any important certificates ensures that you have everything needed to prove its authenticity and value.
9.Utilize watch rolls for travel: When traveling with your watches, a padded watch roll provides an added layer of protection and will help safeguard them from damaging impacts or scratches.
10.Use silica gel packets: Place a silica gel packet in each watch box or compartment to absorb moisture, keeping the environment dry and preventing rust or corrosion.
11.Consider purchasing a watch winder: A watch winder is especially useful for automatic watches that require constant movement to ensure their accuracy. Invest in a quality watch winder if you own multiple automatic watches.
12.Regularly clean your watches: Gently wipe down your watches using a clean, soft cloth before storing them. A clean watch ensures dust, dirt, and oils do not accumulate during storage and contribute to potential problems in the future.
Conclusion:
Following these 12 steps will help keep your watches in pristine condition, safeguarding your investment and ensuring that your special timepieces are always ready for display or wear. Proper storage is essential for maintaining their function, appearance, and value over time.