A Watch That Lasts a Lifetime Starts with the Right Care
A quality quartz watch is one of the most reliable timekeeping instruments ever made. Accurate, low-maintenance, and built to last — but only if you treat it right. After 60+ years of selling, servicing, and advising customers on timepieces, the team at Ashoka Watch Company has seen what separates a watch that lasts a decade from one that lasts a lifetime.
The answer, almost always, comes down to care.
Here are our most important tips for keeping your quartz watch in peak condition for years to come.
1. Keep It Away from Extreme Temperatures
Quartz movements are powered by a battery and regulated by a tiny quartz crystal. Both are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Avoid leaving your watch in direct sunlight for extended periods, in a hot car, or in environments with dramatic temperature swings.
Prolonged heat can degrade the battery faster and affect the lubricants inside the movement. Cold can temporarily slow the oscillation of the quartz crystal, affecting accuracy.
Tip: Store your watch at room temperature when not in use, ideally in a watch box or pouch that protects it from dust and light.
2. Protect It from Moisture — Unless It Is Water-Resistant
Not all watches are created equal when it comes to water resistance. Check your watch's specifications carefully.
- 30m / 3 ATM: Splash-resistant only. Remove before washing hands or in rain.
- 50m / 5 ATM: Suitable for swimming, but not diving.
- 100m+ / 10 ATM+: Suitable for recreational diving and water sports.
Even if your watch is water-resistant, avoid exposing it to hot water (showers, saunas, hot tubs) — heat and steam can compromise seals over time. Have the water resistance tested annually if you regularly expose your watch to water.
3. Clean It Regularly — the Right Way
Dirt, sweat, and skin oils accumulate on your watch over time, particularly around the case, lugs, and strap. Regular cleaning keeps your watch looking its best and prevents long-term damage.
- Metal bracelet: Use a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Leather strap: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Never submerge leather in water — it will crack and deteriorate. Allow to air dry naturally.
- Watch case and crystal: Wipe with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. For stubborn smudges, a slightly damp cloth works well.
Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cloths, which can scratch the crystal or damage the finish.
4. Replace the Battery Before It Dies Completely
Most quartz watch batteries last between 1 and 3 years, depending on the watch and its features. When your watch starts losing time or stops entirely, it is time for a battery replacement.
Here is the important part: do not wait too long. A dead battery left inside a watch can leak and cause serious damage to the movement — a repair that costs far more than a simple battery change.
Tip: Have your battery replaced by a professional. Improper opening of the case back can damage the water-resistance seals and scratch the case.
5. Service Your Watch Periodically
Even quartz watches benefit from periodic professional servicing. Every 3–5 years, consider having your watch inspected by a qualified watchmaker. A service typically includes:
- Cleaning the movement
- Checking and replacing seals
- Inspecting the crystal for scratches or chips
- Testing water resistance
- Polishing or refinishing the case (optional)
Regular servicing extends the life of your watch significantly and catches small issues before they become expensive problems.
6. Store It Properly When Not in Use
If you rotate between multiple watches, proper storage matters. Keep watches in individual compartments to prevent them from scratching each other. A dedicated watch box or roll is ideal.
Avoid storing watches near strong magnets — speakers, laptop bags, and some handbag clasps can all generate magnetic fields that affect quartz accuracy over time.
7. Handle the Crown with Care
The crown — the small knob on the side of the watch used for setting the time — is one of the most vulnerable points of entry for moisture and dust. Always push the crown fully in after adjusting the time, and never operate it while the watch is submerged in water.
A Final Word from Our Workshop
At Ashoka Watch Company, we have seen watches from the 1970s still running beautifully because their owners took care of them. We have also seen relatively new watches fail prematurely due to neglect. The difference is almost always maintenance.
A luxury watch is an investment. Treat it like one.
If your watch needs a battery replacement, service, or professional cleaning, visit us at Ashoka Watch Company in Amritsar. Our team brings 60+ years of watchmaking expertise to every repair.