Abt's Watch Maintenance Guide

By: Sean

Content Writer

15 min read

Proper watch maintenance can help keep your timepiece ticking. Learn how to care for different designer watches available at Abt as well as how to stay within warranty.

gloved hand wiping watch with a cleaning cloth

Getting Started

There's nothing quite like a watch. An investment, a fashion piece, a tool with different functions optimized to your lifestyle: your wristwear is designed to go everywhere with you. And whether you're wearing a vintage piece or a newer model, they're designed to last—with the proper upkeep (though vintage watches will require more maintenance than a new one). Our Time Boutique experts gave us all their knowledge on how to take care of your watch, what watch maintenance should look like, how often to change your battery, and how to know when to bring your watch into the shop for professional evaluation.

Shop Watches

Maintenance At Home

Watch maintenance is critical, but it's very different across various types of timepieces. These are often categorized as movement types: manual/hand-wound, automatic, and quartz. To learn more about these movement types, dive into our watch buying guide.

Quartz:

These are some of the most accurate timepieces, and some of the most popular models sold today. Quartz movements use a battery within the watch to power movements. Instead of the mechanical movements in a manual or automatic watch, quartz models are made to move simply and tick forward with every second.

The battery within and its proper function is crucial to a quartz watch's correct time. When the battery drains, the ticking will slow. With that in mind, it's important to bring your timepiece in for watch maintenance every 2-3 years. Go to an expert like the ones at our Time Boutique or your local watchmaker, as they can properly change the battery and seal the compartment after it has been opened. Thanks to their battery-powered nature and simple movements, further watch maintenance for quartz movement wristwear is only necessary after 7-10 years. At that point, bring it to Abt's Time Boutique or your local watch repair shop for a check-up and a tune-up.

Mechanical Movement

Manual Movement:

The earliest watches all featured hand-wound movements and are classified as manual watches. Unlike quartz movement, you'll see more sweeping, fluid motion on the face of these watches. With a manual model, owners must wind the crown every single day—that movement is the engine that keeps the timepiece running. Some models need winding less often, but daily winding is common.

Watch maintenance is arguably more important with manual models than with any other versions. That's partially because there are so many delicate movements within, and because overwinding can cause damage.

When it comes to watch maintenance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Second, always take it off your wrist before attempting to wind it. Finally, it's important to bring them in for watch maintenance every four to five years. Head into Abt's own Time Boutique or your local watch repair shop for proper care and cleaning.

Automatic Movement:

These timepieces have no battery but require no winding, and are still considered mechanical watches. They wind themselves: automatic models are powered by the natural movement of your wrist and arm as you move. That being said, if you take it off and leave it aside for too long, you will have to manually wind it. When it comes to watch maintenance, these watches should be serviced every three to five years. Bring it into Abt's Time Boutique or another repair shop for further analysis and care.

Hazards To Avoid

There are some elements that you should keep all wristwear away from in order to take better care of it (and elongate its lifespan). While many timepieces are built with complications that allow them to withstand pressure underwater or fly high in the air in airplanes, there are some things you just shouldn't do with this wristwear.

Moving from high heats to deep colds is often damaging: avoid that plunge from a hot tub to an icy cold pool.
Sweat, water and moisture: while some watches are designed for diving, you still want to avoid instances where liquids can seep into your watch before expanding and contracting. From there, it can cause harm to the intricate designs within.
Poor storage can lead to true damage for your watch. Make sure yours is stored properly: some watches (like Citizen) are solar powered, so they shouldn't be stored in a dark drawer. Otherwise, store in a clean dry place when you aren't wearing them.
Keep them away from harsh chemicals. When you clean the house with sprays and powders, put away your watch.
Shock can cause damage as well, depending on the watch's construction. Be careful when it comes to extreme sports, and always look at the product's manual to know what it can or can't withstand. If you're not sure, speak to an expert.

person in a dark suit putting on a watch

Watch Brand Warranties From Abt

When you buy a watch from Abt, your warranty covers the movement of the timepiece for a set amount of time. Learn more below on how to make the most of the watch maintenance opportunities that come with your timepiece. Our own in-house specialists can take care of watch maintenance like battery changes, but more extensive damage may require more help from the manufacturer; see below.

Ball

4 year warranty
Register online at www.ballwatch.com for 1 additional year (total of 5 years)

Baume & Mercier

2 year warranty
If you are the owner of a Clifton or Riviera watch with a Baumatic movement: register within 60 days of purchase at www.baume-et-mercier.com/ for 6 more years guarantee (total of 8 years)

Citizen

5 year warranty
Register online at www.citizenwatch.com for 1 additional year (total of 6 years)

G-Shock

1 year warranty
Register online at www.casio.com for 1 additional year (total of 2 years)

Hamilton

2 year warranty

Longines

2 year warranty on all Longines watches
5 year warranty on automatic watches purchased after Jan. 1st, 2021

Luminox

2 year warranty

Michele

2 year warranty

Movado

2 year warranty

Oris

2 year warranty
Register online at www.oris.ch to receive 1 additional year (total of 3 years)
Calibre 400: Receive 8 additional years if you register, for total of 10 years

Raymond Weil

2 year warranty
Register online a www.raymond-weil.us for 1 additional year (total of 3 years)

Rado

2 year warranty

Royal Jewelry

1 year warranty

Roberto Coin

2 year warranty
In the case of manufacturing defects, Roberto Coin’s jewelry is covered by warranty that is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
Any damages resulting from improper use, accidents, natural alterations, or alterations due to wear as well as modifications caused by normal use of the jewel are totally excluded from the warranty. Warranty is automatically null and void if the item has been tampered with or repaired and/or worked on by third parties

MaeMarie Wraps

1 year warranty

Swiss Crown

2 year warranty

All other pre-owned timepieces (NOT Swiss Crown USA Rolexes)

2 year warranty

Tissot

2 year warranty

Shinola

Detrola, TR90 and Ocean Plastic 3 Year Warranty: must register online at www.shinola.com to qualify
Limited Lifetime Warranty on quartz watches: must register to qualify
Limited Lifetime Warranty on automatic: must register product to qualify for Limited Lifetime warranty. To keep your Limited Lifetime Warranty, customer must send the watch into Shinola within every 5 years to have the movement serviced and cleaned. Otherwise warranty is voided

Orbita Watch Winders

2 year manufacturer’s guarantee
Additional 3 Year Extended Warranty is optional to purchase online at www.orbita.com

Whether you've bought a wristwatch for yourself, are picking out a gift for a graduate or are choosing a present for your spouse, watches are investments. At Abt, taking care of that investment isn't difficult. A lot of this service comes included with your purchase, so read up on your warranty above! If you have any questions, give our Time Boutique a call at 800-860-3577. Our specialists will help connect you with the right resources, like our in-house battery-changing services and more.

Shop Watches

Q&A Summary

How can I tell if a watch needs servicing?

Watches should be serviced every 3-5 years (apart from Quartz watches, which can be serviced every 7-10 years. However, you should bring yours into a specialist if you notice any of the following signs: inaccurate timekeeping, strange noises when winding, moisture inside the watch, difficulty setting time and date, issues with the power reserve, and visible damage.