Five Habits That Will Add Decades to Your Watch's Life

The single biggest threat to most mechanical watches isn't impact — it's moisture. Always confirm your watch's water resistance rating before swimming or showering, and never operate the crown while the watch is wet or submerged.

Service your movement every 4-6 years even if it appears to be running fine; lubricants degrade silently long before a watch visibly slows down. Store watches you're not wearing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade dials over time.

Finally, avoid magnets. Modern life is full of them — phone cases, laptop latches, handbag clasps — and exposure can magnetize a movement's hairspring, causing it to run fast without any visible damage.