If you have yet to enjoy your first encounter with an antique pocket watch, the first thing that impresses you is the fine shape and exquisite manufacture, all done by skilled hands as machines were yet to be invented. These stunning creations do require some TLC and with that in mind, if you are planning to start a collection of vintage or antique pocket watches, here are a few cleaning and care tips to help protect your timepieces.
Cleaning The Timepiece – The pocket watch can be cleaned with suitable metal cleaner and a polish with a soft, dry cloth will bring up the shine. Never use any chemical on the glass face or the casing, as this might ruin the piece. If unsure about cleaning, talk to one of the vintage watch dealers and they would be happy to provide you with advice. If you want the timepiece cleaned internally, they would offer this service; skilled restoration can also be carried out.
Humidity Is Your Enemy – Avoid leaving a pocket watch in a humid environment, as this can lead to discolouration and tarnishing. Place it in a dry place at room temperature, still inside a felt pouch or box to protect it.
Take Care When Winding – Be very careful when putting the winder into gear and twirl the winder carefully. It is best to wind the watch at roughly the same time of the day. This is a very delicate system and should be handled with great care.
Annual Service – This is recommended in maintaining one of those high quality vintage pocket watches for sale. Keep a detailed record of all service sessions, as this will help you get top prices if you ever decide to sell. How to contact a pocket watch technician? Talk to a leading online antique dealer, who receives timepieces for repair and/or service. It is not advisable to allow an unqualified person to dismantle the watch, so do bear that in mind. You might wish to order a book about pocket watch care, which might help.
Cleaning The Chain – This can be removed and soaked in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, making sure to thoroughly rinse the chain in cold water after the clean. This might need to be done on a weekly basis, especially if you wear the timepiece on a regular basis. A soft toothbrush can be used to clean a thin chain.
Safe Storage – When not in use, always leave the watch in a felt pouch and keep it somewhere safe. Avoid knocking the watch, as the very delicate mechanism could easily be damaged if it were dropped, for example. You can find some great pieces with full box and papers; it’s essential that you be able to store the container and those documents as well.
If you are looking to acquire additional vintage timepieces, the best solution is to search online for a leading antique dealer wherein you can view a wide range of quality timepieces, all at very affordable prices.
Wise Long-Term Investment
Acquiring vintage pocket watches is a wise long-term investment that appreciates as time passes and by caring for your collection, its value will steadily increase.
Credited to:askawayblog
