Introduction
As we all know, watch repairs can be very expensive and time-consuming, and the same is true for even the best cheap watches. After spending money on a beautiful watch, the last thing you want is to incur additional costs due to improper care.
While some ways to avoid damaging a watch are obvious—like not hitting it with a hammer or scraping it against a wall—other potential hazards might not be so apparent. It’s always crucial to read the watch’s instruction manual or conduct some online research before handling it.
In this blog, we aim to help you protect your best cheap watches. We have listed the most common things that you may not know can damage your watch and how to prevent this from happening.
1. Adjusting the Date, Day, and Other Functions at the Wrong Time
When setting the date, day, or other functions of your watch, avoid doing so between 9 PM and 3 AM, known as the “danger zone.” Before changing any of the date/day/functions, turn the watch hands to the 7 o’clock position, referred to as the “safe zone.”
Why is this happening?
The date/day/function gears start to engage around 9 PM and do not fully disengage until 3 AM. Forcing a functional change during this period can cause misalignment or damage the watch’s internal mechanism.
How to Prevent This:
Before making any adjustments, bring the hands to the 6 o’clock position. This ensures you avoid the danger zone.
2. Incorrectly Aligning the Pushers
Recessed pushers control adjustments of complications such as the date, day, month, leap year, and moon phase. Using a stylus, press the pusher all the way in and let it come back all the way out to advance the watch.
Result:
Half-heartedly pressing the pusher can cause complications to get stuck. This might require a full 24-hour advance or a costly repair.
How to Prevent This:
Take your time. Push the recessed pusher all the way in and let it out completely.
3. Winding a Watch on Your Wrist
Winding a watch on your wrist can accidentally pull the crown out or cause overwinding. Remove the watch before winding to get a feel for the resistance and pull the crown out at the right angle.
Why is this happening?
Most watches have resistance when the mainspring is close to being fully wound. Some newer models allow continuous winding without damaging the movement.
How to Prevent This:
Remove the watch from your wrist before winding or setting it.
4. Using a Chronograph Underwater
Most chronographs are water-resistant but should not be used underwater.
Why is this happening?
Pushing a chronograph pusher underwater can compromise the seal and allow water to enter. Screw-down chronograph pushers should be properly screwed in.
How to Prevent This:
Avoid using the chronograph feature underwater. Use a uni-directional bezel for timing underwater instead.
Conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, you can extend the life of your best cheap watches and avoid unnecessary repair costs. Proper care and storage will ensure that your investment continues to look great and function accurately for years to come.
