Watches vs Summer: What’s the Battle About?
Most of these luxury watches feature mechanical movements that are just marvels of precision engineering. These movements rely on finely calibrated oils and lubricants to ensure smooth operation. However, extreme heat can just accelerate the degradation of these internal oils, causing them to dry out or become too thick. This increased friction can lead to premature wear and tear on delicate components. Besides that, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also compromise the integrity of seals and gaskets, which are vital for keeping moisture and dust out.
Consider the experience of a friend of mine. He once left his Rolex Daytona in his car for just a few hours during a particularly hot afternoon. The internal temperature of the vehicle became an oven, and when he retrieved the watch, he noticed some issues with the timekeeping. He then visited a watchmaker who revealed that the lubricants had begun to degrade, causing increased friction. This anecdote perfectly illustrates the unseen dangers that extreme heat poses.
So, you should get your watch ready for the summer by just following an easy checklist.
Pick the Right Strap
One of the most immediate and practical steps you can take is to reconsider your watch’s strap selection. While leather straps often provide both comfort and elegance, they are notoriously susceptible to sweat and heat. In Dubai’s climate, leather can quickly absorb perspiration, leading to discoloration, cracking, an unpleasant odor. I’ve personally experienced the disappointment of a once-pristine leather strap becoming discolored and brittle after just a few humid summer days.
My strong recommendation in this case would be to switch to a rubber or metal bracelet for the summer months. These materials are far more forgiving and resilient to heat.
Clean Your Watches
It is quite essential to regularly rinse and clean your watch to remove any sweat residue, dirt, or fine dust that accumulates throughout the day. This simple act can prevent significant problems down the line, such as salt buildup damaging metal finishes or moisture seeping into less water-resistant models.
Also Read: 5 Things You Should Never Do To Your Luxury Watch
Before any water exposure, always confirm your watch’s water resistance rating. Ensure that screw-down crowns and pushers are securely fastened. Many modern luxury watches can handle splashes or brief water exposure, but avoid submerging watches not rated for swimming. Make sure to use cool, clean water to rinse your watch. Avoid hot water, as it can cause seals to expand and contract, potentially compromising water resistance. As for the watches with metal bracelets, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be used with a tiny amount of mild, pH-neutral soap to gently clean between the links and around the case. Lastly, you should always dry your watch thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth after rinsing. Ensure no moisture remains, especially in the crevices.
Service On Time
Just like cars, mechanical watches also require servicing at a given interval. While most watch brands might recommend servicing a watch every 5 years, this frequency can vary for those living in the UAE. In a high-stress environment like Dubai’s summer, where lubricants degrade faster and seals are under more strain, the typical service interval might need adjustment.
These watches are always lab tested, and most of these tests are done under controlled climate conditions. However, the service interval can change based on the activities you do while wearing the watch and the type of climate you are surrounded by. In my opinion, you should at least get your watches checked every 2 years by a professional luxury watch service center.
Summer-Proof Your Watch Today
To sum it all up, make sure you stop using leather straps right away. Unless you are going for a nice dinner where wearing a dress watch becomes an essential, you should avoid wearing leather strap watches. Besides that, make sure you are cleaning your watches every few days. And lastly, always make sure you service your watches regularly. If you haven’t serviced your watch in a while, this article is a reminder to take your watch to a service center as soon as possible.
As long as you are taking care of the above points, you can enjoy wearing that favorite luxury watch every day without any worries.
