The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Automatic Watch

With our team all owning an automatic watch, we understand the importance of looking after it. As a watch lover, you’ve invested in your mechanical wrist piece and there’s always a fear that it will get damaged, stop working & need servicing. Since we’ve spoken a lot about our watch winders which keep your watch wound and health, we wanted to give you some insight into other ways that you can look after your watch.

Owning an automatic watch is more than just a fashion statement—it's an investment in craftsmanship, tradition, and precision. These intricate timepieces are designed to last a lifetime, but like any fine mechanical device, they require proper care to perform at their best. Whether you've recently added a new piece to your collection or are maintaining a cherished heirloom, looking after your automatic watch ensures that it keeps ticking accurately and remains in peak condition. Regular care not only preserves the longevity of the watch but also gives you the peace of mind that your valuable timepiece is protected from potential damage. After all, a well-maintained automatic watch is not just a functional accessory but a piece of mechanical art that can be passed down through generations.

Remove Before Showering

Despite whether or not your watch is water resistant, the chemicals in soap and shampoo can harm the gears & components inside. For most watches, the sealed surface and gasket inside will inhibit exposure to chemical & water harm, however your gasket may have worn down after years of use & will no longer provide the appropriate protection. With some newer automatic watches being manufactured quickly in bulk, they may have pinched gaskets or cut o-rings (essentially; there are gaps) and therefore also run the risk.

It's not just the water itself that poses a risk. Hot steam from a shower can also affect your watch by expanding the air inside the case, which puts extra pressure on the gaskets. Over time, this can reduce their ability to keep water out, leading to internal damage. Steam can also cause condensation to form inside the case, which could damage the movement and compromise its accuracy.

Additionally, hard water—common in many households—can leave behind mineral deposits on the case and bracelet, particularly in the small crevices of a steel bracelet. These mineral buildups can corrode the metal over time, affecting both the appearance and functionality of your watch. To avoid these issues, it’s best to remove your automatic watch before showering or swimming in pools and hot tubs.

Have Your Watch Serviced Regularly

The best way to ensure your watch doesn’t need servicing is to get it serviced beforehand. After years of wear, it is going to need cleaning, just like any other mechanical device. We’d recommend having it serviced every 5 years. Servicing your watch can cost anywhere between £50 to £500 depending on the brand, jewellers, etc.

Over time, dirt and oils can accumulate inside the movement, potentially affecting the precision of your watch. Regular servicing not only cleans and lubricates the internal components but also prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs. This is particularly important for vintage watches, which may contain older components and oils that degrade more quickly, requiring extra attention.

Additionally, many prestigious brands, such as Rolex and Omega, recommend specific service intervals—typically between 5 and 10 years—depending on usage. Following these guidelines helps preserve both the performance and the long-term value of your timepiece. A well-maintained automatic watch, especially high-end or limited-edition models, can hold or even increase its value over time, making regular servicing a smart investment.

Protect from Excessive Sunlight and Heat

Consistent exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colour of your timepiece whilst the heat can expand the mechanical pieces (and then shrink when subjected to cold). This is particularly prevalent with watches with coloured cases.

While it's tempting to show off your automatic watch in all situations, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat can cause serious damage. UV rays from the sun can fade the colour of your watch dial, especially on brightly coloured or coated models. Extreme heat can also expand the delicate mechanical components inside the watch, potentially leading to warping and affecting timekeeping accuracy.

To protect your watch from these risks, avoid exposing it to high temperatures, such as in sunbeds, saunas, or hot tubs, where UV rays and heat can weaken internal seals. When not in use, store your watch in a closed storage case that shields it from sunlight and dust. For added protection, consider using a transparent protective film on the case and crystal, or store the watch in a UV-resistant box to prevent long-term exposure.

By taking these precautions, you’ll ensure your watch maintains its appearance and runs smoothly for years to come.

