Summer, sun, beach (or your own garden) and sea: How to properly protect your watches against external influences during the summer

For several centuries, watchmakers have been working on the durability of timepiece components. Perfected techniques and better materials have made it possible over time to make wristwatches more and more resistant. But some external influences can still take their toll on these treasures. Especially the summer, which is now just around the corner. knocks, presents a few dangers for highly valued luxury watches. We will explain below how you can skilfully protect your timepieces in the summer months and which models are particularly robust.

Sun, salt, sand and sunscreen

The conditions on a beach holiday or on the balcony can simply be a nightmare for your beloved luxury watch. To ensure that this is not the case and that you can enjoy your fine pieces for a long time, we have some valuable information and tips. The watch should always be protected as well as possible from sand, dust, sweat, water, cream and direct sunlight so that its accuracy and lifespan are not negatively affected. However, it is almost impossible to shield it completely from external influences, unless you simply leave it in the closet - which would of course be a shame. Watch fans who want to take their treasures out in the summer can do a lot to protect them. Above all, timepieces should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations. Excessive heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight could damage the watch. Long sunbathing sessions should therefore be avoided. The watch should generally be taken off when going to the sauna, as otherwise lubricating oils could liquefy and damage the movement.

Be careful with water

It is important to know that the water resistance of a watch can be affected by temperature fluctuations and the influence of sweat and creams. A timepiece that is worn while swimming or diving should be treated with particular care and always cleaned of all residues after being taken off. Swimming and immersing yourself in water can put greater pressure on the sealing elements for a short time. For this reason, you should not jump into the water immediately after a long sunbath, as the impact pressure and the negative pressure together can cause damage more easily. After contact with chlorinated water or salty sea water, every watch should be cleaned with clear tap water, as seals and cases can otherwise suffer. However, the watch should have a water resistance of at least 5 ATM. Water resistance is not a constant property, as the function of the sealing elements can deteriorate. Ideally, the water resistance of the timepiece should therefore be checked once a year in a specialist shop, especially before going on holiday and the associated stresses on the watch. "Waterproof" watches can only withstand hand hygiene and splashes of water. They are not designed for water pressure or fluctuating temperatures. If condensation collects in the watch, it must be taken to a specialist shop immediately so that the moisture does not seriously damage the watch.

The right summer watch

The easiest way to go for a particularly robust watch in the summer is to use a particularly robust watch. Its case, glass and seals should meet the highest standards. Water, sand and dust can be kept out easily with a single-shell, monoblock or monocoque case. In such timepieces, the movement is inserted from above and the watch is sealed by the glass. However, watches with such a case are rare, as glass bottoms with a clear view of the interior are popular. However, acrylic glass should be avoided at all costs. Although scratches can be easily polished out of these, they are hardly resistant to anything. The same applies to crystal and mineral glass. It should therefore definitely be extra-hard sapphire glass, which is almost as hard as diamond. The case should withstand scratches and impacts. Brass should be avoided if possible, as the chrome, silver or gold plating will sooner or later flake off. Gold and platinum are easily scratched, while stainless steel is particularly hard and less susceptible to scratches. Timepieces with ceramic cases are also a smart choice in hot weather, as ceramic is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, meaning you can go on holiday without your watch being completely scratched. A screwed-on case back is also essential, and pressed-on cases should be avoided. This is the only way to keep sand and other debris out. The sealing ring between the case back and the case should be an O-ring, as it is located in a specially milled channel, the so-called "groove", which is made in such a way that the ring deforms slightly into an oval shape when closed. This means that the ring fits evenly and cannot slip. Robust luxury sports watches now all have such O-ring seals, which reliably protect the movement. In addition, the pushers and crowns should be well sealed. Rolex, for example, offers a so-called Twinlock, which has an additional seal on the front of the tube inside the crown. Some watches even have a third seal, which is located between the crown and the outer wall of the case. The whole thing is called a Triplock. Rolex has already applied for a patent for this technology. Reliable timepieces made of durable materials and with helpful technologies can ward off sun, water, sand, sweat and cream. With these watches you can withstand the elements.

The right bracelet

Leather straps are classic and popular. But they are particularly sensitive. Unfortunately, they cannot tolerate water or moisture, cosmetics or direct sunlight. The natural material is prone to discoloration, staining and porosity. Leather straps should therefore not even be worn for washing hands, exercising or showering. Patent leather or suede such as velour or nubuck are even worse. Leather is therefore not recommended for the hot season, especially as you tend to sweat underneath. A better choice is metal straps, which are more resistant. Soiling from sunscreen and the like can be easily removed with a fine microfiber cloth. The individual strap elements and the spaces between them can then be cleaned using a cotton swab or a soft brush that has been dipped in mild soapy water. Rinse off any soap residue with clean water and place the watch on an absorbent surface to dry. The dry watch can then be polished with a clean microfiber cloth. For watch fans who do not want to use a watch with a metal strap, rubber is recommended. The natural material is much less sensitive than leather. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should also be avoided, as this can cause the strap to fade. Rubber straps should also be cleaned regularly with mild soapy water and then rinsed with clean water.

The basics of cleaning in summer

Every watch should be cleaned after wearing it in the summer with clean water and a soft cloth or a dry toothbrush to remove traces of sea salt, sand, creams, sweat, etc. No dirt should accumulate between the lugs. Timepieces with a water resistance of over three bar can also be rinsed under running water. However, leather straps should be removed beforehand, as they should not come into contact with water. In addition, cleaning agents can change the color of the leather or leave unsightly marks. Metal cases and straps can be polished with a cotton cloth. Small scratches can be treated with polishing paste. If the glass has been damaged on the inside, however, you should go to a watchmaker. Only they should open a timepiece. Ideally, wristwatches should also be professionally cleaned once a year using ultrasonic cleaning.