Automatic Watch Care Essentials
Wind it, wear it, wash it - What our watchmaker wants you to know
Chandler is the watchmaker at TRASKA. He helps out with QC and handles any service requests that come in from our owners around the world. We have a three-year warranty, and while we’re always excited to have a chance to show off our customer service, Chandler is becoming a busy man, and there are a few things he’d like you to know about caring for your automatic watch that could help save a few visits to the ‘watch doctor’s office.'
Yes, automatic means it charges itself… but you still have to wind it!
“Everyone says, if it’s an automatic watch, I shouldn’t have to wind it, but that’s just not true,” Chandler says. Picture him surrounded by watches in various states of undress, screws, and widgets across the table, bracelet fragments scattered among clasps and screwdrivers, the whirr of automatic rotors in the air mingled with the hum of the dehumidifier.
Yes, your watch is charged automatically by the movement of your hand, but unless you’re exceptionally athletic, the day-to-day movement isn’t enough to fully charge your watch. Wearing your watch without winding it is like keeping the gas tank in your car hovering just above the ‘E,’ sure, it’ll run, but it won’t be the smoothest ride.
Chandler recommends winding your watch 15-35 times at the start of each day of wear to fill up the tank. You’ll be topping it up throughout the day by moving it, so there’s no need for more winding. And as for watch winders, while they can look cool, our watchmaker says don’t bother as they accelerate wear and tear on the automatic function of your watch — no way to get out of winding we’re afraid! Many of the alleged issues that see our watches wind up in Chandler’s waiting room, such as watches running too fast or too slow, or even stopping altogether, are simply because the watches were not properly wound. A few flicks of your fingers in the winding position, and your watch will thank you for it.
Actually wash your watch, a simple soft-bristle toothbrush will do
“I get some disgusting watches coming to me” grumbles Chandler.
Don’t worry, he doesn’t mean yours. TRASKA watches are tough, they’re made for adventure and action. So are you. But you shower after a hard day of hiking or football, don’t you? Your watch deserves the same treatment. A little effort once a week will go a long way to keeping your beloved timepiece pristine.
How to clean your watch? Chandler recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush with some warm water and dish soap. Make sure the crown (or crowns if you have a Venturer or Seafarer!) are screwed down fully, and then brush vigorously, making sure to get into the cracks and crevices of the bracelet. Cleaning like this once every few weeks should be more than enough unless you’re going spelunking in particularly murky waters!
Your watch is ready to last a lifetime
Treat it well, and your TRASKA will be keeping you loyal company for years to come. Watch care is not complex; it’s as easy as wind it, wear it, wash it!