How to protect your automatic watch?

What are the biggest enemies of the automatic watch? An automatic watch is a fragile object that requires special care. Beware of chemical products such as household products for example. Their corrosive power can permanently damage the glass or the case of your watch. Similarly, avoid leaving your watch in the sun for too long. As far as the water-resistance of your watch is concerned, we strongly advise against keeping your watch in the shower, even if it is a water-resistant watch, as hot water tends to damage the seals. Also remove your watch before swimming in a pool as chlorine is not recommended for watches. If you wish to wear your waterproof watch in the sea, do not forget to rinse your watch with cold water after immersion.

What is magnetism?

Magnetism is one of the most notorious causes of malfunctioning watch movements. Few people know that this is a great danger for watches and that magnetic fields should be avoided at all costs. For example, we advise you not to place your watch on an electronic object such as a computer, a radio, a smartphone or a stereo. In general, if you have any doubts about an electronic device that could emit waves, refrain from placing your watch near it. Without becoming totally paranoid, it is better to be aware of these risks and to minimise these encounters as often as possible. 

To illustrate our point, consider that a magnetised watch moves forward or backward much more than the manufacturer originally intended. In general, a magnetised watch can move forward or backward by more than one or two minutes per day, which makes your watch completely unusable, unless you set your watch to the correct time every day! 

How to demagnetize your automatic watch?

A watch can be demagnetised at an independent watchmaker or directly at the manufacturer. The watchmaker may consider that it is also necessary to carry out an overhaul. In this case the price can vary from 50 to more than 500 euros. Nevertheless, some watches have an increased resistance to magnetic fields, such as the Rolex Milgauss which is resistant to 1000 Gauss. Keep in mind that the majority of automatic watches are subject to magnetism and that you should therefore be very careful with your watch. 

You can also find tools that allow you to demagnetise watches yourself, but we advise against this method if you are not an expert in the field. Indeed, the wrong use of such a device can disrupt the movement of your watch.

Why should you avoid shocks on your automatic watch?

It is possible that shocks are the primary cause of premature revisions of automatic watches. We therefore advise you to be extremely careful with your watches. For example, avoid wearing your watch to sleep as the watch may take a shock while you are sleeping. It is also possible that the pumps will break during the night and the watch will come off your wrist. Similarly, vibrations should be avoided, so try not to wear your watch when cycling, motorcycling or playing sports.