Preserving Your Time-Honored Tradition

Watches have a remarkable ability to survive generations and tell us stories about personal accomplishments, families, and individuals who wore them. They have a tendency to symbolizes something more than just a watch that tells time; this is one of the beautiful things about them. Their ability to survive and be passed down from generation to generation is what I like to call a Time-Honored Tradition.

If you ask anyone who has inherited a watch from their father, they almost always say that it is their most prized possession. And for good reasons too. Many will speak about how it reminds them of a man who loved his family, worked hard, and did what he had to do to provide. Many will talk about how they wear his watch every day or place it on their desk as a constant reminder of his life. Many will recount how it reminds them of their father's love and all the good times they shared. Regardless of what they say about their father's watch, it becomes such a profound memory of the man that many get emotional when speaking about it.

Timepieces, particularly a father's timepiece, become a symbol of his legacy when passed down from generation to generation. This is why you need to take care of your watch. Not so much for yourself, but for your child who undoubtedly will receive it. To help you do so, I have designed a few simple but essential tips to follow. They are not all just industry-standard either. Over the years, I have learned these through experience and trial and error. Quite frankly, through a few of my own damaged watches too. They were designed to help ensure that your watch continues to perform as well for your child as it did the day you bought it. They were designed to help ensure your own Time-Honored Tradition.

My tips are:

1. Keep your watch wound

An appropriately lubricated and wound watch will work better and longer by helping spread the lubricants inside. It's an excellent habit to ensure your watch is suitably wound from time to time to maintain the lubricants' viscosity. On the flip side, if your watch is unused for long stints, its lubricants may harden and cause damage to the gears inside. The bottom line is to avoid letting your watch sit idle for long periods. This is true for mechanical (manual) watches that need to be wound by hand and automatic (self-winding) watches.

2. Don't wind your watch on your wrist.

Accessing the crown while the watch is on your wrist creates unnecessary pressure on the stem and makes it more prone to break. Always take your watch off to wind it. But don't ever wind it walking down the street or over a hard surface such as a tile floor. That is precisely when the watch will slip from your hands, or at least when it slipped from mine. Wind it over a soft surface such as your bed or while sitting on the couch.

3. Keep it clean

Let's face it, a dirty watch doesn't look good. Not to mention small particles of debris can work their way inside the case. You can help preserve its luster and longevity by cleaning it occasionally with a microfiber cloth. You can also wash the case and bracelet (except leather straps) from time to time using mild soapy water and a soft brush.

4. Take advantage of your warranty

Declan James Watch Co. warrants its watches from manufacturing defects for life absent problems caused by misuse, neglect, or as a result of normal wear and tear will. Nonetheless, if you have a problem with your watch, let us know, and we will make sure it gets taken care of for the next generation.

5. Changing your straps should be done carefully

Changing your straps can often lead to a scratched case if you're not experienced. One of the easiest ways to scratch your watch lugs or another part of the case is to try changing a strap without the proper tool. Using a springbar tool and never a knife can reduce the chance of scratching the lugs or other parts of the case.

6. Service is essential

Lubricants do dry or congeal over time. Like a car, a mechanical watch needs to be lubricated regularly to keep it running smoothly. Over time, the oil will deteriorate, and friction between the movement's parts will increase, causing abrasion and making the watch less accurate. The friction can also create a very fine dust that will act as an abrasive on the watch's moving parts. A mechanical watch needs to be serviced regularly. You should consider serving your mechanical watch every three to five years.

On the other hand, quartz watch movements do not need nearly as much maintenance as mechanical ones do. Expensive quartz analog watch movements should have their gear train lubricated every eight to 10 years. That's because they have far fewer moving parts. Usually, the most quartz watches require is it be cleaned of accumulated dirt when the case is opened for a battery change.

7. Enjoy your watch

Your watch is meant to be worn, so wear it. Wear it every day and enjoy it. Someday it will become your child's, and they will have nothing but fond memories of you and your watch.