Most of our watches are at least 40 years old and may show signs of aging. While mechanical watches are built to last for decades, they require proper care and occasional maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Each watch undergoes a full service and accuracy regulation before shipment. However, it's important to understand that mechanical watches are not always as accurate as their modern quartz counterparts. To preserve the condition and longevity of your vintage watch, please follow these care instructions.

 

General Care Instructions

■ Keep dry whenever possible.

Even if the case back indicates water resistance, we recommend keeping your vintage watch dry to prevent moisture-related damage.

■ Avoid strong shocks or impacts.

Mechanical movements consist of delicate components that can be damaged by sudden jolts or falls.

■ Avoid exposure to strong magnetic fields.

Magnets can interfere with the balance spring, affecting timekeeping accuracy. Keep your watch away from electronic devices and other sources of strong magnetism.

 

Winding & Setting the Watch

■ For watches with a quick-set day/date function:

DO NOT adjust the day or date using the crown between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Doing so may cause stress on the mechanism and lead to damage.

■ Starting an automatic (self-winding) watch:

Properly initiating a self-winding movement will help maintain accuracy. Hold the watch in your hand with the dial facing up and gently shake it back and forth in an arc. You should feel the rotor moving inside. This process typically takes about two minutes to sufficiently wind the mainspring. Once worn, the rotor will keep the watch wound as long as it is regularly worn.

■ Winding a manually wound watch:

Care should be taken not to overwind. As the mainspring tightens, you will feel increased resistance on the crown. Do not force the crown beyond its natural stopping point.
A good rule of thumb is to wind the watch about 10–12 full rotations every 40 hours to ensure proper function.

 

Water Resistance & Moisture Protection

■ Ensure the crown is properly secured.

If your watch has a screw-down crown, always tighten it before wearing to prevent moisture or debris from entering.

■ Avoid direct water exposure.

Even if a vintage watch was originally water-resistant, seals may have deteriorated over time due to aging. We recommend keeping your watch dry at all times.

 

Crystal Maintenance

Many vintage watches are fitted with acrylic crystals, which are not as scratch-resistant as modern sapphire crystals. However, they can be polished multiple times to restore clarity.

■ To remove light scratches:

Use an inexpensive nail buffing sponge (one with both a rough and a smooth side) to remove scratches and smooth out the surface.
Apply Polywatch cream to polish and restore shine and clarity.

 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vintage watch remains in excellent condition for years to come. If you have any questions about maintenance or servicing, feel free to contact us.