Watch Care Tips for Quartz, Kinetic & Solar Maintenance

Though every watch is different, these are our top tips on how to care for your watch.

Hands winding a Citizen Eco-Drive watch

Keep it ticking

  • All quartz watches operate on batteries which have a lifespan of several years. If your quartz watch has stopped, replace the battery as soon as possible. A defective battery may cause major damage to the watch mechanism unless it is immediately replaced.

  • Kinetic watches use the energy generated from the natural movement of the wearer's wrist to keep accurate time. The capacitor stores the energy and powers the watch's quartz movement, ensuring precise timekeeping.

  • Solar and Citizen Eco-Drive watches use small photovoltaic cells, built into the face, to convert light into electrical energy. The watch's solar cells absorb both natural and artificial light and convert it into electrical energy that is stored in a rechargeable battery. As long as the watch is exposed to light, it will continue to recharge and run.

close up of a wet watch

Things to avoid

  • The water resistance of your watch isn't permanent and may be affected by ageing gaskets or accidental shocks to components like the crown, pushers, and crystal. If regularly exposed to water, have your watch checked every two years.

    Each watch has a different water resistance, and it’s important you’re aware of this so that you won’t accidentally damage your watch. On the case back, there’s an ATM stamp which tells you how resistant it is to water at different pressures.

    When using your watch in water:

    • Always ensure that the crown is securely closed.

    • Do not swim with a leather strap.

    • Rinse the watch with clear water after exposure to saltwater.

    • Do not press the pushers underwater.

    • Avoid taking showers with your watch, as thermal shocks, soaps, steam, and pressured water are not recommended.

  • If a watch’s delicate internal metal mechanism is exposed to a magnetic field, it can become magnetised, leading to inaccurate timekeeping.

    Keep your watch away from magnetic fields, such as those from speakers, televisions, refrigerators, mobile phones, tablets, and handbag magnets.

  • Temperature fluctuations can have a detrimental effect on your watch. They can:

    • Damage the battery, causing it to deteriorate in performance and longevity.

    • Cause the crystal quartz to malfunction, affecting your watch's timekeeping accuracy.

    • Dry out the lubricant, creating friction, which will affect the timekeeping of your watch.

    • Cause parts inside your watch to expand and contract, affecting the water resistance of your timepiece.

Polishing a steel watch on an orange background.- The Watch Bench

Maintain your watch

  • To clean your watch, dip a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush into warm water, and gently brush over the top of the watch face and both the outer and inner surfaces of the metal bracelet.

    Avoid using soap, as it can leave particles in small spaces.

    Avoid getting leather wet as this can damage the appearance of the strap.

    Never immerse your watch in hot water. Even if your watch is water resistant, hot water can damage the gaskets.

    We provide a cleaning and polishing service.

  • Getting your watch serviced every 2 to 3 years is an essential part of maintaining the performance and reliability of your timepiece. There are several telltale signs that your watch may need service:

    • It is running too fast or too slow

    • The second hand skips several seconds

    • Condensation under the watch glass

    • It has stopped!

    Ignoring any of these issues could result in further damage and cost you more in the long run.

    If you're facing any of these issues, contact us now for a free, no-obligation quote.

  • Unless you know what you are doing, opening a watch will expose it to dust, dirt and other particles that can get inside the movement and damage it.

    We pride ourselves on our affordable, convenient service, and If we can't fix your watch or you decide not to proceed with a repair, we'll give you a full refund.

    Get your free, no-obligation quote now!

This advice applies to all watches, but refer to your watch manual for specific tips.

  • watch in sunlight

    Avoid extended exposure to sunlight

    Sunlight can fade the colour on your watch and heat can shorten the battery life, so it’s best to prevent your watch from being placed in direct sunlight.

  • Selection of watch instruction booklets on an orange background - The Watch Bench

    Follow the instructions

    Due to the large variety of watch models, you may need your user manual to adjust or reset your watch.

  • Watch tools and batteries on an orange wooden bench - The Watch Bench

    Remove dead batteries

    A dead battery may corrode and leak over the internal components of your watch, causing damage and potentially making your watch unusable.

  • wooden thermometer on orange background

    Avoid sudden temperature changes.

    To keep your watch functioning correctly, keep it away from extremely hot and cold settings and avoid sudden temperature changes. 

  • The Watch Bench - Crown

    Close the crown

    Ensure that the crown, which is used to change the hands/date, is properly pushed in or screwed at all times. This prevents the penetration of water or dust.

    A screw-down crown includes an additional seal that becomes water-resistant when fully screwed in.

  • White plastic cosmetic containers on an orange background - The Watch Bench

    Avoid chemical products

    Exposing your watch to chemicals like soap, cosmetics, sun protection creams and fragrances can damage your watch case or strap. Wait until products completely dry on your skin before wearing your watch. 

  • Shower head on orange background

    Remove when showering

    Watches are not designed for hot water, so avoid showering, bathing or using hot tubs with your watch to prevent thermal shocks, and exposure to soaps, steam, and pressured water.