Summer. The season many look forward to as a break, a privilege granted by the calendar. Schedules loosen, days grow longer, clothing becomes lighter. But while we take care to protect our skin or eyes from the sun, we often forget that watches too deserve specific care. A timepiece is not just an accessory: it’s a travel companion, a legacy to pass down, a moving memory. As summer holidays begin, it’s essential to understand what your watch needs. Here are some tips for those who love wearing their watch, and taking care of it.
How to protect your watch from the sun’s rays?
The sun is the undisputed star of summer, but it can also be the worst enemy of a fine watch. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can irreversibly damage delicate elements of your timepiece. Light or colored dials can fade or lose their intensity over time, especially if regularly exposed to direct sunlight. Some materials are particularly sensitive. The sun can significantly raise the temperature inside your watch case, potentially damaging some of the dial’s materials.
To protect your watch:
- Avoid leaving it in the sun, for example, on an outdoor table or by the pool;
- Remove it during long periods of sun exposure;
- Whenever possible, keep it in the shade or in a case.
Taking care of your watch after a swim: why rinsing is essential?
The sea is one of the great pleasures of summer, but for a watch, it can be a real test of endurance. Even waterproof models, designed for diving or swimming in saltwater, require prompt care and maintenance. The most insidious enemy? Salt. Microscopic and invisible, it settles everywhere: in the bezel, under the crown, between the case and caseback, around the pushers and in the bracelet. Over time, salt can corrode the gaskets, oxidise even the most resistant steel, and compromise the water resistance of your watch.
That’s why, after every swim in the sea, even with a dive watch, it’s essential to rinse your watch gently with fresh water, without soap or pressure. This simple gesture, done regularly, will prolong the life of the case, maintain water resistance, and preserve the overall appearance of your watch. Also, avoid contact with sand or sunscreen before entering the water, to prevent foreign particles from getting into the moving parts. A well-rinsed watch continues to measure time accurately, even after a plunge into the waves.
Summer straps: Which materials to choose for comfort and durability?
A strap is not just a design element: in summer, it becomes a matter of comfort, durability, and practicality. Eberhard & Co. recommends rubber straps, ideal for resisting humidity and direct contact with water, or stainless steel bracelets, which — although they require the same post-immersion care as the case — offer excellent solidity and versatility. Switching straps can also be a way to reinvent the character of your watch for the summer: sporty by day, more classic in the evening. A small change to adapt your timepiece to your summer rhythm.
How to protect your watch from sand and shocks during holidays?
Sand: invisible, fine, omnipresent. A simple walk on the beach or a poorly folded towel is enough for grains to get everywhere, even into the most delicate parts of a watch. Sand can get between the bezel and the case, wear down the pushers, or get stuck in the bracelet links. And the accidental bumps that come with holidays: suitcases, deckchairs, bags… can pose a real risk, especially for domed crystals or polished cases.
Three practical tips:
- When you’re not wearing it, keep your watch in a hard case or soft fabric pouch;
- Avoid wearing it during non-aquatic sports (beach volleyball, cycling, rocky hikes);
- Clean it regularly with fresh water.
Water resistance check: when and why to do it?
A waterproof watch today may not be tomorrow. Gaskets, essential for water resistance, deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to thermal shocks, high pressure, or external agents (like chlorine or salt). Before going on holiday, a simple water-resistance check at an authorised service centre can prevent important damage. In just a few minutes, the tightness of the case, the quality of the gaskets, and pressure resistance are tested.
A small check-up that can save a precious movement. If your watch hasn’t been serviced in over two years, or if you notice condensation under the crystal after a sudden temperature change, don’t wait: have it checked. Better safe than sorry, especially when it’s on your wrist. Even after the holidays, if your watch has had repeated contact with water, we recommend having the water resistance examined.
The crown: the detail that protects your watch from water
A small detail, often overlooked, yet essential: the crown is your watch’s first line of defence against moisture. A crown that isn’t fully pushed in or properly screwed down (in models with screw-down crowns) is the most common cause of water infiltration, even in new watches.
The right habit:
- Before every swim or water exposure, make sure the crown is fully closed.
- After each adjustment (time, date, winding), check that it’s back in the correct position;
- If you feel something strange (excessive play or resistance), avoid water and have the watch checked.
One second of distraction can compromise years of precision. Checking the crown means protecting your time.
5 practical tips to protect your watch while travelling:
- Bring a microfiber cloth. Perfect for removing sand, dust, or sunscreen with one swipe.
- Keep a small travel case in your bag or backpack. Useful if you want to remove your watch during a flight, at the beach, or during a poolside nap.
- Don’t pack your watch in a suitcase without protection. If you don’t have a travel box, wrap it in a clean, soft cloth or cotton handkerchief.
- Mark your next technical check date in your calendar. Summer is the perfect time to think ahead, for your watch, too.
- Don’t leave it unattended in your hotel room. Better on your wrist… or in the safe.
The watch you choose to take on holiday is not just an accessory: it’s a silent companion, marking memories, accompanying gestures, travelling through landscapes and moments with you. Whether on your wrist during a faraway adventure or carefully stored between a swim and a stroll, taking care of it is a way of honouring the time you live.
