Guides · Use and care

Everyday use and care of your watch

A watch can take more than you think, with three exceptions: saunas and hot baths (the steam gets in and the gaskets suffer — take it off), hard knocks (ball games, tools, a fall on tiles can knock the balance out of place or break the glass) and salt water without rinsing (rinse in fresh water afterwards, or the salt settles in the bracelet). Sleeping with the watch on is fine; a shower is fine at 5 ATM and above, but soap and shampoo age the gaskets, so it is better to take it off.

Cleaning: a steel bracelet in lukewarm soapy water with a soft toothbrush, dried afterwards; keep a leather strap dry — it can take rain but not bathing, and it should dry naturally. A watch winder keeps an automatic watch running while it lies still; it is convenient but not necessary — winding it at the crown when you put it on is just as good. See also care.

If you have a question about a particular watch, ask Nord, our assistant, at the bottom right — or write to us.

More guides about use and care

Use and careHow to wind a watchIf your automatic watch has stopped, wind it at the crown: turn it forwards (away from you) 20–30 turns in the innermost position, and the spring is charged and the watch… Use and careHow to set the date and timeOn most watches you pull the crown out to the first click to set the date (and day) and to the outermost click for the time. Use and careBattery replacement on a quartz watchA quartz battery typically lasts 2–5 years (chronographs use more).