Why Regular Watch Maintenance Matters

A large face watch takes up more real estate on your wrist — and collects more dirt, sweat, and grime as a result. Regular at-home cleaning keeps the dial crisp, the bracelet free of buildup, and the case looking its best between professional services. Best of all, most of what you need is already in your home.

What You'll Need

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush (new and clean)
  • Lukewarm water
  • Mild dish soap (fragrance-free)
  • Microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth
  • Cotton swabs
  • Toothpick (optional, for tight crevices)
  • Watch spring bar tool (if removing the strap)

Do not use: harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners (unless specified safe by the manufacturer), or abrasive cloths that can scratch the crystal or case.

Step 1: Check Water Resistance Before You Start

This is critical. If your watch is rated for 30m or less, do not submerge it or run it under a tap. Use a barely damp cloth only. For watches rated 100m and above, you can safely rinse with lukewarm water. If you're unsure, treat it as non-water-resistant.

Step 2: Remove the Strap or Bracelet

If possible, remove the strap before cleaning. Use a spring bar tool to release a leather or rubber strap, or a case back tool/pin to remove a metal bracelet. This allows you to clean both the case and the strap thoroughly and prevents water damage to leather.

Step 3: Clean the Case and Crystal

  1. Dampen the toothbrush lightly with lukewarm water and a tiny drop of dish soap.
  2. Gently scrub the case, paying attention to the lugs, crown, pushers, and bezel edges where grime accumulates.
  3. Use a cotton swab to reach tight spaces around the crown and pusher gaps.
  4. Rinse the case gently under lukewarm running water (only if water resistant).
  5. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth — don't leave moisture in the lugs or crown area.

Step 4: Clean the Bracelet or Strap

Metal bracelets can be scrubbed with the soapy toothbrush, then rinsed and dried. Pay particular attention to the links and clasp, where sweat and dead skin cells build up.

For rubber/silicone straps: wash with soapy water, rinse, and air dry.

For leather straps: wipe with a slightly damp cloth only — never soak leather. Allow to air dry away from direct sunlight, then apply a small amount of leather conditioner to prevent cracking.

For NATO straps: These can be hand-washed like fabric, rinsed, and hung to dry.

Step 5: Polish Carefully (Optional)

Scratches on the crystal or case are common with everyday wear. If your watch has a mineral crystal, a small amount of metal or watch crystal polish can reduce light scratches. Sapphire crystals are extremely hard and scratch-resistant — minor marks on sapphire often cannot be polished out at home and require professional attention.

Avoid polishing the case yourself unless you're confident — improper polishing can round off sharp edges and reduce the watch's value.

How Often Should You Clean Your Watch?

  • Light wipe-down: Weekly, after wear
  • Full at-home clean: Monthly, or after activities involving sweat, sand, or saltwater
  • Professional service (movement): Every 3–5 years for mechanical watches; quartz watches are less maintenance-intensive

When to See a Professional

If you notice moisture inside the crystal, the crown is difficult to wind or pull, the movement is running significantly fast or slow, or the crown gasket looks worn, take your watch to a qualified watchmaker. These are issues beyond home maintenance and are best addressed before they cause deeper damage.