Antique watches are more than just accessories they are pieces of history, craftsmanship, and timeless artistry. Whether you own a vintage Seiko, Citizen, Omega, or any rare classic model, proper care is essential to keep these treasures functioning smoothly and maintaining their long-term value.

This guide will walk you through the best practices to keep your antique watches lasting, accurate, and beautifully preserved.

1. Keep Your Watch Clean and Dry

Moisture and dirt are the biggest enemies of antique watches. Even if a watch once had good water resistance, age often reduces that protection.

Tips:

• Avoid wearing antique watches in humid environments.
• Wipe your watch with a soft, dry cloth after use.
• Keep it away from perfumes, lotions, and chemicals.

Regular surface cleaning helps prevent corrosion and preserves the case’s original condition.

2. Avoid Overwinding Mechanical Watches

If your antique watch has a manual-winding movement, be gentle when winding it.

Best practices:

• Wind slowly until you feel resistance—stop immediately afterward.
• Wind your watch at the same time every day.
• Never force the crown if it feels stuck.

Overwinding can cause spring damage, which may require costly repairs.

3. Service Your Watch Regularly

Just like any mechanical instrument, antique watches need routine servicing to stay accurate and functional.

Service frequency:

• Mechanical watches: every 3–5 years
• Quartz watches: every 2–3 years (battery replacement + inspection)

Professional servicing includes lubrication, cleaning, calibration, and part replacement when needed. This significantly extends the lifespan of your watch.

4. Store Your Antique Watches Properly

The way you store your watches affects their long-term condition.

Use:

• A watch box with soft lining
• Silica gel packs to reduce humidity
• Separate compartments to prevent scratches

Avoid storing them near magnetic objects, which can affect accuracy.

5. Minimize Shock and Impact

Antique watches—especially those with older mechanical movements—are delicate.

Avoid:

• Dropping your watch
• Wearing it during sports or exercise
• Exposing it to heavy vibrations

This protects internal components and prevents misalignment or damage.

6. Protect the Crystal and Case

Scratches and cracks are common issues in older watches. To keep the watch looking great:

• Avoid contact with hard surfaces
• Store it face-up in a lined case
• Consider using a protective sleeve for travel

For acrylic crystals, minor scratches can often be polished. For mineral or sapphire crystals, consult a watch technician.

7. Keep the Bracelet and Strap in Good Condition

Vintage bracelets, especially metal ones, can stretch over time.

Care tips:

• Clean metal bracelets gently with a microfiber cloth
• Keep leather straps away from moisture
• Replace worn straps to prevent accidental drops

A well-maintained strap enhances comfort and preserves the watch’s appearance.

8. Always Handle Antique Watches Gently

When adjusting time or date:

• Pull the crown slowly
• Avoid turning the hands backward
• Do not change the date between 9 PM and 3 AM (to prevent gear damage)

Antique watches are delicate instruments that require gentle handling.

9. Keep Records and Maintain Originality

Collectors value original parts, dials, and components. Maintaining these features can significantly boost the watch’s future value.

If you service or repair your watch:

• Keep receipts
• Ask the watchmaker to return old parts
• Avoid unnecessary modifications

Authenticity matters greatly in the vintage watch market.

Conclusion

Antique watches carry stories, heritage, and craftsmanship that modern pieces often cannot replicate. With the right care, they can last for decades—or even generations—while maintaining excellent precision and beauty.

By cleaning regularly, storing properly, avoiding shocks, servicing routinely, and handling them gently, you ensure your antique watches remain reliable and valuable pieces of your collection.

For curated vintage timepieces and trusted preloved watches, explore the collection at TokoReynaldo—where every watch is selected with authenticity and detail in mind.