Use a Watch Winder

Keeping the mechanisms inside wound and the lubricant inside flowing (preventing any oil from congealing) ensures you’re watch is kept healthy and ticking. Not only does a watch winder help with the internals of your watch, but keeping it in a case stops it from getting scratched on a table/desk.

Leaving your automatic watch on a watch winder when not in use is one of the most convenient ways to maintain its condition. A watch winder mimics the natural motion of your wrist, gently rotating the watch to keep the mainspring wound and prevent oils from thickening. This eliminates the need to reset complicated features, such as the date or GMT functions, when you wear the watch again.

At Barrington Watch Winders, we offer a range of winders for different needs—from single winders for small collections to multi-watch winders for enthusiasts. Some watches, particularly those with intricate complications, require specific settings, and our winders allow you to customise the direction and rotations per day for optimal performance.

A watch winder is especially useful if you rotate between several watches or wear your automatic watch occasionally. Frequent wearers may find less need for a winder, as the natural motion of the wrist will keep the watch wound. However, for collectors and those who alternate watches, a winder is a practical solution for keeping your timepiece ready to wear.

Choosing a Barrington Watch Winder not only ensures your watch is maintained in the best condition but also offers a stylish and practical storage option. Whether you're a collector or simply want to keep your watch running smoothly, investing in a high-quality winder is a wise choice.

Our Top Watch Winders for Premium Care

At Barrington, we understand that maintaining your automatic watch in perfect condition requires the right tools. Our range of watch winders is designed to provide both functionality and style, ensuring your timepiece stays wound and protected when not in use. Whether you’re a collector with multiple watches or you simply want to keep your favorite piece in top condition, we have the perfect solution for your needs. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top-performing watch winders to help you find the ideal match for your collection.

Barrington Single Winder - Glacier White

(The Barrington Single Watch Winder in Glacier White combines a compact, stylish design with advanced functionality, making it ideal for watch enthusiasts. Measuring just 11.5 cm in width and 12 cm in height, this winder fits seamlessly into any space, offering both AC mains and battery power options for flexibility. Its ultra-quiet Japanese motor ensures smooth, silent operation, while multiple rotation and Turns Per Day (TPD) settings allow for precise customization based on your watch's needs.

A unique feature of this model is the Barrington ‘Jump’ function, which enables you to connect multiple winders to a single AC power source, reducing cord clutter. Additionally, the winder offers a choice of cushions to accommodate various wrist sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for your timepiece. With its sleek Glacier White finish, this winder is both a functional and stylish addition to any collection).

Barrington Special Edition Single Winder - Grey Koto

(The Barrington Special Edition Single Watch Winder in Grey Koto is a sophisticated and practical solution for keeping your automatic watch in optimal condition. With its compact dimensions of just 11.5 cm in width and 12 cm in height, it offers a sleek and stylish appearance while fitting easily into any space. The winder operates with an ultra-quiet Japanese motor, ensuring smooth and silent functionality, making it an ideal addition to your bedroom or office. It can be powered either by AC mains or AA batteries, offering you the flexibility to place it wherever is most convenient.

This special edition winder is equipped with multiple rotation settings—clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating—to replicate natural wrist movement. Its customizable Turns Per Day (TPD) settings range from 650 to 1,950, making it suitable for a variety of watches, regardless of weight. Additionally, the Barrington ‘Jump’ feature allows multiple winders to be connected and powered from a single AC source, ensuring a clutter-free display for your collection. The Grey Koto finish adds a touch of luxury to its practical design, making this winder not just a tool, but a stylish centerpiece for any watch lover’s collection).

2 Watch Winder

(The Barrington 2 Watch Winder offers a luxurious solution for those looking to maintain multiple automatic watches with precision and style. Featuring two individually programmable rotors, this winder allows you to set each rotor’s rotation and Turns Per Day (TPD) settings independently, ensuring that every watch receives the care it needs. The carbon-fiber styled display case adds a modern touch, while the compact dimensions of 26.5 cm in height and 23.5 cm in width make it a perfect fit for any collection.

