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Watches: The Lowdown

Whether it’s understated elegance or eye-catching glamour, watches make the perfect style statement. But there’s more to your classic timepiece than just its pretty face. Here’s a list of things to think about before you make your timeless investment.

Watch Movements

Mechanical watches use a balance wheel to measure time, and a mainspring for power. You need to wind these watches by hand regularly.

Automatic watches are self-winding mechanical watches. They have a rotor that includes a weight, which swings backwards and forwards with every movement of the wrist and winds the mainspring.

Quartz watches use a quartz crystal for time measurement and a battery for power. You don't need to wind them.

Water Resistance

Water resistant isn’t the same as water proof. It indicates how well a watch will resist the intrusion of moisture without harming it and is measured in ATM (Atmospheres), Feet or Meters. Each watch that has been classified as water resistant will have a stamp on the case that indicates the level of water resistance. For example, 3ATM = 100ft = 30m

ATM Feet Meet Usage
3 100 30 Will withstand or brief immersion in water. It is not suitable for swimming.
5 165 50 Suitable for swimming.
10 330 100 Suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
20 660 200 Suitable for skin diving

Keep your water resistant watch in perfect condition with these easy tips:

  • Don’t press the buttons or pull out the winder while you’re submerged – wait until you’re back on dry land.
  • If the case, glass or seal has been damaged, the watch will no longer be water resistant. If you think your watch has suffered some damage, bring it into one of our showrooms where an expert will be able to advise you on repairs.
  • If a watch is exposed to seawater, wash it well in fresh water and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
  • If the battery needs to be changed, we recommend you either arrange for it to be changed by ourselves or the manufacturer. Our Mayors watch specialists will ensure that the water-resistant seals are checked and renewed, and that your guarantee is maintained.

    • Caring for your watch strap

    Watch straps can be delicate so we recommend you avoid wearing perfume or moisturisers around your wrist; the chemicals will erode the metal, leather and plastic of watchstraps.

    Try not to leave the watch in direct sunlight as it can fade the strap.

    Wash metal bracelets carefully in water using a soft brush such as a toothbrush with soap and water, rinse with clear water and dry carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be especially careful not to get the case wet if your watch isn’t water resistant. Instead, you can wipe the case gently with a moist, soft cloth and then dry it naturally.

    Leather straps should be worn slightly loose in summer. Wipe it clean if it becomes damp with perspiration. When you take your watch off, leave it in a well-ventilated spot to dry out.

    Special Care for Watches

    Shocks

    Your watch is a precision instrument. Treat it carefully, and it will serve you well. Avoid undue shocks (such as dropping it on hard surfaces). Normal shocks caused by sports like tennis or golf are no problem for most watches, except for extra high-precision watches which shouldn’t be worn whilst playing sports

    Perspiration

    Protect your watch from heavy perspiration. Remember to wipe it dry as soon as conveniently as possible.

    Extreme temperatures

    Quartz watches are much less affected by temperature than mechanical watches, and are designed to keep good time if worn on your wrist for eight hours a day in temperatures between +14° and +95°F. If it’s stored in temperatures outside the normal range, the electronic parts may not work normally though. In extreme heat, your watch batteries will also run out faster, and may leak fluid. If you don’t wear your watch for a while in the winter, it may lose a bit of time, but will return to normal accuracy as soon as you start wearing it again. Digital displays on watches may slow at temperatures below freezing, or look very dark at high temperatures, but don’t worry – they’ll return to normal as soon as the temperature does.

    Chemicals

    Keep your watch away from chemicals as they can cause discoloration and other damage. If you think your watch may be damaged, please bring it to a Mayors expert for advice.

    If you’d like to make an appointment or ask us a question, please use our store locator to contact your nearest store.

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