How to take care of your watch
Watch Care
A good watch can last decades, but only if it is looked after. Taking care of your watch comes down to a few habits: keep it dry, keep it clean, keep it away from magnets and knocks, wear it regularly, store it properly and have it serviced every few years. None of it is difficult. This guide explains each habit and why it matters, using the CLUJ Hades as our example, though the advice applies to most automatic watches with a leather strap.
The short version
- Wear your automatic regularly
- Keep the crown screwed down and the watch dry
- Wipe it clean with a soft cloth after wearing
- Look after the leather strap
- Keep it away from magnets
- Avoid heat, cold and hard knocks
- Store it in its box, clean and dry
- Service it every 3 to 5 years
1. Wear it regularly
An automatic watch winds itself from the motion of your wrist, and it is happiest when it is used. Regular wear keeps the movement running and the lubricants moving. The CLUJ Hades has roughly 41 hours of power reserve, so if it sits off your wrist for more than a day and a half it will stop. That is perfectly normal. Wind it about 30 turns by hand, reset the time and date, and it is ready to go. Our owner's manual shows exactly how.
2. Keep it dry
Water resistance ratings are measured under laboratory conditions and do not mean you can swim to that depth. The Hades is rated 5 ATM, equal to about 50 metres of pressure in a lab. In real life, that means rain, splashes and hand washing are fine. Swimming, showers, baths and saunas are not, because heat, steam, soap and salt can break down the rubber seals over time.
Fine
- ✓ Rain
- ✓ Splashes
- ✓ Washing your hands
Avoid
- ✕ Swimming and diving
- ✕ Showers, baths, saunas
- ✕ Sea water and chlorine
- ✕ Turning the crown when wet
Always check the screw-down crown is fully tightened before any contact with water. If you ever see fogging or moisture under the crystal, stop wearing the watch and contact us straight away.
3. Clean it gently
- Make sure the crown is screwed down.
- Wipe the case and crystal with a soft, dry cloth. The black CLUJ cloth in your box is made for this.
- For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with water, then dry immediately.
- Wipe the caseback too, since it sits against your skin and collects sweat.
Keep solvents, perfume, hand sanitiser and harsh cleaners away from the case and strap. A quick wipe after wearing does more than an occasional deep clean.
4. Look after the leather strap
Leather is a natural material and the part of a watch that wears first. Keep it dry, and if it gets wet, let it air dry naturally away from direct heat. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, especially in warm weather, and keep perfume, lotions and sanitiser off it. If you own more than one strap, alternating them gives each time to rest. When a strap eventually cracks or wears through, it can simply be replaced.
5. Keep it away from magnets
Magnetism is the most common cause of a watch suddenly running fast. Everyday sources include phone and tablet cases with magnetic closures, speakers, laptop lids, magnetic bag clasps and fridge magnets. If your watch gains a lot of time overnight, it may be magnetised. A watchmaker can demagnetise it quickly, usually in minutes.
6. Avoid heat, cold and hard knocks
Extreme temperatures affect lubricants and seals, so do not leave your watch on a car dashboard, in a sauna or in long direct sun. Sapphire crystal resists scratching extremely well, but the movement is still a precision mechanism. Take the watch off for heavy lifting, racket sports, gardening and DIY, where repeated shocks can affect accuracy over time.
7. Store it properly
When you are not wearing it, keep your watch somewhere clean, dry and out of direct sunlight, ideally in its original box and away from magnets. The box is also the safest way to travel with it. If it stops while stored, that does no harm.
Watch winders are optional. They are a convenience for people with a rotation, not a requirement for a healthy watch.
8. Service it every few years
Like any mechanical watch, an automatic benefits from servicing. Many watchmakers suggest every 3 to 5 years depending on use, including cleaning, lubrication and a check of the seals. Every CLUJ watch carries a standard 2-year warranty, and during that period please contact us before arranging any repair or servicing.
When to get your watch checked
| Sign | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Fogging or moisture under the crystal | Seal compromised. Stop wearing it and get it checked immediately. |
| Suddenly running much faster | Possible magnetisation. Usually a quick fix. |
| Consistently outside about -20 to +40 seconds a day | Needs regulating. Contact us. |
| Crown will not screw down or feels loose | Possible cross-threading. Do not force it. |
| Stops even though you wear it daily | Movement may need servicing. |
Quick answers
How do you take care of an automatic watch?
Wear it regularly, keep it dry and clean, avoid magnets, heat and knocks, store it in its box and service it every 3 to 5 years.
Can I wear my watch in the shower?
It is best not to. Heat, steam and soap can damage seals, even on a watch rated 5 ATM, which suits rain, splashes and hand washing rather than showers or swimming.
How do I clean a watch with a leather strap?
Wipe the case with a soft dry cloth, using a lightly damp one for stubborn marks, then dry immediately. Keep the leather dry and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
How often should an automatic watch be serviced?
Many watchmakers suggest every 3 to 5 years, depending on how often it is worn and how it is treated.
What does it mean if my watch is magnetised?
Magnetism disturbs the movement and usually makes the watch run noticeably fast. A watchmaker can demagnetise it quickly.
CLUJ
Hades
A watch built to be worn and made to last. Free UK and EU shipping, 2-year warranty and 14-day returns.
Shop CLUJ Hades → Read the owner's manual