Maintenance and care To ensure many years of trouble free operation from your watch we strongly recommend the the following watch care tips be observed:

• Do not operate or push-buttons under water or while the watch is wet.
• Tighten any screw lock crown completely.
• Should the watch become wet, dry it immediately.
• If the watch comes in contact with salt water be sure to rinse it off with warm fresh water to remove any trace of salt otherwise salt water corrosion quickly will occur.
• If the watch comes in contact with chemicals or corrosive materials (farm workers note) the watch should be thoroughly cleaned to remove all traces otherwise chemical corrosion will occur. This can be a problem for hairdressers because of the chemicals they are exposed to.
• Do not wear your watch in the shower, spa or hot pools. No matter what the water resistance rating. Hot water will damage the seals.
• Do not place a watch in a bathroom while showering as the temperature difference can cause steam to be drawn into the case of the watch. Corrosion will occur.
• If the watch does get wet inside do not store it in a closed container. Take the watch immediately to a jeweller or watchmaker for drying out otherwise the watch will corrode.
• Replace batteries as soon as possible as they can leak causing corrosive internal damage to the watch. A good test on digital watches is that if the display fades while operating the light then the battery is due for replacement. Analogue watches will stop overnight if not worn on a cold night.
• On battery change a watch with a rating greater than 30 metres will need a pressure test to validate the water resistance rating.
• The push-buttons and crown of a watch are precision parts that require regular maintenance. These parts also have rubber seals that need regular lubricating and cleaning. The push-buttons and crown of a watch should be cleaned and lubricated at least every two years to reduce wear on these parts and to assist water security. Ask for these to be cleaned when you get the battery changed.
• Watches used for scuba diving should be tested every six months for water security
• Watches should be cleaned and lubricated every 5 years. The oils used in watches gel with age which will eventually cause the watch to stop. The oils also accumulate dirt which will accelerate the wear of the moving parts.
• Regular cleaning of metal watch bands is important, not only for your own personal hygiene but for the person that eventually will change the battery on the watch. This can be done with a mild detergent, warm water and an old toothbrush. Ensure the watch is 50 metres or greater.
• Velcro Straps can be removed and washed in a washing machine. Stains can be removed by soaking in Napisan.
• Do not play sports while wearing your watch. Damage to the case and glass may mean that the watch is no longer secure from water damage.

Battery Change: It is always best to have the battery in your watch replaced at regular intervals to reduce the risk of damage to the movement from leaking fluids from an expired battery. A flat battery has a greater chance of leaking fluids that can result in expensive repairs. Usually the acid fluid from the battery will track up the contacts into the movement making it necessary for the movement to be replaced. As soon as the battery is flat have it replaced by your jeweller. Christies give a 12 month guarantee on all of their replacement batteries. If your watch is water resistant, be sure to have the gaskets replaced and the watch water tested at the same time.

Rust on Metal Bands: The metals used for watch bands vary from stainless steel, silver, gold and others. All of these metals have a high resistance to rust. Among these metals, stainless steel is used more in quantity than other metals due to its high workability and durability as well as its beautiful look. However these fine properties of stainless steel are not effective unless used correctly.

The "stainless" property of stainless steel is due to an oxide layer, chromium oxide or the like covering the surface of the metal. This oxide layer is liable to cause rust if the amount of oxygen become short. Dust or dirt will affect good exposure between the oxide layer and oxygen. At the same time, salt or fatty acids contained in perspiration will cause rust on a stainless steel strap. Accordingly, please remember to keep your watchband clean at all times and in the fresh air when ever possible.

Proper Care of the Band: As the watchband touches the skin directly on your watch, it becomes dirty easily with perspiration and dust. Many watch owners are not aware of the necessity of keeping the watch case and band clean. Perspiration or dust absorbed by the a leather band, in particular, can cause a breakdown of the leather reducing the life of the strap. In the case of metal bands, perspiration and dust sticks more easily due to its structure. The use of a contaminated watch band will not only reduce the life of your bracelet and connecting pins, but may also soil clothing that it may come in contact with.

Care of Metal Watch Bands: After moving the metal bracelet from the watch, use a soft brush and warm soapy water to clean the bracelet. Be sure to rinse thoroughly in clear water and completely dry it before reinstalling it on your watch. If you have a large amount of perspiration on your wrist while wearing the watch, the band must be completely dried out with a soft cloth as soon as possible. Allowing perspiration to accumulate will cause the finish to dull and may even cause damage to vital components of the bracelet. Do not use chemicals such as paint thinner when cleaning your watch. This may damage the finish and cause irritation to the skin.

Care of Leather Straps: A leather strap is more susceptible to damage and premature wear from moisture than a metal band. A leather band may be damaged if moisture or perspiration is allowed to remain on or saturate the band. You should wipe both the inside and outside of your strap daily with a soft dry cloth to remove collected contaminants. If your watch becomes saturated with moisture be sure to allow the strap to become completely dry before wearing the watch again.

Care of the Rubber Strap: As the watchstrap touches the skin directly it can become soiled easily with perspiration or excess oils. Periodic cleaning of the rubber strap is recommenced. Using an old tooth brush and a mild detergent thoroughly cleanse the inside and outside of the strap. Completely rinse off any soap residue and then thoroughly dry the strap. After exposure to salt water rinse the strap in clean water as soon as possible. Some people even use a rubber protectant to keep the strap soft. The softer and dryer the strap the longer it will last.