You’re in doubt; New year, new watch, or not? That old one may not look so nice anymore, but it can still last a while. You can also go to Techzle. Because in addition to brand new watches, we also sell watch straps, batteries and much more to make your watch shine again. And with the tips from our watchmaker, you also have everything you need to keep your watch beautiful.
A new watch strap will make your watch look better right away
Are you a bit tired of your watch? Do you find the colour a bit boring? Are you ready for something new? With a new watch strap, in a different colour or material, you can freshen up your watch right away!
Techzle has the largest watch strap database in the Netherlands, where you can easily and quickly find a suitable strap for your brand of watch. Is the original strap no longer available? Then we also offer a large collection of universal watch straps in different colors and materials.
Watchmaker’s tip: The part of a watch that is most subject to wear and tear is the strap. It comes into contact with your skin and perfume all day long, bumps into the table and is opened and closed several times a day. With a little maintenance every now and then, you can keep your strap looking good for longer. In these blogs about leather and metal straps, we tell you how you can easily do this yourself.
How to keep your watch running smoothly
Whether you have a quartz watch, automatic watch or solar watch, after a certain time the watch will stop if it is not recharged. With watches – just as with people – standing still means going backwards. Just as you have to keep moving for your health, the same applies to your watch. An old battery can leak and damage the movement, or the oil in the cogs of an automatic watch can become thick and cause the movement to seize up. So make sure your watch keeps running.
With a solar watch, you place the watch under a strong light source for some time, for example in the sun by the window, or under a bright lamp until the watch starts running again.
Quartz watches run on a battery that lasts an average of one and a half to two years. If you do not wear a quartz watch for a long time or if the battery is empty, have the watchmaker or jeweler remove or replace the battery. He or she has the training and tools to open the case correctly and insert the battery. Because only then will dust or moisture particles not have a chance to damage your watch.
You can also change the battery yourself, but first read the warranty conditions of your watch carefully. Opening your watch yourself can void the warranty! In addition, you can unintentionally cause damage to the electronics or damage the seals that keep the watch waterproof.
With Swatch watches, replacing the battery is super easy. With this brand, there is a ‘hatch’ on the back of the case that you can easily turn open with a coin.
Watchmaker’s tip: Maintenance is especially important for automatic watches to keep the movement running smoothly. Do you sometimes not wear the watch for longer periods? Then invest in a watch winder. This device imitates the movements of your wrist and ensures that the watch continues to run. And bring your automatic watch to us every two or three years for a ‘major service’. Then you can be sure that the movement will last a lifetime.
Removing (and preventing!) scratches
Scratches and damage to the strap, case or glass of your watch make it look worn. Fortunately, there is something you can do about that too! The watchmaker can polish a steel case or strap so that it looks good again. If your watch has a plastic (plexiglass) glass, that can also be polished or replaced if necessary. When you bring your watch to us, the watchmaker can tell you exactly what is possible (and what it costs).
You can also remove light scratches from the band and case yourself. At Techzle you will find special cleaning sets for watches and jewelry, with which you can polish your watch.
Scratches cannot be completely prevented, but if you are a little careful with your watch you can prevent a lot of damage. Always protect your watch from shocks and bumps. So do not wear the watch when you are doing sports or doing DIY. Do you still want to wear a watch? Then choose a plastic sports watch or a watch from a brand with high shock resistance such as G-Shock.
Watchmaker’s Tips: Never put your watches away on their glass. It is better to store them on a stand, or even better, in a special watch box. By storing your watches in a luxury watch box, you prevent dust from getting into the timepieces. (Sun)light can cause discolouration of the case or strap. A light-proof box also protects against this. The inside of a watch box is lined with fabric and the watches lie on soft cushions.
Water Damage? Prevention is Better Than Cure
Avoid exposing your watch to water unless it is watertight to at least 100 metres. Moisture causes rust in the movement and this can lead to a defect in your watch. Extreme temperature changes are also risky, because this can cause condensation. So don’t go straight from the warm sun on the beach into the cold water. On our page about water resistance of watches you will find all the information that tells you what you can do with your watch.
Are you going swimming or showering with your watch on? First check that the crown is screwed down properly, otherwise water can enter the watch.
Watchmaker’s tip: If you think that despite all precautions, moisture has gotten into your watch, you can test it by carefully placing an ice cube on the glass for a few minutes. If the glass fogs up on the inside, the movement contains moisture.
If you suspect that there is a little moisture in your watch, you can put the watch in a bowl of dry, uncooked rice overnight to draw out the moisture. If this does not help, take the watch with moisture damage to a watchmaker immediately to prevent worse.
Problems? Never force!
Watches are complex precision instruments with many, often tiny, parts. Sometimes, unfortunately, something gets stuck. If that happens, do not force it. The pin of the crown can break off. Or by switching back and forth roughly, you can damage the mechanism. If in doubt, always visit the watchmaker. During the warranty period of the watch, repairs to the movement usually cost you nothing. Fortunately, this type of malfunction does not occur often, and with the following tip from the watchmaker, you can also prevent damage to your movement yourself.
Watchmaker’s tip: The date mechanism of an analogue watch (with hands) is very sensitive. It is therefore advisable not to change the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Because, during this period, the mechanism of the watch usually changes the date itself. If you disrupt this process, it can damage your timepiece.
Welcome to the Watch Specialist
With the tips in this blog you already know a little bit about what you can do to give your old watch a new life. Do you have any other questions? At the watch specialist Techzle you are – also during the lockdown – welcome for maintenance and repair of your watch. Make an appointment online for a visit to our store in Rotterdam or Breda so that we have all the time for you. You can also contact our customer service: 085 489 20 10