Your Rolex is worth taking care of. You don't need to invest in complicated storage solutions or follow detailed cleaning methods to keep your Rolex in good condition.
Whether you want to display your watch or put it away, you need to protect it from dust, moisture, and oil. With a little care, you can keep your Rolex looking like new for years to come.
Why is it Important to Store Your Rolex Properly?
Your Rolex is an investment that you'll want to keep looking and running great. With proper storage, it can last for generations and retain its value. Storing it in the wrong place or exposing it to moisture, dirt, and dust can cause damage which will affect its performance and may even make it difficult to repair.
Tips for Storing Your Rolex
By following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your watch is protected and looks fabulous for years:
Storage Case
A Rolex storage case is specially designed to keep your Rolex safe and protected from the elements. It helps keep the watch away from dust, dirt, moisture, and extreme temperatures. If you wear your watch frequently, take it off at the end of the day and store it in a soft padding case-- the original Rolex box or anything similar is perfect! For travel, many people like to use a Rolex travel roll, which is specifically designed for carrying watches.
Winder
If you don't wear your Rolex often, it's a good idea to store it in a winder that will keep the mainspring wound. This helps ensure that it runs and keeps accurate time when you choose to wear it. A winder constantly turns the watch in small circles to keep the mainspring from running down. It also helps preserve the life of your watch by preventing the oils from drying out and possibly damaging the movement.
A winder that's enclosed in a case will help protect your watch from dust and moisture. These watch winders come in a plethora of sizes and styles, so you can select one that best suits your needs and the decorative option in your home.
Display Case: If You'd Like to Showcase It
A watch display case is the perfect way to show off your Rolex and also keep it safe. It will help keep dust, dirt, moisture, and oil away from your watch when it’s not in use. They come in a variety of styles and can be placed on a mantle, shelf, or desk. Most of them have a glass lid and a locking mechanism to ensure that your watch is secure. Keep the display case locked at all times.
Wrap In a Soft Cloth and Lock in a Safe For Long-Term Storage
If you plan to keep your Rolex stored away for a long time, the best option is to wrap it in a soft cloth and store it in a lockable in-home safe or a safe deposit box. This will help keep your watch secure and protected from elements. The cloth prevents the watch from getting scratched and prevents dust and moisture from entering the case.
There are electronic or manual locks, depending on your preferences. Electronic locks can use a touchpad or an access code, while manual locks use a key. Store the paperwork and original watch box in the safe with the watch.
Regular Maintenance
Cleaning and servicing your Rolex regularly is just as important as storing it properly. Even if you take great care of it, the oils in the mechanism will break down over time and require maintenance. To ensure that your Rolex stays in good condition, have it serviced every three to five years. While the watch is in for service, your technician will clean and lubricate the inner parts, replace any worn parts, and check that all functions are working properly.
Additional Tips:
Keep the Watch Away From Perfume or Cosmetics
Perfume and cosmetics can be damaging to your Rolex, so it's best to keep them away from each other. They can damage the metal, scratch the crystal, and wear down the mechanisms. If you want to wear cologne or perfume while wearing your watch, apply the scent beforehand or spray it on a cloth to avoid accidentally spraying the surface of the watch.
Avoid Direct Sunlight to Prevent Fading
Storing your Rolex away from direct sunlight is important to prevent the watch from fading. If it's stored in a room where the sun shines directly on it, you should place a soft cloth over it or move it to a different location. This will help maintain its original look and color for much longer.
Wind Your Rolex
Modern Rolex watches are equipped with an automatic winding mechanism to keep them running. However, this system can run down if the watch isn't regularly worn. To keep your watch ticking, wind it every 2 days if you haven't worn it in that time.
Cleaning
If you find that your Rolex has become soiled or oily, gently scrub it with a toothbrush and some gentle soap. This will help prevent dirt and oil from building up on the watch, which can cause it to age prematurely or even start to malfunction. Be sure to dry off the watch completely and re-lube the gaskets after cleaning.
Bottom Line
Getting the most out of your Rolex means keeping it stored safely and having it regularly serviced. Storing your watch properly helps to ensure that it keeps its original look and runs smoothly for years. With a little bit of care, your Rolex can last for generations and become an heirloom piece that you'll be proud to pass down.
For more information on luxury watches, check out more articles on our website.