This winder comes with advanced features, including a fingerprint scanner for secure access, and a touch-screen display that also functions as a digital clock. The inclusion of a full-function remote control adds convenience, allowing you to adjust the settings from a distance. With its multi-directional winding options—clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating—and ultra-quiet Japanese motors, the winder operates smoothly and silently. Additionally, a built-in drawer offers extra storage for your watch collection, and LED downlighters showcase your timepieces beautifully, making this 2 Watch Winder both a practical and stylish centerpiece for any watch enthusiast).

Investing in a quality watch winder is essential for maintaining the precision and longevity of your automatic watch. Each of our carefully selected models offers unique features designed to meet the needs of watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether you prefer a single winder for a treasured piece or a multi-winder for a growing collection, Barrington has the perfect product to enhance your watch care routine. Browse our full range to discover even more options and take the next step in caring for your timepieces.

Avoid Fragrances with Leather Straps

If you’ve got a watch with a leather strap, try to avoid spraying cologne or perfume around it (quite popular to spray the wrists). The chemicals in fragrances can damage the band causing it to weaken and then potentially tear. If you’re heading out for the night or dressing for work, we’d recommend spraying it before you’re dressed and putting your watch on after it has dried.

Leather straps add elegance to your automatic watch, but they require special care. Avoid spraying fragrances like cologne or perfume directly on or near the strap, as the chemicals can cause the leather to dry out, weaken, and eventually tear. Instead, spray your fragrance before dressing, allowing it to fully dry before putting on your watch.

To keep your leather strap in the best condition, clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, sweat, and oils from daily wear. For a deeper clean, use a leather-specific product or mild, pH-neutral soap mixed with water. After cleaning, let the strap air dry naturally, away from sunlight or heat.

Occasionally conditioning the leather with a specialised conditioner will keep it supple and prevent drying. Always follow the instructions for any leather care products, and avoid over-saturating the strap.

By following these simple steps, you can protect your leather strap, ensuring it remains durable and beautiful for years to come.

Keep Away from Magnets and Electronics

In today’s tech-driven world, we are surrounded by devices that generate magnetic fields—from smartphones and laptops to household appliances and speakers. While these fields may seem harmless, they pose a real threat to the accuracy of your automatic watch. The heart of an automatic watch is its balance spring, a tiny, delicate component responsible for regulating timekeeping. When exposed to strong magnets, the balance spring can become magnetised, causing it to stick together or operate improperly. This results in erratic timekeeping, with the watch running too fast or too slow.

Even though many modern watches are equipped with anti-magnetic properties, it’s still best to minimise exposure to magnetic fields whenever possible. Here are some practical tips to help you protect your watch from magnetism:

1. Keep your watch away from electronic devices: Avoid placing your watch directly next to gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and tablets for long periods, as these devices generate low levels of magnetic fields. While short-term exposure is unlikely to cause severe damage, prolonged contact can affect the watch’s accuracy over time.
2. Be cautious around speakers and appliances: Devices like large speakers, microwaves, and refrigerators often contain powerful magnets, which can interfere with your watch’s delicate mechanism. Keep your watch at a safe distance when using or handling such items.
3. Store your watch carefully: When not wearing your watch, store it in a location away from electronics. Consider using a watch box or a case with anti-magnetic properties to ensure maximum protection.
4. Have your watch demagnetised if needed: If you notice your watch running unusually fast or slow and suspect magnetism is the cause, a watchmaker can quickly demagnetise it using a specialised tool. This is a simple procedure that restores your watch’s accuracy without causing long-term damage.

By taking these precautions, you can prevent unwanted magnetism and ensure that your automatic watch continues to function with precision in any environment.

Store Safely When Not in Use

When your automatic watch is not in use, proper storage is essential to maintain its longevity and performance. Leaving your watch exposed to the elements or in less-than-ideal conditions can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, affecting both the mechanics and appearance over time. One of the best ways to protect your watch is by storing it in a high-quality watch box, which shields it from dust, dirt, and accidental bumps or scratches.

