Wind & Wrist

Watch Care Basics for the New Owner

What the recipient needs to know after unwrapping — winding, water, batteries and keeping it looking new.

By Stephen V.Last updated How we pick

Caring for a new watch comes down to four things: keep it within its water-resistance rating, wind or wear it if it’s mechanical, replace the battery promptly if it’s quartz, and wipe it down now and then. Whether you’re the new owner or writing a note for one, here’s the plain-English care guide.

Water: know the rating

Water resistance is stated in meters, but it doesn’t mean what it seems. As a practical guide: 30m survives rain and handwashing but not swimming; 50m is fine for a splash but not submersion; 100m handles swimming and showers; 200mis a genuine dive watch. Never operate the crown or buttons underwater, and have the seals checked every couple of years if it’s used in water.

If it’s mechanical (automatic or hand-wound)

  • An automaticwinds from wrist motion; if it stops after a day or two off the wrist, just wind the crown 20–30 turns and reset the time.
  • A hand-woundwatch needs winding once a day, gently, until you feel resistance — don’t force it past that.
  • Mechanical watches benefit from a service every several years; they’re precision machines, not sealed appliances.

If it’s quartz or solar

  • A quartzwatch needs a new battery every 1–3 years; replace it promptly, as a leaking dead battery can damage the movement.
  • A solarwatch never needs a battery — just give it light now and then. If it stops after long storage in the dark, a few hours near a window revives it.

Everyday care

  • Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft cloth to remove skin oils and dust.
  • Keep it away from magnets, hard knocks, and extreme heat.
  • Store it in its box or a soft pouch, not loose in a drawer with keys.

That’s genuinely all most watches need. For the movement basics behind this advice, see watch movements explained.

Frequently asked questions

How do I take care of a new watch?

Keep it within its water-resistance rating, wind or wear it if it's mechanical, replace the battery promptly if it's quartz, and wipe it down occasionally with a soft cloth. Store it in its box away from magnets and hard knocks. Most watches need nothing more.

Can I shower or swim with my watch?

It depends on the rating. 30m resists rain and handwashing but not swimming; 50m handles a splash; 100m is fine for swimming and showers; 200m is a true dive watch. Never operate the crown or buttons underwater, and have water-used watches' seals checked periodically.

What do I do if my automatic watch stops?

It has simply run down from not being worn. Wind the crown 20–30 turns to restart it, reset the time and date, and put it on — the motion of your wrist keeps it running from there.

Sources

Keep reading