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. Legg klokken på et mykt underlag. Dette hindrer at klokken får riper eller skader.

2. Om klokken din har hurtigløsnede tapper på undersiden, press den lille spaken innover for å løsne reimen.

1. Om klokken din har borede reimfester – små hull som er i endene av urkassen - bruk en skarp og spiss gjenstand for å presse springfjæren inn for å løsne stroppen. Vær forsiktig slik at du ikke lar springfjæren skli ut og forsvinne.

1. Om klokken din har ingen av disse kan du bruke et fjærstang verktøy. Dette er et lite verktøy med V-formet spiss. Bruk den for å legge press på springfjæren fra undersiden av stroppen mellom reimfestene på høyre side. Press ned mønen på springfjærstangen for å løsne stroppen.

Først må du sjekke om din nye reim er 20mm og passer til klokken din. Du kan finne Trendhims klokkereimer i 20mm her.

Om klokken din har hurtigutløsende tapper må du presse stangen innover og mellom reimfestene. Du skal kjenne at den "låser" seg på plass.

Om din nye reim ikke har hurtigutløsende tapper kan du bruke et fjærstang verktøy. Plasser enden av stangen på plass, så bruker du verktøyet for å presse springfjæren for å feste den. Du skal kjenne at den "låser" seg på plass.

Husk å ta deg god tid og vær forsiktig slik at du ikke skraper opp reimfestene eller skader din nye klokkereim.

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!