Watch Care Tips: Keep Your Watch Looking New in Indian Weather

India puts watches through a lot. Summer heat, sticky humidity, heavy monsoon rain and dusty roads can all take a toll. The good news is that a few simple habits keep a watch looking new for years. These watch care tips are written for Indian weather and cover cleaning, water, straps, storage and when to see a watchmaker. If you are shopping for a new piece, you can also browse our watch collection.

Understand your water resistance first

Water resistance is the most misunderstood spec on any watch. The rating in metres or ATM comes from a pressure test, not a promise that you can dive to that depth. As a broad guide, 30 metres (3 ATM) means splash resistant, 50 metres is fine for brief water contact, and 100 metres or more is suitable for swimming. Only watches tested to the dive watch standard are made for diving. This overview of water resistance ratings explains the details.

Always read the rating on the product page or case back. If there is no rating, keep the watch away from water completely.

Watch care tips for the monsoon

1. Dry it quickly. If your watch gets caught in rain, wipe it with a soft dry cloth as soon as you can.
2. Never operate the crown or pushers when wet. Opening the crown or pressing chronograph pushers can let water inside.
3. Keep the crown pushed in or screwed down. A crown left pulled out is the most common way water gets in.
4. Switch straps. Leather soaks up water and can smell or crack. A steel bracelet or rubber strap is a smarter monsoon choice.

Watch the forecast from the India Meteorological Department on heavy rain days and leave a leather strap watch at home.

Beat heat, sweat and humidity

Sweat contains salt, which can dull steel and wear out leather. High humidity can also cause moisture to build up inside a poorly sealed case.

1. Wipe it every evening. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth removes sweat and dust before they build up.
2. Let leather breathe. Do not wear a leather strap watch for the gym or long sweaty days. Alternate with another watch so the strap can dry.
3. Avoid leaving it in a hot car. High heat can affect batteries, lubricants and seals. Do not leave a watch on a dashboard in the sun.
4. Look for fog under the glass. Condensation inside the crystal means moisture got in. Take it to a watchmaker promptly rather than waiting for it to clear.

How to clean your watch safely

Steel bracelets and cases

For a water-resistant watch with a steel bracelet, use a soft toothbrush with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then rinse and dry well. Make sure the crown is fully closed first. If the watch has a low or no water rating, use a slightly damp cloth instead.

Leather straps

Wipe leather with a dry or very slightly damp cloth. Do not soak it or use household cleaners. Let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

Mesh and rubber straps

Mesh bracelets like the Gucci Mesh Watch trap dust between the weave, so a soft brush works well. Rubber straps, like the one on the Rado Diver Watch, can be rinsed and wiped clean.

Store your watch the right way

1. Use a box or soft pouch. This prevents scratches from keys, coins and other watches.
2. Add a silica gel packet. In humid cities, a silica gel packet in your watch box helps absorb moisture. Replace it now and then.
3. Keep it away from magnets. Speakers, laptop lids, magnetic phone cases and bag clasps can affect mechanical watches. If an automatic suddenly runs very fast, magnetism may be the cause.
4. Store smartwatches with some charge. Avoid leaving a smartwatch completely drained for long periods.

Movement specific watch care tips

Quartz watches

Change the battery promptly when it dies, because an old battery can leak. If the seconds hand starts jumping every few seconds, many quartz watches are signalling a low battery.

Automatic watches

Wear it regularly or wind it gently through the crown if it has stopped. Avoid heavy knocks, since mechanical parts are delicate. If you own one like the Seiko Automatic Watch or the Tissot Automatic Watch, have it serviced by a watchmaker when it starts losing or gaining noticeably. Not sure which type you have? Read our automatic vs quartz watch guide.

Smartwatches

Clean the sensors on the back and keep the charging contacts dry. Follow the charging advice in the app. Browse our smartwatches if you are thinking of adding one.

Watch care tips for travel and the beach

Sand and salt water are tough on watches. After a beach trip to Goa or Kerala, rinse a water-resistant watch in fresh water and dry it. Sand can get stuck in bracelet links and bezels, so brush it out gently. If your watch is only splash resistant, keep it in your bag rather than on your wrist at the beach.

On flights and long road trips, pack your watch in a pouch inside your carry-on rather than in checked luggage. These watch care tips also apply to hill stations, where sudden temperature changes can cause condensation in a poorly sealed watch.

Everyday habits that keep a watch new

• Take your watch off before washing dishes, using hand sanitiser heavily, or applying perfume and creams.
• Do not set the date between roughly 9 pm and 3 am on watches with a date wheel, as the date change mechanism may be engaged.
• Wear the watch on your non-dominant hand to reduce knocks.
• Get the seals checked every few years, especially if you wear it near water.

Follow these watch care tips and your watch should look sharp for many years. If you need help choosing or caring for a watch, message us on WhatsApp. Explore our men's, women's and luxury collections with free delivery and Cash on Delivery across India.

Frequently asked questions