1. The Crown – The Gateway to Water Resistance

The crown is one of the most critical functional components of a watch. In most water damage cases, moisture enters through the crown area. Once water penetrates the movement, it can severely affect the overall performance of the timepiece.

To enhance sealing performance, many modern watches use internal O-ring gaskets. Some manufacturers even reinforce the seal by adding an external retaining ring to improve water resistance and durability.

However, daily operations such as winding, pulling out, and rotating the crown for time or date adjustments accelerate gasket wear. Over time, the sealing rubber may age or degrade.

Maintenance Recommendations

• For gold-plated watches, applying a thin layer of clear nail polish on the crown surface can reduce friction between the crown and skin.
• A small amount of silicone grease between the crown and stem tube can improve lubrication and water resistance.
• Stainless steel crowns generally require less surface treatment.
• If possible, choose watches with slightly larger crowns for easier handling and reduced wear.
• For diamond or gemstone-set crowns, avoid dropping the watch. Impact may loosen or damage the setting.

Important: If the crown becomes loose, damaged, or detached, replace it immediately to prevent further internal damage.

3. The Case – Protection Against Corrosion

Sweat contains corrosive elements that can gradually affect the watch case. Full stainless steel cases, typically made from nickel-chromium alloys, offer stronger corrosion resistance.

Semi-steel cases, often incorporating copper components, are more vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to sweat for extended periods.

To protect your watch:

• Regularly wipe the case with a soft cloth after wearing.
• Keep the watch dry, especially in hot and humid climates.
• Consider using a protective case back film or plastic support if necessary.