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5 Tips to Maintaining the Value of Your Watch

September 15th, 2024

A close-up of a vintage Cartier tank watch, displayed in-box.

A luxury watch is more than just a timekeeping device— it’s a symbol of sophistication, an endlessly useful accessory, and a lasting investment. However, ensuring your timepiece retains its value requires thoughtful care and attention to detail. In this guide, the watch experts at LV Luxury share five expert tips to help you maintain the endless beauty and functionality of your cherished watch for years to come. From routine cleaning to proper storage, these tips will safeguard your investment for many years to come. Regardless of your luxury watch needs, the experienced staff at LV Luxury are always here to assist you and ensure your timepieces remain as visually stunning and reliable as the day you acquired them.

Clean Your Watch Regularly

When it comes to preserving your watch’s value and appearance, routine cleaning is one of the most essential steps to take. Dirt, oils, and other particles can accumulate over time on the watch’s surface, dulling the finish and potentially harming the movement. To maintain your timepiece’s pristine condition, you can gently wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear, paying attention to crevices where debris can hide. For deeper cleans, consider using a mild, non-abrasive soap and water solution, applying it carefully with a soft brush and drying your watch with a soft cloth. However, more intricate cleanings should be entrusted to professionals to ensure the integrity of your timepiece remains intact.

Limit Exposure to Potentially Damaging Elements

To maintain the value of your luxury watch, it's vital to limit its exposure to potentially harmful elements. For example, chemicals found in perfumes, lotions, and cleaning products can corrode metals and degrade leather straps, while prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade dials and cause materials to deteriorate over time. Even in supposedly waterproof watches, water can compromise seals over time, leading to moisture damage within the watch’s mechanism. To safeguard your watch’s enduring beauty and function, avoid wearing it in situations where it might come into contact with these damaging substances. Such care will ensure your timepiece remains a lasting symbol of elegance and precision and maintain its value over time.

A close-up of a luxury watch dial with month and date complications.

Store Your Watch In Its Original Box

When it’s not in use, carefully storing your luxury watch in its original box is an effective way to protect it and preserve its value. The original box is specifically designed to securely cradle the timepiece, shielding it from dust, scratches, and other potential damage. To enhance this protection, you may also consider placing the box in a secure place like a  jewelry box or safe where it can be safeguarded from environmental factors like humidity and temperature fluctuations. By taking these extra precautions, you ensure that your watch remains in pristine condition, ready to be worn or passed down as a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

Preserve the Crystal

Referring to the protective layer over the watch’s dial, preserving the crystal of your luxury watch is crucial for maintaining its value. Often made of sapphire or other durable materials, the crystal is designed to protect the dial, but it can still be vulnerable to cracks and scratches. To protect the crystal, avoid impacts with hard surfaces and be mindful when wearing your watch during physical activities. Even small abrasions can affect the watch's clarity and overall appearance. Safeguarding the crystal not only preserves the watch's visual appeal, but also ensures its functionality, as any damage could compromise the integrity of the timepiece's internal components.

A close-up of a TAG Heuer watch on a tan marble backdrop.

Get Your Watch Regularly Serviced

Over time, even the finest timepieces can experience wear and tear, affecting both their appearance and performance. As such, regular servicing by a reputable watchmaker is essential for maintaining the value of your luxury watch. Knowledgeable and properly trained watchmakers have the expertise to meticulously inspect, clean, and service your luxury watch, ensuring that it continues to look stunning and function flawlessly for years. Routine maintenance, such as lubricating the movement and replacing worn parts, helps prevent costly repairs down the line and preserves the watch's longevity, making sure it remains a treasured piece in your collection for generations.

A close-up of an elegant Longines watch with multiple time zones.

Trust Your Watch's Value to LV Luxury

Discover stunning timepieces built to last at LV Luxury, where our expert staff is dedicated to helping you preserve and maintain the value of your cherished timepieces. With three premier locations in Las Vegas—Bellusso at The Palazzo, LV Luxury watchmakers in The Shops at Crystals, and Horologio in The Venetian— we offer a wide selection of luxury watches from the world’s most esteemed manufacturers. Whether you're seeking advice on proper care or exploring our spectacular collection, our knowledgeable team is here to assist you. We invite you to visit any of our exquisite showrooms or contact us with any questions about your shopping experience.