Wristwatches

When choosing a suitable wristwatch, attention should be paid to its strap. Some watch straps are made of fabric, others of metal or leather. Ultimately, the choice of strap is purely a matter of personal taste. However, metal straps can make noise when touched or moved, and during strenuous physical activity, they often leave marks or, in the worst case, even abrasions on the skin.

Questions: Wristwatches

What can be done about scratches on the glass?

Small, shallow scratches in the glass can be treated with toothpaste. Deeper scratches, however, should be carefully treated with special glass polish. With both methods, it's advisable to test the abrasive effect on the glass beforehand on an old, unused watch.

What to do about water stains on a leather strap?

Water stains can be easily removed with a cut onion or a little milk. Simply rub the leather quickly with half an onion or a cloth soaked in milk and then let it dry. Whichever method you choose, it's especially important that the treated area dries thoroughly before applying a leather conditioner.

How do you clean grease stains from leather?

The best way to remove such stains is with a grease-absorbing stain remover spray or try using a leather soap (also called leather rubber).

How do you replace button cell batteries yourself?

To change the battery, you should definitely have a watchmaker's screwdriver to properly loosen the tiny screws that usually secure a retaining spring for the button cell. Depending on the design of the battery holder, the button cell can be easily removed with a watchmaker's screwdriver or tweezers (be sure to use plastic tweezers!). Before disassembling the watch for the first time, you should carefully examine the inside and make notes on the position of retaining springs, protective films, etc., or even take a (macro) photo. You can find out which battery type you need in the instruction manual or, in most cases, from the top of the old battery. You don't necessarily have to use the exact same battery type if it's not currently available: you can use a comparison chart to find suitable equivalents. However, it is essential that the battery dimensions and voltage are the same.

The watch glass is fogged up on the inside, what should I do?

Place the watch in a warm place to dry or put it in a bag of rice, which will quickly draw out the moisture. However, the better alternative would be to take it to a watchmaker to have it cleaned and, if necessary, have the gasket replaced.

On which side should a wristwatch be worn?

Because there have always been more right-handed than left-handed people, the small winding wheel was positioned so that it could be reached and turned with the right, or "strong," hand. However, this only works if the watch is worn on the left wrist. Traditionally, a watch is worn on the left wrist. Of course, you can wear it on whichever wrist you prefer.

What is a helium valve?

The helium escape valve is a pressure relief valve that allows any helium present inside the watch to escape. But how does the helium get into the watch in the first place? This is only relevant for divers who dive either in a diving bell (less commonly) or in a decompression chamber. Due to its significantly smaller molecules (than air), helium settles inside the watch despite the seals. If a dive watch doesn't have such a valve, in the worst-case scenario, the crystal could be blown off.

What is a "Trisnap clasp" on wristwatches?

The TriSnap clasp is a safety clasp. It is a triple-secured (hence the name) (bracelet) clasp, meaning a folding clasp that is almost 100% guaranteed not to open accidentally.