You have bought a new pocket watch, received a gift or been the lucky recipient of a timeless heirloom. Now what? One of the most common questions I am asked is about how to properly clean and maintain a pocket watch. My Elgin pocket watch sitting next to me, ticking away the minutes, I write a few great tips to help you maintain your timepiece for years to come.
The key to it all is common sense. Common sense is very important. I cannot possibly emphasize this any more. Proper care of your pocket watch can keep it running for many years. Decades, even centuries, have been known to pass as well maintained pocket watches continue to tick. Taking good care of your pocket watch now will ensure years of service for yourself and generations ahead.
1. First and foremost, maintenance is important, so you want to get your pocket watch in to be serviced approximately every two to four years. I highly recommend it, and so do the experts. Even if it does not need much right then and there, this is a preventative measure that will lessen the need for larger repairs on down the line.
2. A scratch?! Oh goodness! Where did that come from? Would you believe it might have been in your pocket? If you’re carrying coins, keys or any kind of metal, be sure to place you pocket watch in the unencumbered pocket. Metal objects can scratch your watch, so just keep them separate.
3. You want it to shine. You want it all polished and pretty and radiantly glowing. Before you take polish to your watch, do your homework. Some polishes do more harm than good. Consult your little guide book or check in with an expert so you will know if it is OK to polish your particular watch and what to use. Always use a nonabrasive cloth. If your pocket watch happens to be an antique. Stop! Don’t polish it. It could lower the value.
4. Like most pocket watch owners, your’s is probably priceless to you; a special momento that means a lot. You want to take care of it and keep it safe from harm. So if you’re not carrying it inside your pocket, be sure to place it somewhere safe.
5. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, aridity, and moisture can be the death of your prized pocket watch. While they can withstand some exposure, after all, it is not altogether unavoidable, they were not made to handle the elements at the extreme. Diligence counts! Keep your pocket watch safe and climate controlled at all times to ensure a long lifespan.
Many people have been concerned that the maintenance of their pocket watch is all on their shoulders. Relax and breathe a sigh of relief. That’s nowhere near the truth! There are expert jewelers, watchmakers and the like who are trained to do just that. Let the professionals take care of it and you have nothing to worry about. Of course, you will want a good deal, so shop around and get a few quotes beforehand. Estimates are typically free and places who do not offer the service can often point you to someone who does. The person you call may want to know the model number and brand of your watch, so have that handy. Of course, the jeweler or watch repair person might also ask that you bring the watch in before giving an estimate. This is for your own good, as well as theirs. An accurate estimate is often only possibly by seeing the pocket watch firsthand.
In the end, yes, it will cost some cash to keep your pocket watch up and running. However, the years on end of loyal service and accurate time will make it well worth the expense.