- Acrylic - Inexpensive plastic prone to scratches, but shallow
scratches easily buffed out. Acrylic is used on kids watches and low
range fashion watches.
- Mineral Crystal - a type of glass, oftentimes heat treated to
further harden the surface and increase scratch resistance. Mineral
Crystal is relatively cheap and keeps the overall cost of the watch
down. Even hardened mineral crystal are prone to scratches and therefor
the precautions ,listed below, must be taken. Mineral crystal is the
most widely used crystal on the OFFSHORE LIMITED BRAND found exclusively at ZULUTIMEZONE.COM
Offshore Limited Commando
- Sapphire crystal is a transparent form of synthetic corundum , used
in high mid range and high range watches. Sapphire crystal is an
extremely hard substance: Three times harder than mineral crystal - 9
on the Mohs Scale - silver being 2.5 and a diamond being 10, thus
Sapphire Crystal is scratch resistant but not Scratch Proof. In
addition if struck with a sharp blow at a certain angle, sapphire
crystal can shatter. Learn more about crystals here.
To avoid any type of scratches or damages to your watch crystal follow these guidelines:a) Wrap your watch in a soft cloth before placing it on a hard surface.
b) When not wearing place your watch in its original box. Do not place
your watch in a jewelry box with your other jewelry. Keep in mind
diamonds have a Moh of 10, harder than sapphire crystal and thus can
scratch the watch.
c) Do not wear your watch with other jewelry on the same hand. For the same reasons listed above.
d) Avoid wearing the watch during high risk activities like rock
climbing or bob sledding unless of course you own a watch specifically
designed for these type of activities.
e) Avoid scraping your watch against corridor walls or on furniture.
Some new man made materials used to make simulated stone surfaces
contain incorporated silicon carbide, an extremely hard material that
can cause damage to your sapphire crystal.
Even though many watch companies like Seiko and Invicta have developed
signature watch crystals claiming exceptional hardness, the above
precautions still apply.
2) Watch Bracelet and Strap Maintenancea)
Metal Bracelets s
hould
be carefully washed in water. If the bracelet is really grimy use a
soft new toothbrush dunked in mild soapy water and gently brush away
the dirt. Rinse with water (if your watch is not water resistance be
careful to use only a minimal amount of water and do not get the case
wet). Dry carefully with a soft cloth. Cases should be wiped gently
with a slightly moistened soft cloth and carefully dried.
b) In hot weather, leather straps should be slightly loosened to
prevent perspiration absorption. There are two reasons for this:
Firstly a tight strap prevents the passage of air flow on the underside
of the strap and secondly a tight strap may cause a perspiration rash
on the wrist. When your watch becomes wet with perspiration, wipe it
dry with a soft cloth. In addition, leather straps may begin to smell
from bacteria trapped in the leather -
Click here to read a Summer Caution for Leather Strap Watch Wearers.
c) Finally when taking off your watch leave it in a well ventilated
area. Never place it in a sealed air tight container when the watch is
still damp with perspiration. Never leave your watch in direct
sunlight this may cause your watch strap to fade.
Movement Maintenance - Either Quartz or Mechanical (Automatic or Hand Wound) Automatic mechanical watches:These Watches do not require manual winding, but are powered by the
gentle swinging motion of ones arm. This swinging motion moves a rotor
or oscillating weight affixed to the back of the watch. The rotor
transfers power to wind the mainspring. Thus in order for the watch to
keep ticking, one needs to wear the watch everyday or ever second day
depending on the power reserve of the watch. (Power reserve is the
amount of time a watch can operate without winding).
Take note even though a automatic watch is powered by the natural
swinging motion of ones hand, the watch should not need to be shaken
vigorously like a cocktail. In addition, avoid undue shocks like
dropping the watch on hard surfaces like a granite kitchen counter.
Avoid wearing a mechanical watch while playing golf or tennis as arm
speeds in excess of 70mph can damage the movement of the watch.
Vigorous jagged motions can damage the movement. Many watches have
undergone stringent testing and are Certified Chronometers, but still
proper care is still necessary.
Listed Below are Maintenance 101 for Automatic Watch Movements:
a) If one has not worn the watch in a couple of days and not kept it on a Watch Winder, the watch
b) A Mechanical Watch requires servicing just like an automobile.
Although mechanical watches are designed to provide a lifetime of
accurate and reliable service, a mechanical watch requires servicing
every three or four years. This time frame will ensure maximum
efficiency and prevent permanent damage. Every manufacturer has their
own specific servicing recommendations for your watch. As a result of
the complexity of the mechanisms within the mechanical watch, it is
preferable the watch is serviced by an agent authorized by the watch
manufacturer. During servicing your watch will be inspected for worn
parts which require replacing; checked to see if lubrication is
required, and examined to determine if perspiration, dust or water has
seeped into the watch. Dust and water is the most damaging to the
watch movement and removal of these elements are crucial.
c) During servicing your watch is opened and the movement removed. If
required the movement is taken apart to the very last screw. Each
individual part is inspected for wear or tear. Old worn parts are
replaced with identical parts. Every part is cleaned, reassembled and
lubricated. Then the movement is regulated, so the watch will run with
precision. If the watch is water resistant, water tightness is checked
and worn cracked gaskets are replaced. The final step is polishing the
case and the bracelet. After these steps the watch will be good as
new.
d) Quartz Watches require a battery change once every one to two years.
If the back of the watch is a snap back type, one can use a blunt knife
to remove the cover and change the battery; however, if the watch is the
screw back type (noticable by usually 6 equally spaced slots), one may
require a special tool to remove the back.
Click here for an excellent article on tips for changing your watch battery.
Take Note: Servicing is crucial as the oil that keeps
the watch running breaks down over time. Parts of the watch that are
no longer lubricated will cause friction. The problem will be
confounded if the friction creates microscopic fine dust that will act
as a damaging abrasive to the movement. In addition, the watch case
expands in response to periods of hot and cold. This expansion allows
dust to enter the case to microscopic fine cracks. Dust is the most
detrimental element to the movement of a watch.
I know what you are thinking. This seems like an awful lot of
instructions for a watch; however, most of it you are probably doing
anyway. Please bare in mind if you treat your watch with respect it
will be your great grand child's heirloom.
If you have any other tips or personnel experiences. Please feel free to comment. I love feedback.
