You’ve just received your new wooden engraving watch and want to hold it and love it just as you would a newborn. It can take a tremendous amount of use but just to make sure that it will stand the tests of time, we have a few tips to make sure it can last for the ages.

CLEANING PROCESS

Keeping your precious wooden watch clean and free from dirt and dust is essential for keeping it functioning for many years to come. We understand that most people rarely take off their watches in fear of losing it or simply because they feel naked without it on, which we totally understand. Your watch comes in contact with so many things each day and all of the little gaps and crevices can easily pick up dirt and debris that can be harmful if not cleaned on a regular basis.

1. Cleaning the wooden dial

• Mix a teaspoon of olive oil and lemon juice into a small platter and mix well. (This will help sanitize and clean the case to the oils and dirt that it has been exposed too.)

• Once they have mixed, take a q-tip or soft cotton cloth and gently apply to the wood part of the watch. If your watch was engraved on the back, it is important clean that area out as well because debris can easily be trapped inside.
• After it has been applied to all of the wooden parts (exterior pieces only), wipe away excess residue with a dry and clean cotton cloth.

If you haven't read about the basic preservation for wooden items, please visit here

2. Cleaning the leather straps

SETTING TIME

Many people are unaware that it is important to set the time correctly to keep the mechanics and movements functioning the way they are meant to be. Follow the simple steps below and you will be all set:

1. When setting the time, take your watch off your wrist to minimize stress on the crown.
2. Gently pull out the Crown from its locked position.
3. Rotate the Crown away from you until you arrive at the correct time. DO NOT set the time going counter-clockwise. (Going the reverse direction can have a detrimental impact on the interior movements.)

EXTREME HEATING RISK

Whether the watch is wood or not, it is important to keep it out of extreme hot or cold temperatures. With wooden watch, this is even more crucial because wood can splinter, become brittle, or dry out when exposed to these temperatures. This is a natural reaction of the material and is not a defect, and we highly recommend not leaving it out in your car in the middle of winter or summer. These extreme temperatures can also cause the movements to slow and cause your time to be off.

WATER RESISTANCE – WATER PROOF?

Although wooden watches can withstand the typical splash of water from washing your hands or doing the dishes, we do not recommend complete submersion in water. Wood is a natural and organic material and can deteriorate if overexposed to water like many other things. If it is submerged completely in water we suggest drying it with a soft cotton towel right away. All time-pieces have a thin water resistant resin applied to them to help preserve the quality of the wood and repel water.

There is a big article relating to Water Resistance you can refer to.

STORAGE PLAN

It is important to store your watch properly whether you are traveling or taking it off before you go to bed. If you simply put your watch in your suitcase with no layer of protection, the likelihood of the case and strap getting scratch or chipped is high. When storing your watch while traveling or a lengthy period of time, we suggest storing it in the storage box that it arrived in. If you take it off to sleep (we recommend you do) then do not put on the nightstand where it can easily be knocked off, water spilled on it, or your dog could snatch it. Put it somewhere safe like on top of your dresser, in a dresser drawer, or a watch box. This will help preserve case and mechanics and keep it safe from a potential “accident.”

This is the end of our guideline, hope you always have the most beautiful wooden watch.