How to Care for Your Automatic Watch:

A Guide to Maintaining Hand-Assembled Watches

Daily & Weekly Care

Your automatic watch maintenance starts with simple, consistent care.

Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust, sweat, and fingerprints after wearing. For deeper cleaning, lightly dampen the cloth with clean water — never use alcohol, soap, or chemical sprays. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV exposure can degrade dial pigments or gasket elasticity.

Store your watch in a dry place, ideally in its box or on a soft watch stand. If you own several automatics, rotate them to distribute wear evenly.

Accuracy expectations: a typical NH35 movement runs within ±15 to ±35 seconds per day. Minor drift is normal. If the watch gains or loses more than a minute daily, regulation on a timegrapher by a watchmaker is worthwhile.

Demagnetization: magnetic fields (from speakers, phones, laptops) can affect accuracy. If your watch suddenly gains minutes per day, a professional demagnetize watch service may restore proper timing.

NH35 Service Intervals & When to Act

The Seiko NH35 service interval is typically every 4–6 years, depending on use. Over-servicing is unnecessary; these movements are built for durability.

Signs it’s time for service:

  • Power reserve drops below ~36 hours.
  • Noticeable rate drift (beyond ±60s/day).
  • Moisture under the crystal or fogging.
  • Grinding or irregular rotor noise.

A qualified watchmaker should perform full disassembly, cleaning, oiling, and regulation. Avoid opening the case yourself — this can compromise gaskets and void water resistance.

Pro Tip 2: If your automatic stops after a day of normal wear, test its full wind manually (40 turns). If it still stops early, schedule a service instead of shaking or over-winding.

Crown Handling & Winding

Your watch’s crown controls both time setting and winding. Handle it with care:

  • Screw-down crowns: unscrew gently until it “pops” free. Push and turn clockwise to reseal after setting. Never force it.
  • Push-pull crowns: pull out gently; avoid side pressure.

Safe time setting:

Never set the date between 8 PM and 3 AM — during this “danger zone,” the date wheel engages and can be damaged.

Manual winding (for NH35/NH34/NH38): 35–40 gentle turns restore full power reserve. Do not over-wind; you’ll feel slight resistance when full.

Stainless steel:

Rinse with lukewarm water, dry thoroughly. Use a soft brush to clean links.

Rubber/silicone:

Rinse after saltwater; avoid oils and perfumes.

Storage & Travel

Store watches in their original ModTime box or a padded case.

Keep silica gel inside to reduce humidity. Avoid leaving watches near magnetic fields (phones, laptops, speakers). Sudden temperature swings (sauna, cold water) can cause condensation.

For longer storage, wind the watch monthly to keep lubricants distributed.

When to Seek Professional Help

Watch for these RED FLAGS:

  • Condensation or fog under crystal
  • Sudden large timing deviations
  • Rotor rattle or scraping noise
  • Crown stuck, misaligned, or rough to operate

Stop wearing the watch and contact a qualified watchmaker. Continuing use may worsen internal wear.

Warranty & Responsibility

Each ModTime hand-assembled watch includes a one-year workshop warranty covering manufacturing defects and normal-use operation. This does not cover misuse, impact damage, or unapproved opening of the case.


Disclaimer: Only a qualified technician should open a case or perform pressure tests. DIY water tests or disassembly can permanently damage your watch and void warranty coverage. Always follow local regulations regarding battery disposal, lubricants, or cleaning agents.