Pocket watches, true witnesses of exceptional craftsmanship, deserve your full attention to maintain their shine and proper functioning. These objects, which can be passed down from generation to generation, combine elegance and history, which makes them valuable both on a sentimental and heritage level. To ensure their reliability and aesthetics over time, however, you must provide them with appropriate care. So find out how to achieve this.
Pocket watch: check and maintain the mechanism
The heart of any pocket watch lies in its movement, a complex assembly of gears and springs that ensures accurate timekeeping. To prevent breakdowns, periodic inspection by a watchmaker of trust is therefore recommended. This helps check the condition of internal components, lubricate moving parts and prevent premature wear. Also be careful not to wind your watch accessory excessively when handling it. Turn the crown gently until you feel slight resistance, without forcing.
Winding too energetically can damage the barrel or shift the gears, which would compromise the accuracy of the timepiece. Also do not expose your watch accessory to extreme environments, such as high humidity, high temperatures or violent shocks. Finally, if you notice that the movement of your pocket watch is not smooth, consult a professional quickly before the problem worsens.
Clean your pocket watch regularly
When interviewing, start from the outside. Use a soft, lint-free cloth, ideally microfiber, to gently wipe the surfaces. This simple gesture removes superficial dirt while avoiding scratches. For more thorough cleaning, a cotton swab soaked in soapy water can be used to access corners. However, be sure to dry each part thoroughly to prevent any risk of corrosion.
Opening the case to clean the mechanism should be reserved for an expert. Clumsy handling could indeed damage delicate components or disrupt the assembly. During a visit to the watchmaker, he may also check the condition of lubricating oilswhich contribute to the proper functioning of the cogs. Finally, don’t neglect the chain. It deserves dusting and constant maintenance to maintain its shine and not tarnish. If it is made of precious metal, opt for suitable products to preserve its shine without altering it.
Choose the most suitable storage and protection solution
For everyday use, a pouch made of soft fabric, such as velor or microfiber, provides effective protection against scratches. If your watch is decorated with engravings or made from a sensitive material, this precaution is even more important. On the other hand, favor a Rigid case with a padded interior in case of transport. This type of accessory prevents impacts and limits the risk of exposure to humidity or dust.
Additionally, store your timepiece in a dry place, away from direct light and temperature variations when not in use for a long period of time. A closed box with a desiccant bag is a good solution to prevent the formation of condensation. Also avoid storing it in environments that are too hot or too cold, as thermal differences can affect the materials and disrupt the operation of the movement.
