Watch Care and Professional Watch Services
Caring for Your Mechanical and Quartz Timepieces
At Bennion Jewelers, we understand that a fine timepiece is more than a way to tell time—it’s a precision instrument, a symbol of craftsmanship, and often, a personal legacy. Whether your watch is powered by a mechanical movement or a quartz battery, proper care and regular service are key to its performance and longevity.
General Watch Care Tips
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Keep it Clean: Gently wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth after daily wear to remove sweat, dust, or oils. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild soap solution for the bracelet and case, but never submerge unless the watch is water-resistant.
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Avoid Extreme Conditions: Sudden temperature changes, strong magnetic fields, and impact can all affect a watch’s accuracy and performance.
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Water Resistance Awareness: Water resistance is not permanent. Gaskets and seals degrade over time. Have water resistance tested annually—especially before swimming or showering with your watch. Always double-check to ensure screw down crowns are secure before entering water.
Mechanical Watches: Winding and Servicing
Mechanical watches—both manual and automatic—are prized for their intricate craftsmanship. They require regular attention to ensure smooth operation.
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Manual Watches: Wind daily at the same time for consistent power.
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Automatic Watches: Wear regularly or use a watch winder if stored.
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Service Frequency: Most mechanical timepieces should be serviced every 4 to 5 years, depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations. This includes lubrication, timing regulation, and cleaning to prevent wear on delicate components.
Quartz Watches: Battery Life and Maintenance
Quartz watches offer exceptional accuracy with minimal maintenance, but they still benefit from occasional servicing.
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Battery Changes: Batteries typically last 1 to 3 years. Replace promptly when drained to avoid leakage, which can damage the movement.
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Movement Checks: Even quartz watches can benefit from a movement clean and gasket check every 3 to 5 years.
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Avoid DIY Repairs: Always have battery replacements and servicing done by professionals to preserve the integrity of the case and movement.
Special Considerations for Luxury and Complicated Watches
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Chronographs & Multi-Complication Watches: These intricate timepieces contain additional mechanisms that require extra care. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care guidelines and avoid activating chronograph functions underwater unless specified.
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Vintage Watches: These should be handled gently and evaluated by a specialist before regular wear. Vintage seals and parts may be fragile and no longer water-resistant.
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Magnetic Fields: Mechanical watches can become magnetized, affecting accuracy. Avoid placing them near speakers, phones, or magnetic clasps. If magnetized, a simple degaussing service can restore proper function.
At Bennion Jewelers, our expert watch technicians follow professional standards—including those set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and leading Swiss brands. We offer in-house battery replacements, bracelet sizings, and strap replacements, and full mechanical services, quartz movement replacements, polishing services, water-resistance testing, and more are completed by our trusted offsite watchmakers.
Schedule Your Watch Service with Confidence
Whether it’s a quartz daily driver or a prized Swiss complication, your timepiece deserves expert care. Visit us for precision watch services tailored to your needs—and keep your watch ticking for generations to come.