Maintenance and Care

Watches

1. Manual winding watches

• You should wear your mechanical watch every day. If you don’t, make sure you wind it three times a week to keep the wheels moving and the oil flowing.
• Always wind your watch at the same time of day and all the way through, but don’t strain it to avoid damaging the winding. Regularity protects the movement.
• When setting the watch, always move the hands forwards.

2. Automatic watches

• Use the automatic watch regularly so that you always have energy.
• Adjust the strap to your wrist, as too much slack will result in a loss of autonomy.
• If the automatic watch stops due to lack of power, you should turn the crown about 15 to 20 turns at a moderate speed.

3. Chronographs

• You shouldn’t keep the chronograph running all the time. You should only use it when necessary so that wear and tear decreases considerably.

4. Calendar

• Don’t correct the calendar between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., as this is when the calendar’s drag wheel is positioned to trigger the date jump and could damage the mechanism in the event of a correction.

General Tips:

• Before the bathing season, take your watch in for a waterproofness check.
• Never pull out the crown or use the chronograph function underwater, as there is a serious risk of seepage.
• Rinse any water-resistant watch in fresh water to cancel out corrosion caused by salt and oxidisation.
• Use a soft brush to remove small particles of sand from the case and steel bracelets with soap and water.
• Never leave the watch in the sun, as there is a risk of burning the dial.
• Never set the watch while it is on your wrist. The lateral pressure can bend the crown and cause damage to the mechanism.
• Setting the time on mechanical watches that do not stop when the crown is pulled out should be done with quick, short movements; on mechanical watches that do stop when the crown is pulled out, the setting should be done slowly and continuously.
• Never use force when pulling out the crown. If there is resistance, turn the crown while gently pulling it out.
• If there is resistance when winding or setting the watch, it is time for an overhaul and the necessary lubrication.

Jewellery

1. Pearls

• Due to its composition (calcium carbonate, organic matter and some water), the pearl is a very fragile material and contact with detergents, acids, perfumes, sprays and other cosmetics, excessive heat and abrasive products should be avoided.
• To best preserve your pearls, you should only use a damp cloth and preferably, in the case of necklaces, wipe them with an almost dry cloth after each use.
• Not always visible, the string of the necklace weakens with use (exposure to creams and perspiration). Test its firmness regularly, as it’s advisable to re-string your pearls occasionally for safety reasons – for example, every two years.
• Don’t take your pearls to the beach, as exposure to the sun and salt corrode the nacre layers that make them up, making them look dull and creating flaws on the surface. Also avoid the swimming pool, as the chlorine used irreparably destroys the beauty of your pearls.

2. Diamonds

• As the diamond is lithophilic, i.e. it adheres well to grease, it should be cleaned regularly. You should wash it with warm water and anti-grease detergent, using a toothbrush and a container to prevent the loss of any stones that may come loose from the setting during the process. The part of the stone that accumulates the most dirt is the pavilion (the back), so it is advisable to insist on this area. After cleaning, rinse with cold water and wipe with a dry cloth or chamois.
• To clean diamonds properly, you can soak them in vodka for a few minutes, brush with a soft brush and rinse with water.

3. Esmeralds

• We suggest washing with warm water and soap (blue and white, for example), gently using a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt. Alcohol, excessive heat and ultrasonic cleaning should be avoided.
• The emerald should be stored in places that are not too dry and never in random, disorganised contact with other gems, particularly those of a higher hardness (ruby, sapphire, diamond).
• It is not advisable to wear items with emeralds, particularly rings and bracelets, during physically demanding activities (various sports, housework, DIY, etc.).

General Tips:

• When gemstones come into contact with each other, they can be scratched or even damaged, which is why you should store them separately in their case.
• When performing domestic or sporting activities, you should remove your jewellery, as shocks can deform its structure and scratch or break the gems.
• You should periodically take your jewellery to your jeweller for a thorough cleaning.
• Protect pearls from strong heat and excessive sun exposure, as they can dehydrate.
• Pearls should be kept separate from other jewellery and stored in a velvet or silk-lined case for better protection.
• Please note that perspiration itself can be harmful to pearls, so take care to clean them with a soft cloth dampened with water after use.