How to Maintain Your Pocket Watch to Preserve Its Longevity?

Pocket watches, true witnesses to exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, deserve your full attention if they are to retain their lustre and proper operation. These objects—often passed down from one generation to the next—combine elegance and history, making them precious both sentimentally and as part of one’s heritage. To ensure their reliability and aesthetics over time, however, you must provide them with appropriate care. Here’s how to do it.

Pocket watch: check and maintain the mechanism

The heart of any pocket watch lies in its movement, a complex assembly of gears and springs that ensures accurate timekeeping. To prevent breakdowns, regular servicing by a trusted watchmaker is therefore recommended. This makes it possible to check the condition of internal components, lubricate moving parts, and prevent premature wear. Also be careful not to overwind your timepiece when handling it. Turn the crown gently until you feel slight resistance, without forcing it.

Overwinding too vigorously can indeed damage the barrel or throw the gear train out of alignment, compromising the watch’s accuracy. Do not expose your timepiece to extreme environments either, such as high humidity, elevated temperatures, or severe shocks. Finally, if you notice that your pocket watch’s movement is not running smoothly, consult a professional promptly before the problem worsens.

Clean your pocket watch regularly

When maintaining it, start with the exterior. Use a soft, lint-free cloth—ideally microfibre—to gently wipe the surfaces. This simple step removes superficial dirt while avoiding scratches. For a more thorough clean, a cotton bud moistened with soapy water can be used to reach into corners. Make sure, however, to dry each part carefully to prevent any risk of corrosion.

Opening the case to clean the mechanism should be left to an expert. Clumsy handling could damage delicate components or throw the assembly out of adjustment. During a visit to the watchmaker, they can also check the condition of the lubricating oils, which contribute to the proper operation of the gear train. Finally, don’t neglect the chain. It deserves regular dusting and ongoing care to keep its shine and prevent tarnishing. If it is made of precious metal, choose suitable products to preserve its brilliance without altering it.

Choose the most suitable storage and protection solution

For everyday use, a soft fabric pouch—such as velvet or microfibre—offers effective protection against scuffs. If your watch is decorated with engravings or made from a sensitive material, this precaution is even more important. For transport, however, opt for a rigid case with a padded interior. This type of accessory helps prevent impacts and reduces the risk of exposure to humidity or dust.

In addition, store your timepiece in a dry place, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations when you are not using it for an extended period. A closed box with a desiccant sachet is a good solution to prevent condensation from forming. Also avoid storing it in environments that are too hot or too cold, as thermal variations can affect materials and disrupt the movement’s operation.