7 mistakes that are killing your mechanical watch (and how to avoid them now)

Your watch might be running perfectly today… but what happens in 3 years if you don’t give it the care it deserves? A mechanical watch isn’t just a machine—it’s moving art, with gears that beat like a heart. And like any heart, it needs care. Here are the most common mistakes that can shorten its lifespan (and how to fix them right now).

1. Storing it near magnets

Magnetic fields can directly interfere with the escapement and the balance wheel—two of the movement’s most sensitive parts. When that happens, your watch can run fast, run slow, or even stop.

Plenty of everyday items—speakers, phones, tablets, bags with magnetic clasps, even some furniture—can emit magnetic fields strong enough to affect your watch’s accuracy. The fix is simple but crucial: store your watch away from sources of magnetism and, if you’re traveling, use a proper protective case.

Some brands build anti-magnetic protection into their movements, like the Ball Engineer III line, designed to handle industrial environments and extreme situations. Choosing well is caring well.

2. Letting it sit without winding

An automatic mechanical watch runs thanks to its rotor, which winds with the motion of your wrist. If you don’t wear it for a long time, the lubricants inside can settle or degrade, leading to accelerated wear when you start it up again.

If you rotate between watches or don’t wear one often, hand-wind it at least every couple of weeks. A more advanced option is a winder, a device that keeps the watch moving so it doesn’t stop. That not only extends its life, it also helps maintain accuracy.

Remember: a stopped watch doesn’t preserve itself. It quietly deteriorates.

3. Setting the date at the wrong time

One of the most common calendar failures happens when you set the date during the auto-change window. Between 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., the mechanism is transitioning to change the date, and forcing it then can permanently damage the calendar wheels.

The golden rule is simple: if you’re going to set the date, first move the hands to a safe time (for example, 6:00). Then adjust the date calmly. This tiny step can save you an expensive repair.

Knowing how the date mechanism works not only prevents issues—it also deepens your bond with the watch. You know how it lives and breathes.

4. Getting it wet without checking water resistance

Many people think all mechanical watches can handle water. The truth is, water resistance depends on the case construction and its seals. Even a watch rated 5 ATM (50 meters) isn’t meant for swimming or showering.

Before getting your watch wet, check its rating (given in ATM or meters). And if it hasn’t been tested in years, its gaskets may have lost effectiveness. Brands like Vostok Europe offer dive-ready models, but even those need periodic pressure checks.

Avoiding moisture helps prevent corrosion, crystal fogging, and damage to the movement.

5. Exposing it to unnecessary shocks

While many modern watches offer some shock resistance, they aren’t built to absorb intense vibrations—think hammering, hard drops, or contact sports. Strong impacts can knock the balance out of regulation or damage the rotor axle.

What to do? Easy: before working out, doing DIY, or anything rough, take off your watch. And if your lifestyle calls for a tough piece, look at brands like Luminox, built to handle what a traditional watch can’t.

A watch can be an adventure partner, sure—just make sure it’s the right one for the adventure.

6. Skipping regular service

A mechanical watch is like a classic car: it needs periodic service to keep accurate time. Lubrication, ultrasonic cleaning, water-resistance testing, and movement regulation should be done every 3–5 years, depending on use.

Ignoring service can lead to serious internal damage. And even if the watch seems fine, it may be wearing out faster than you think. At Iguana, we can guide you on each brand’s recommended service options.

Investing in service preserves the soul of your watch—and its value.

7. Never cleaning it

Sweat, dust, skin oils… over time it all builds up between bracelet links, on the caseback, and even around the crown. That grime can affect the fit, wear down materials, and irritate your skin.

Clean it regularly with a soft microfiber cloth. For metal bracelets, use a soft-bristle brush and lukewarm soapy water (never hot). Make sure the watch is rated at least 5 ATM before getting it wet, and always avoid abrasive products.

A clean watch doesn’t just look sharp—it runs better.

Give it the care it deserves

A well-cared-for mechanical watch can last for generations. It’s not luck—it’s attention. Give it a few minutes each week… and it’ll repay you with decades of precision and beauty.