Cartier watches are one of the most well-known luxury timepieces, and for a variety of good reasons; not only are they a symbol of timeless elegance, but they’re also a great investment.
This is why it’s crucial to practice proper care and maintenance to ensure the timepiece’s beauty, functionality, and, most importantly, value is preserved. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best ways to care for your Cartier watch to maintain its value and more.
The foundation of longevity: practicing regular cleaning and maintenance.
If you want to make sure that your Cartier watch retains its beauty and functionality, then it’s paramount to consistently clean and maintain your timepiece. Dirt, dust, sweat, and many other impurities accumulate over time, which affects not only its beauty but also the mechanical components of your watch. Here are a few things you should practice:
Gentle cleaning. One of the easiest ways to clean your Cartier watch is to wipe it with a soft, clean cloth. Use a damp one with mild soap and water and wipe gently, making sure to avoid hard chemicals since it can erode or damage the finishes and materials of your watch.
Bracelet cleaning. One key area you should also focus on is the bracelet since dirt and grime tend to accumulate in between the links and crevices. A good way to clean this part is by using a small, soft-bristled brush to scrub away the impurities. If you have a metal bracelet, you can also use a mild soapy water solution as your cleaning agent; just make sure to dry your bracelet thoroughly afterward.
Crystal care. Cartier watches’ crystals are prone to scratches, so as much as possible, avoid contact with abrasive surfaces. If it happens to be scratched, you can either have it polished or replaced at any authorized Cartier service center.
Check for water resistance. If you have a water-resistant Cartier watch, make sure to drop by an authorized Cartier service annually to have it checked. Like most of its parts, even the watch’s water resistance feature can degrade over time, especially its gaskets and seals. Repairing your watch’s damage due to water infiltration can cost you a lot; getting your watch checked regularly prevents it from being so.
Professional servicing. Speaking of heading to authorized Cartier service centers, make it a habit to schedule regular servicing every 5 years, depending on your model. This is a crucial maintenance step to preserve your Cartier watch. A professional would disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble your watch, making sure it’s at its peak performance.
Proper handling and storage: preventing wear and tear.
Aside from regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s equally important to store your Cartier watch properly. There are several handling techniques you can adopt to minimize wear and tear and prevent damage so that your timepiece remains in excellent condition.
Avoid impacts and shocks. Cartier watches are delicate devices, so it’s best to avoid wearing them if you have any intense activities that could expose your watch to shocks or impacts, like sports or labor.
Store safely. When not in use, make sure to store your Cartier watch in its respective watch box and pouch to protect it against dirt, dust, and scratches. Avoid storing your watch in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight since it could damage it.
Avoid storing near magnets. Magnets also affect your Cartier watch’s accuracy, so avoid placing it near strong magnets like TVs, speakers, or other electronic devices. If you think your watch has been magnetized, schedule an appointment at any authorized Cartier service center to have it demagnetized.
Practice proper bracelet adjustments. When wearing your watch, make sure that it fits snugly on your wrist, not too loose or too tight. If it’s too loose, it might get caught up in something, which could lead to damage, but wearing it tightly can cause discomfort. To get the best fit, you can have your Cartier watch adjusted at authorized service centers.
Do not force the crown and pushers. Setting the time and date can be tricky sometimes, but you should keep in mind not to force the crown or pushers. Turn them gently to avoid over-winding the mechanism, and if you feel a bit of resistance, head to the nearest authorized service center.
Documentation and Authentication: maintaining resale value and authenticity.
Given their timeless elegance, Cartier watches can become family heirlooms or can be sold later on. This is why it’s important to also maintain proper documentation on top of regular care so you could preserve its resale value.
Keep original documentation. Keep all the original documents like the watch’s certificate of authenticity, warranty card, and instruction manual to prove your timepiece’s authenticity. Purchase receipts should be stored alongside these documents since they also double as your proof of ownership.
Store service records. Detailed records of your Cartier watch, like the services performed on it, as well as a description of the work and receipt, should be kept safely. This serves as your proof that the watch is well-maintained, thus enhancing its value.
