How to Maintain a Watch's Value

February 5th, 2023

A man in a coffee shop window, holding a mug and wearing a luxurious silver and blue watch with a brown suede strap

Fine watches are luxurious, marvelous, and sophisticated. Their enchanting design and clever invention make them a mainstay in any well-stocked wardrobe. Everyone admires these attractive accessories, which is why they are excellent investments. However, their intricate parts make them delicate and prone to damage, which is why a collector must take steps to ensure the watches’ longevity. These tips from the experts at Hannoush Jewelers can help.

Close up image of someone cleaning a watch with a microfiber cloth with three watches blurred in the background

Keep it Clean

Regular cleanings are essential for maintaining a watch’s value. No matter where you keep your watch, dust and other particles can accumulate on the piece. The air is corrosive towards metals too. As a result, you’ll have to conduct regular cleanings. Luckily, it is easy to do so.

Twice a year, book an appointment with a local jeweler for a thorough cleaning. Do a DIY cleaning at least twice a month. All you need to do is scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a bit of soap and water (if the piece is water-resistant). Try to get every spot you can, such as between the bracelet’s links. Note that vintage watches are never water resistant due to hairline fractures on the crystal, so be careful not to expose them to water.

Close up image of a woman’s arm crossed over each other, wearing a striped white shirt and a gold and white watch

Check its Tick

In addition to cleaning, watches need regular maintenance. Watches have many parts, each under constant stress from winding, tension, and movement. They can break easily and often do. Except for peculiar errors in the hands’ movement, they may not even appear to be damaged unless inspected by an expert.

Even if there’s nothing obviously wrong with the timepiece, take it to a professional yearly. They can conduct routine inspections to make sure everything is spic and span. Should anything more expensive need fixing, it will pay off in the long run.

Close up someone looking at the gears and inner workings of a vintage watch

No Alterations

Collectors highly value the integrity of a timepiece. It should have all of its original parts, so any swapping or replacements with newer varieties is almost always negative. This includes the strap, so it’s unwise to replace it with a non-standard variety. Do everything you can to ensure that your timepiece has everything original or standard to the model.

Be careful with an antique piece, especially during servicing. Many replacement parts are discontinued; factories may swap any broken parts with an inauthentic variety. As a result, it can be better to take a watch to a local establishment with whom you can maintain an open line of communication throughout the servicing process.

A black and gold watch in a black watch box sitting on a white ledge

Save the Box

It can’t be overstated how important it is to keep the timepiece’s box. This includes any certificates and other documents that the watch comes with, especially anything that proves the piece’s authenticity. Never throw them away, no matter what. Some people even sell empty boxes online for hundreds of dollars to counterfeiters (don’t do this, as a piece with legitimate paperwork is always more valuable).

Find Extraordinary Timepieces at Hannoush Jewelers

Hannoush Jewelers is Massachusetts' favorite source for high-end timepieces and other accessories. Our partnership with a plethora of exceptional designer brands allows us to offer a diverse range of watches perfect for your personal collection. Find us in Braintree, Brockton, Auburn, North Attleboro, Marlborough, and beyond. We guarantee that your visit will be unforgettable. Contact us at a store near you today.