Care Guide

How to Care for a Watch So It Lasts Decades

A good watch asks for very little. Give it that little and it will outlive the decade you bought it in.

By the Tomi Lord Atelier  ·  July 12, 2026  ·  4 min read

A watch is one of the few things you own that can genuinely be handed down. But nothing lasts on its own. The pieces that survive for decades are rarely the toughest — they are the ones that were quietly looked after, with habits that take seconds a day.

Everyday habits

Wipe the case and crystal with a soft, dry cloth now and then to lift oils and dust. Take the watch off before heavy work, contact sport, or anything that invites a hard knock. And keep it away from strong magnets — laptops, speakers, and phone cases can quietly throw a movement off its timekeeping without leaving a mark.

Water and the crown

Most water damage is avoidable. Always push — or screw — the crown fully home before the watch goes near water, and never adjust it with wet hands. Rinse off salt water or chlorine and dry the case afterward, and keep the watch out of hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms, where heat degrades the seals faster than depth ever could.

The watches that last aren't the toughest. They're the ones that were looked after.

Storage and upkeep

When it is off your wrist, store the watch away from direct sun, heat, and magnets — a simple box or pouch is plenty. If it runs on quartz, replace a dead battery promptly, because a spent cell can leak and damage the movement. Let a leather strap dry fully between wears, and it will last far longer. Small attentions, paid regularly, are what turn a watch into an heirloom.