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Watches
COMPLETE CARE & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
Your essential companion for preserving the beauty and function of your timepiece.
Introduction: The Art of Timepiece Care
At YDC Watch, we know your timepiece is more than just an accessory; it represents craft, taste, and heritage. This detailed guide will provide you with sound advice to keep your watch in first-class condition for many years to come.
- Daily wipe-down: After each wear, gently wipe your watch with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove natural oils and everyday dust.
- Fortnightly deep clean: For metal bracelets and water-resistant watches, prepare a mild soapy solution and use a soft toothbrush to clean the bracelet, case, and any crevices. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.
- Non-water-resistant watches: Never immerse in water. Use a damp cloth for the case and a dry cloth elsewhere.
Storing Your Watch
- Keep your watch in its original box or a suitable case when not worn.
- Avoid direct sunlight, extreme heat, or damp conditions.
- For longer storage, use silica gel to reduce moisture.
- Store each watch separately to prevent scratches.
Our precision link removal kit lets you adjust your metal bracelet for a truly comfortable, bespoke fit.
You will need:
- YDC Link Removal Tool (included)
- Soft cloth or watch mat
- Good light
How to Adjust:
1. Preparation:
- Lay your watch on a soft cloth.
- Check for arrows on the inner bracelet showing which way to remove links.
- Note the correct pin size (0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm) for your model.
2. Removing Links:
- Select the proper tool.
- Position the bracelet with the arrow facing you.
- Align the tool with the link hole and apply gentle, even pressure.
- When the pin comes out, finish with your fingers or tweezers.
- Remove as many links as you need for a snug fit.
3. Reassembly:
- Reconnect the bracelet.
- Insert the pin from the opposite side.
- Press in gently until it’s flush.
- Check the join by giving the links a gentle tug.
Safety Notes:
- Work over a towel to avoid losing parts.
- Use steady pressure.
- If anything feels stuck, stop and consult a jeweller.
Refreshing your watch with a new strap can transform its look and make it more versatile. here’s how to do it properly:
Tools Required:
- Spring bar tool (or a small flathead screwdriver with tape on the tip)
- Soft cloth or watch mat
- Replacement strap (leather, rubber, textile, or metal)
Switching from Metal to Leather or Rubber:
1. Preparation:
- Lay your watch on a soft surface.
- Identify the spring bars connecting the bracelet to the watch case.
2. Removing the Metal Bracelet:
- Use the forked end of the spring bar tool between the lug and the bracelet end.
- Gently press inwards to compress the spring bar.
- Slide the bracelet away from the lug whilst keeping the pressure.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Carefully remove the spring bars from the bracelet (keep these if they fit your new strap).
3. Fitting the New Strap:
- If needed, insert the spring bars into the ends of the new strap.
- Position one end of the strap between the lugs.
- Compress the spring bar with the tool.
- Guide it into the lug holes.
- Make sure the strap is securely attached by gently tugging on it.
- Repeat for the other side.
Switching from Leather or Rubber to Metal:
Simply follow the above process in reverse, taking extra care with the metal bracelet end links.
Quick-Release Straps
- If your new strap has quick-release spring bars, just pull the small lever underneath and slide the strap out.
- No tools needed to install – simply slide the spring bars into place and they’ll click securely.
Crystal Protection
- Sapphire Crystal: While sapphire is highly resistant to scratches, it may still chip if caught at just the wrong angle. Try to avoid knocks and keep clear of strong chemicals.
- Mineral Crystal: More prone to scratches than sapphire. You might wish to use a watch screen protector for extra peace of mind.
- Acrylic/Plexiglass: The most susceptible to marks, but minor scratches can usually be polished away with a specialist compound such as PolyWatch.
Metal Bracelet Maintenance
- Stainless Steel: Wash regularly using a mild soap and water. For a brighter finish, use a dedicated steel polishing cloth.
- Gold/Gold-Plated: Very delicate; simply wipe with a soft cloth and steer clear of chemical cleaners, as these could harm the surface.
- Titanium: Corrosion-resistant but still open to scratching. Clean with a mild soap solution and avoid anything abrasive.
- PVD Coating: Remarkably durable, though it can chip. Clean gently with mild soap and water only, avoiding chemicals and abrasive pads.
Leather Strap Care
- Apply a quality leather conditioner every month or two to help prevent cracking.
- Remove straight away if exposed to water, seawater, or a lot of sweat.
- Keep out of direct sunlight, which can speed up ageing.
- Store in a ventilated place; never in a plastic bag.
- With daily wear, it’s wise to replace your strap every 12–18 months.
Rubber/Silicone Strap Maintenance
- Wash regularly with mild soap and water.
- A little silicone lubricant now and then will help retain flexibility.
- Keep away from direct heat sources as high temperatures may cause warping.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, sun cream, and insect repellent.
Swimming & Water Sports
- Only wear watches with suitable water resistance (at least 100 metres for swimming).
- Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the pool or sea.
- Dry carefully, especially between the links and beneath the bezel.
- Never use the crown or pushers when the watch is underwater.
Extreme Temperatures
- Try not to expose your watch to temperatures below 0°C or above 60°C.
- Sudden changes in temperature may cause condensation inside the case.
- If you spot any condensation, see a professional as soon as possible.
Magnetic Fields
- Modern devices can produce magnetic fields which may affect the accuracy of your watch.
- Keep your watch away from speakers, fridge doors, tablet covers and other sources of magnets.
- If your watch starts to gain or lose time rapidly, it may need demagnetising by a professional.
- Water-Resistance Testing: Test once a year, particularly before swimming or water sports.
- Movement Service: Service mechanical watches every 3 to 5 years, quartz models every 5 to 7 years.
- Battery Replacement: For quartz watches, change the battery every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if the display dims or acts erratically.
- Gasket Replacement: Renew the gaskets whenever the case is opened, or every 2 to 3 years.
Accuracy Issues
- Mechanical watches: A daily variance of plus or minus 5 to 10 seconds is quite normal.
- If you notice a larger difference, your watch may be magnetised or could require servicing.
- Quartz watches: A difference of plus or minus 15 seconds each month is standard. More than this might mean the battery needs attention.
Moisture Intrusion
- Take the watch off your wrist as soon as possible.
- Wipe the outside completely dry.
- Place it in a container with uncooked rice or silica gel for a day or two.
- Always seek advice from a professional, even if the watch appears dry afterwards.
Seized Crown or Pusher
- Do not try to force the mechanism.
- Gently try to turn it while pressing inwards very lightly.
- If it remains stiff, ask a professional to take a look.
CONCLUSION: KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE
With the right care, your YDC Watch will become a treasured heirloom for future generations. We take as much pride in supporting you as we do in our watchmaking. For specific advice or professional service, please contact our Support Team at support@ydcwatch.com. Thank you for choosing YDC Watch – here’s to years of enjoyment and precision.
Our Pledge , Your Advantage
48-Day Returns
Wear it, try it, fancy it. Not quite right? Simply return for a full refund, no bother at all.