Watch boxes not only offer protection but can also help you organise your collection. For added security, consider a box with a soft interior lining and individual compartments, which keep your timepieces separate and safe from scratches. Some premium watch boxes also come with anti-magnetic linings, providing extra protection from magnetism that could affect your watch’s accuracy.

For long-term storage, it’s also important to consider the environment in which your watch is kept. Temperature control plays a critical role in preserving the integrity of your watch. Extreme heat or cold can cause the internal components to expand or contract, potentially affecting the movement's precision. If possible, store your watch in a stable, room-temperature environment to avoid these issues.

Humidity control is another key factor in long-term watch care. Excessive moisture can seep into the case over time, even if your watch is water-resistant, leading to condensation and eventual damage to the internal movement. To prevent this, store your watch in a dry place or use a dehumidifier in the storage area. Alternatively, consider placing small silica gel packets in your watch box to absorb any excess moisture.

For those with a collection of automatic watches, using a watch winder can also be an excellent storage solution, as it keeps your watches wound and ready for wear. However, if you prefer to store your watches without winding, make sure they are positioned properly in the watch box to avoid unnecessary strain on the crown or case.

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your automatic watch remains in excellent condition, even when not in use, and is always ready to wear when the occasion arises.

Handling with Care

Handling your automatic watch with care is crucial to preventing damage to its delicate mechanical components. While automatic watches are built with precision and durability in mind, they are still susceptible to damage from accidental drops, bumps, or improper use. By following a few best practices, you can ensure that your timepiece remains in excellent working condition for years to come.

1. Wear with Caution: When wearing your watch, be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid situations where the watch might knock against hard surfaces, such as walls, desks, or doorframes. Even a small impact can cause internal components to shift or become misaligned, affecting the accuracy of the timekeeping. If you’re engaging in physical activities like sports or heavy lifting, it’s best to remove your watch to avoid accidental damage.
2. Removing the Watch Safely: When taking off your watch, do so over a soft surface like a bed or a carpeted floor to reduce the risk of damage in case it slips from your hands. Always use both hands when removing the watch—one to hold the case and the other to unbuckle the strap or bracelet. This reduces the chances of dropping the watch or placing unnecessary stress on the bracelet or crown.
3. Adjusting Time and Date with Care: Be gentle when adjusting the time or date on your automatic watch. Before setting the time, always pull the crown out slowly to avoid damaging the winding mechanism. When winding or setting the watch, avoid forcing the crown if you feel resistance—it could be a sign that the watch is in its “danger zone,” especially if you’re setting the time between 9 PM and 3 AM when the gears are transitioning for the date change. If your watch has a screw-down crown for water resistance, make sure to screw it back securely after adjusting to maintain its protective seal. However, avoid over-tightening, as this can wear down the crown threads over time.
4. Avoid Dropping the Watch: A drop can severely damage the intricate components of an automatic watch. Not only can the case and crystal become scratched or cracked, but the shock from a fall can disrupt the movement inside. Always handle your watch over a secure surface and with both hands when putting it on or removing it.

By handling your watch with care and taking precautions during wear, removal, and adjustments, you can prevent unnecessary damage and ensure your automatic watch remains a reliable and cherished piece in your collection. Remember, the precision mechanics inside your watch require the same level of attention and respect as any fine instrument.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your automatic watch is essential for ensuring its longevity and accuracy. Simple maintenance steps, like keeping it away from moisture, servicing it regularly, and handling it with care, will help you enjoy the beauty and precision of your timepiece for many years. A well-maintained watch not only runs more reliably but also retains its value as an investment.

Interested in an elegant way to care for your automatic watches? Browse our selection of watch winders, designed to keep your timepieces running smoothly and accurately. Our watch winders are a practical and stylish solution for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. Find the right one for your needs and elevate your watch care experience.