How to Properly Maintain Your Watch | Care Tools and Things to Avoid, as Explained by a Pro
![[7 Things You Should Never Do When Caring for Your Watch] Thumbnail of Maintenance Methods I Would Never Do](https://online-watch-academy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/maxresdefault-3-1-1024x576.webp)
"What kind of watch maintenance tools should I buy?"
"Is it okay to wipe my watch with tissues or towels I have at home?"
If you opened this article wondering that, hello.
I’m Fujimoto, with about 30 years of experience in watch repair
To get straight to the point: you don’t need any special, expensive tools, but using everyday items like “tissues” or “old towels” is absolutely a no-no.
The daily care you’re doing with the best of intentions might actually be damaging your watch or cause dirt to accumulate in hidden areas .
In this article, drawing on my experience as a certified watch repair technician,
・Maintenance Supplies That Professionals Would Never Use
・Essential "Wiping" Items
・What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Detergent
・Measures to address invisible risks, such as magnetic interference
We’ll provide a systematic explanation. By reading this article, you’ll learn the proper maintenance methods to prevent shortening the lifespan of your watch, as well as which tools to choose.
Be sure to check out the video that inspired this article as well.
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Table of Contents
Watch Maintenance Tools: What Should You Use for Cleaning?
When it comes to watch care, “wiping” is the basic step, but what you use for this is extremely important.
“That item” that many people tend to use is actually damaging the appearance of their watches.
Tissues and towels are just like abrasives
Just because they’re handy, are you scrubbing your watch with tissues, handkerchiefs, or old towels?
I absolutely never use these when repairing watches.
That’s because tissue fibers are surprisingly stiff, and if you wipe the mirror-polished surfaces of gold or stainless steel with them, leave a faint layer of fine scratches on the surface.
Additionally, lint and fibers from towels can get lodged in the watch’s tiny crevices, causing dirt to accumulate over time.
You need to be careful, as this can lead to a counterproductive outcome where “you intend to clean it, but end up scratching it and clogging it with dirt.”
The correct answer is "microfiber cloth."
In the past, “chamois leather” was the standard choice, but since fibers tend to come loose with prolonged use, modern professionals now prefer microfiber cloths or eyeglass cleaning cloths.
Because these materials have extremely fine, soft fibers, they effectively remove skin oils and dust without scratching the watch’s crystal.
Before buying expensive specialized tools, start by get yourself a high-quality microfiber cloth . It’s the best maintenance tool you can have.
How to Care for Your Watch: Choosing the Right Detergent
For waterproof watches, “washing with water” is an effective maintenance method, but there are pitfalls to consider when choosing the detergent to use.
Smartphone cleaners and hand soap are not allowed
Smartphone cleaners and disinfectant wipes are convenient, but they may contain alcohol or abrasives .
Wiping the glass surface with these products there is a risk , so it’s best to avoid them.
We also do not recommend washing your watch with hand soap or body wash in the bathroom or similar settings.
These cleansers contain moisturizing ingredients; if they seep into crevices, their concentration increases over time, causing them to harden into a sticky, gum-like substance.
It’s actually quite common to open a watch brought in for repair and find invisible crevices completely filled with soap scum.
"Mild detergent" and "a soft brush" are the right answers.
The best way to clean your hair at home is to to use diluted neutral detergent and a soft-bristled brush .
Neutral detergents are gentle on metal and gaskets, and effectively remove sebum buildup.
As professionals, we sometimes use alkaline detergents to thoroughly remove dirt, but these can only be used by professionals who can assess the risk of skin irritation and damage to metal .
If you’re doing this on a daily basis, please choose a safe and reliable neutral detergent.
Countermeasures Against Invisible Enemies That Tools Can't Prevent
It is important to protect your watch not only from physical dirt but also from environmental damage.
Preventing Magnetization
This is more of a precaution than a maintenance tip, but "Do not place it near magnets" is extremely important.
If you place your watch near smartphone speakers, bag clasps, motors, or similar items, the watch’s internal components can become magnetized, causing it to lose time.
Since magnetization is invisible to the naked eye, we always perform “demagnetization” first during repairs, without exception.
This is such a common issue, so please be careful where you store your watch.
Leaving it unused is also a no-no
The idea of “putting it away because it’s precious” is actually not good for a watch.
If a watch isn’t run for a long period of time , the internal oil can seize up, and rubber components such as the waterproof gaskets can deteriorate.
The best maintenance for a mechanical watch is using it in moderation . Running it occasionally helps circulate the oil and keeps it in good working order.
To avoid shortening its lifespan with incorrect DIY maintenance, be sure to put these tips into practice starting today.
最後までお読みいただき、ありがとうございました。
この記事はオンラインウォッチアカデミーの講師である藤本が監修しています。
藤本信和
一級時計修理技能士。1973年東京都生まれ。
大学にて家具デザインを専攻、卒業後ヒコ・みづのジュエリーカレッジ
ウォッチメーカーコースに通い、時計修理の世界へ。
時計店ではあらゆる修理・受付販売などに携わり、
その後東京のヒコ・みづのジュエリーカレッジにて講師として10年間で、
学生とキャリアスクールの社会人約600人に教える。
21年4月より東京都千代田区飯田橋に自身の工房、Foliotを構える。
好きな時計はROLEX。趣味はカーレース(軽自動車の耐久レース)