How to Maintain a Watch’s Value

March 20, 2023

A woman wearing a watch reads a book while sipping herbal tea and eating quinoa

Watches are more than just an accessory: they are an investment. Their value can wax and wane over the years, depending on the market. This may seem unpredictable, but there is a lot a watch owner can control. By taking various measures to protect your watch and keep it authentic, you can ensure that your favorite watch maintains its value for years to come.

A man holds his watch in his hand on a busy street to check the time

Keep it Clean

Grime, dust, and other dirt accumulations do not just affect a watches’ look; they can be detrimental to the value of a timepiece, too. Watches are delicate, hosting a lot of small moving parts reliant on precise movement. It is essential to ensure that nothing builds up on the piece, no matter what. To do so, we recommend frequent cleanings at home and annual cleanings by a professional.

Cleaning your watch is rather simple. All you need is a little water, mild soap, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a microfiber cloth. If your timepiece is not water-resistant or is an antique, forget the water. If it is water-resistant, dip the toothbrush in a mix of soap and water and give the watch a gentle scrub. Get all the parts you can, such as between the links of the bracelet. Once you have done a thorough scrub, gently dry it with the cloth. Repeat this process every week.

A watchmaker makes adjustments to the inner parts of a client’s watch to ensure it works perfectly

Regular Routine Servicing

Every 3-5 years, take your watch to a professional for routine maintenance. In addition to cleaning and polishing, they will inspect all the delicate machinery your timepiece relies on. They will replace or repair anything broken or in poor condition. They will also replenish the piece’s oils which tend to set and evaporate over time.

Where should you send a watch for servicing? We advise taking it to us at Lenox Jewelers or other authorized jewelers, especially if it’s antique. Alternatively, you can ship it to the factory. Regardless of your choice, contact us so we can talk about your options.

A newly-purchased timepiece sits in a black box on a concrete bench during a fall day

Keep Everything

Keep the box and everything in it. Any certificates, product catalogs, or accessories should be kept in the original container the timepiece came in. It is proof of the watch’s authenticity and can raise its resale value by hundreds of dollars. We recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place to ensure it never gets damaged through humidity or heat.

An Oris watch sits on a dark walnut coffee table in front of a window during the morning

Avoid Any Alterations

When buying a timepiece, people expect authenticity. They want a watch with all of its original parts and features (or lack thereof). To this end, do not alter any timepiece elements if you want to maintain their value. Avoid replacing brand straps with generic or non-standard bracelets. At the very least, keep the original should you opt for another brand’s strap.

Be extra careful with antique watches. If you send such a piece to a factory for servicing, there’s a good chance they will replace old authentic parts with new non-standard ones. Instead, head to a professional watchmaker.

A Cartier timepiece sits on a group of pebbles on the shore of a beach to prevent it from water damage

Discover Timepieces at Lenox Jewelers

At Lenox Jewelers, we are passionate about timepieces. You can see this in the incredible variety of our watch selection, containing a myriad of today’s most beloved and desirable watch brands. Whether you are looking for a brand name piece or something more unique, we have it all. Use our watch finder to search for watches in specific categories precisely. Call our Fairfield, Connecticut watch store at (203) 374-6157 to speak directly with a staff member.

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