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If you're worried about rust and dirt... How to clean your watch at home
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What causes watch rust?
Wristwatches are basically weak against water, and if you leave a wet watch as it is, it will cause rust.
However, there may be some people who say that their watches have rusted even though they have not been wetted or immersed in water. A small amount of moisture such as dirt and sweat can also cause a watch to rust. It's hard to understand at first glance, but these will accumulate little by little while using the watch. Even if you use it without getting it wet, your watch may rust if you do not maintain it.
Also, some rust may affect other parts, so be careful. For example, if water gets inside the case and rusts, the metal of the case itself will rust and the packing will be damaged, and even its airtightness will be compromised. In that case, the waterproof performance of the watch will be lowered, and it will become more and more vulnerable to water.
Do-it-yourself care
Protecting your watch from dirt and moisture, which cause rust, will prevent your watch from rusting. Here are some easy ways to do it yourself.
* Wipe with a cloth Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the entire watch. If there is dirt that is difficult to remove, try using a cloth that has been slightly dampened with water and then well wrung out. However, do not apply water directly or use a cloth that has not been squeezed out.
If you make it a habit to take off your watch when you get home, such as leaving a piece of cloth with it in your watch storage area, you will find it easier to clean your watch every day.
*Clean the gap If the dirt becomes conspicuous, clean it. In particular, dirt tends to accumulate in small areas such as the gap between the case and back cover and the gap between the belts.
Even if you don't have a cleaning brush, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean easily. With a dry toothbrush, use the tips of the bristles to scrape out dirt, focusing on grooves and uneven areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
*Take care of scratches While using a watch, you may get small scratches without realizing it. These scratches tend to collect more dirt and moisture than clean areas. Use a commercially available cloth for metal, etc. to care for scratches.
If the rust is severe, take it to a shop.
If the watch is completely rusted, or if there are parts that cannot be replaced, take it to a shop. If the rust is severe and difficult to remove, it may be necessary to replace the entire part.
Also, avoid using your watch in a rusty state. For example, if the part of the band that touches your arm is rusted, it can cause your skin to become rough and your clothes to stain with the color of the rust when you sweat.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you ask a store if you are concerned about it. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your watch.
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