Watch care, repair advice and simple guides.
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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![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.
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Avoid sudden temperature changes.
To keep your watch functioning correctly, keep it away from extremely hot and cold settings and avoid sudden temperature changes.
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![The Watch Bench - Crown]()
Close the crown
Ensure that the crown is properly pushed in 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.
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![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.
Why Has My Watch Stopped? (And What To Do Next)
Why has your watch stopped? The answer might be simpler than you think. Learn the common causes, warning signs and when a quick fix could prevent a bigger repair.
How to Clean Your Watch (And Why You Should - Often)
Your watch might look clean on the outside, but hidden inside the bracelet and clasp can be years of dirt, skin oils and everyday grime. Here's why regular cleaning matters more than most people realise.
Can You Change a Watch Battery Yourself?
Thinking of changing your watch battery yourself? Before you start, it's worth knowing the risks. From damaging water-resistant seals to cracking the watch glass when putting the back on, a simple battery change isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
How Long Does a Watch Battery Last? (And When to Replace It)
Most watch batteries last between one and three years, but there are several factors that can affect their lifespan. Learn the warning signs of a low battery and why it's best not to ignore a watch that's stopped.
Why Is There Condensation Inside My Watch?
A little fog inside your watch might not seem serious, but it can be an early warning sign of moisture damage. Acting quickly could prevent a much bigger repair later on.
Is My Watch Waterproof? (What Water Resistance Really Means)
Many watches are water-resistant, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're safe for swimming or showering. Understanding what the ratings really mean could save you from a costly repair.
Why You Shouldn't Wear a Watch in the Shower
If your watch is water resistant, surely it's safe to wear in the shower? Not necessarily. Hot water, steam and everyday toiletries can be surprisingly hard on a watch and may lead to costly damage over time.
Why Is My Watch Losing Time? Common Causes and What To Do
A watch that loses a few minutes here and there can be easy to ignore, but it's often an early sign that something isn't quite right. Understanding the cause could help you avoid a more serious repair later on.
Quartz, Kinetic and Solar Watches: What's the Difference?
Many people tell us they need a new battery for their kinetic or solar watch. The reality is a little more complicated. Here's what makes quartz, kinetic and solar watches different, and why it matters when something goes wrong.