Care · 6 min read · 18 October 2026
Heat, humidity, dust and magnets. A practical guide to keeping a fine watch running for decades.
A good mechanical watch is built to outlive its first owner. It does ask for a little attention, and in Pakistan, where Karachi's sea air, Lahore's June heat and Islamabad's monsoon all take their turn, a few habits make a real difference.
Wind it, even if it is automatic
Automatic watches wind themselves as you move, but a desk-bound day may not be enough. If your watch has stopped, give the crown twenty to thirty gentle turns clockwise before setting the time. Never wind past resistance.
Respect the crown
Most water damage comes from a crown left unscrewed. On divers such as the Submariner or Seamaster, always screw the crown down fully after setting the time. Never operate the crown or chronograph pushers under water.
Heat, humidity and the car dashboard
- Do not leave your watch on a car dashboard in summer. Temperatures above 60°C can thin the lubricants.
- After the beach in Karachi or Gwadar, rinse a diver in fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- If you see condensation under the crystal, bring it to us immediately. Moisture inside the case is never normal.
Magnets are everywhere
Phone cases with magnetic clasps, laptop speakers and handbag closures can magnetise a balance spring, making the watch run fast. Modern silicon and Nivachron springs resist this well; older designs less so. We demagnetise free of charge at our boutiques.
Service every five to seven years. Wear it every day in between.
Servicing
A full service dismantles, cleans, lubricates and regulates the movement and restores water resistance. Most manufacturers recommend an interval of five to ten years. RELKOE coordinates manufacturer servicing for every watch we sell, with insured collection from your door.