How to Clean and Maintain Your Watch at Home

A quality watch is an investment — and like any investment, it rewards proper care. The good news is that a large portion of watch maintenance can be handled safely at home with just a few simple tools and a little know-how. Here's what you need to know.

Before You Start: Know Your Watch

Before cleaning your watch, check two things:

  1. Water resistance rating: If your watch is water resistant to at least 50 metres and the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down), you can rinse it under lukewarm water. If it's a dress watch with minimal water resistance, stick to dry cleaning methods.
  2. Strap material: Metal bracelets and rubber straps can handle water and mild soap. Leather straps cannot — remove them before any wet cleaning.

What You'll Need

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush (unused)
  • Mild dish soap or watch cleaning solution
  • Lukewarm water
  • Microfibre cloths (two — one damp, one dry)
  • Wooden or plastic toothpick (for bracelet gaps)
  • Lens cleaning cloth for the crystal

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Metal Bracelet Watch

  1. Ensure the crown is pushed in or screwed down before any contact with water.
  2. Rinse the bracelet under lukewarm water to loosen surface dirt.
  3. Apply a drop of mild soap to a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the bracelet links, paying attention to the gaps where dirt accumulates.
  4. Scrub the case gently, avoiding the crystal face.
  5. Rinse thoroughly under clean water to remove all soap residue.
  6. Pat dry with a microfibre cloth, then air dry fully before wearing.
  7. Polish the crystal with a dry lens cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges.

Caring for Leather Straps

Leather straps need special attention:

  • Never submerge or rinse a leather strap — water causes cracking and discolouration.
  • Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth only, then dry immediately.
  • Apply a small amount of leather conditioner every few months to prevent cracking.
  • Rotate straps regularly — wearing the same leather strap every day accelerates wear.
  • Remove leather straps before workouts or swimming.

Everyday Habits That Protect Your Watch

  • Avoid magnets: Keep your watch away from speakers, phone cases with magnets, and magnetic clasps — these can disrupt the movement.
  • Store it properly: When not wearing your watch, store it in a watch box or pouch to avoid scratches. Avoid extreme temperatures.
  • Wind automatic watches correctly: If your watch stops, wind it manually (20–30 turns) before putting it on to ensure proper lubrication of the movement.
  • Avoid chemicals: Keep your watch away from perfume, cleaning sprays, and solvents — these can damage seals and surfaces.

When to See a Professional

Home maintenance has its limits. Take your watch to a qualified watchmaker if you notice:

  • The movement is running more than a few seconds fast or slow per day
  • Condensation or moisture inside the crystal
  • A damaged or worn crown seal (compromises water resistance)
  • The watch has not been serviced in 5–7 years (manufacturer recommendations vary)

A professional service — which includes disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the movement — typically costs several hundred dollars but can extend the life of your watch by many years. Think of it as maintenance for a fine piece of engineering: entirely worth it.

Final Thought

A few minutes of care every month will keep your watch looking and performing at its best for decades. Treat it well, and it may well outlast you — ready to be passed on to the next generation.