HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WATCH?

Your watch is more than just a timepiece; it’s a statement, a conversation starter, and sometimes, a sentimental piece of jewellery.

Like anything you wear regularly, it’s bound to get dirty. Whether it’s dust, sweat, or grime, keeping your watch clean is essential for maintaining its look and longevity.

The best method is to treat the case and strap separately, especially if they’re made from different materials or if you’re unsure about water resistance.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to clean a watch, from the case to leather, rubber, steel, and nylon straps!

• Check water resistance before cleaning.
• Remove the strap for a thorough clean.
• Use mild soap and soft cloths.

• Submerge a non-water-resistant watch in water.
• Use harsh chemicals, scrubs, or excessive force.
• Forget to let your watch dry completely.

Before you begin, check the water resistance of your watch. Different levels mean different cleaning methods:

3 ATM / 3 bar / 30 m / 100ft can withstand light splashes and brief contact with water. Clean gently with a damp cloth; avoid submersion.

5 ATM / 5 bar / 50 m / 165ft can handle brief submersion in water. Safe to rinse under running water, but avoid prolonged soaking.

10 ATM / 10 bar / 100 m / 330ft is suitable for cleaning under water. Can be submerged during cleaning without issues.

20 ATM / 20 bar / 200 m / 660ft is highly water-resistant and can be cleaned thoroughly under water, including submersion.

1. Plaats je horloge op een zacht oppervlak. Dit voorkomt dat het beschadigt of bekrast raakt.

2. Als je horloge aan de onderkant is voorzien van zgn. 'quick release'-pinnetjes, duw dan het smalle hendeltje naar binnen om de band los te maken.

1. Als je horloge geboorde lugs heeft - kleine gaatjes in de lugs, de aanzetten die aan weerszijde aan de horlogekast zitten - gebruik dan een scherp object met een punt om de springveer in te drukken en de band te ontkoppelen. Kijk uit dat de springveer niet uit de band glijdt en kwijtraakt.

1. Als je horloge geen van bovenstaande heeft, gebruik dan een springveer-apparaatje. Dat is een klein apparaat met een V-vormige punt. Gebruik dat om de springveer in te duwen vanuit de onderkant van de band tussen de lugs aan de rechterkant. Met deze tool duw je de nok van de springveer naar beneden om de band te ontkoppelen.

Check eerst de lugbreedte van je nieuwe horloge om te controleren of deze 20 mm is. Je vindt al onze horlogebandjes hier. Door de juiste breedte te selecteren via de filters, kun je de bandjes bekijken die voor jouw horloge geschikt zijn.

Als je vervangende bandje 'quick-release'-stangetjes heeft, duw dan het staafje naar binnen en klik het op z'n plaats tussen de lugs. Je voelt het in positie klikken.

Als je nieuwe bandje geen 'quick-release'-pinnetjes heeft, gebruik je het springveer-apparaatje weer. Plaats een kant van de pin op z'n plaats en gebruik dan het apparaatje om de springveer in te drukken om het op z'n plaats te klikken. Je voelt het in positie klikken.

Denk eraan dat je de tijd neemt en zorgvuldig werkt zodat je de lugs niet bekrast of je nieuwe bandje beschadigd.

The watch case houses the heart of your timepiece, so it deserves some special attention. Cleaning the case separately from the strap ensures you don’t damage any of the materials.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild dishwashing soap
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Toothpicks

Steps:

1. Remove the case from the strap.
2. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap.
3. Dampen one microfibre cloth in the soapy water and gently wipe the case, paying special attention to grooves and tight spots.
4. Use toothpicks to gently pick out dirt from hard-to-reach areas like the bezel or crown.
5. Wipe down the case with the second clean cloth and allow it to dry completely before reattaching the strap.

Leather is a delicate material that needs a gentle touch to maintain its supple texture and colour.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild hand soap or dish soap
• 2 microfibre cloths
• Leather conditioner

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Wipe both sides of the strap with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any loose dirt.
3. Dampen a jewellery cloth and apply a small drop of mild soap.
4. Gently wipe the strap using tapping or circular motions. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the leather.
5. Wipe the strap clean with a second, damp cloth and let it air dry.
6. Apply leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and protected.

Rubber straps are practical and durable, but they still need care to keep them looking fresh.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl
• Mild dishwashing soap
• A microfibre cloth
• Toothpicks

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
3. Soak the strap in the soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with your microfibre cloth.
4. If any dirt remains in the grooves, use toothpicks to clean them out.
5. Rinse the strap with clean water, dry it with a towel, and allow it to air dry before wearing.

Steel straps need a bit more muscle to keep them sparkling but still require a gentle touch.

What you’ll need:

• A small bowl

• Mild dishwashing soap
• Microfibre cloths or a soft toothbrush

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water and mild dish soap.
3. Place the strap in the water and scrub it gently with the cloth or a soft toothbrush, focusing on areas where dirt may build up.
4. Rinse the strap with warm water and dry with a microfibre cloth.

Nylon straps are pretty low-maintenance and are usually machine washable.

What you’ll need:

• Small mesh laundry bag
• Your laundry machine

Steps:

1. Remove the strap from the watch.
2. Place the strap in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from getting tangled or damaged in the wash.
3. Throw the bag in with your laundry, using a cold water setting, and let it air dry.

If you wear your watch daily, aim to give it a proper clean every 2-3 months.

For leather straps, regular conditioning is key to prevent cracking.

And don’t forget—if you swim, sweat, or spend time in dusty environments, you might want to clean your watch even more frequently!

Keep your timepiece gleaming and functional with these simple tips. Your watch will thank you, and so will your style!