Many watch lovers ask me if replica watches require different care than regular watches. And this question surprises me because replica watches are very similar to any genuine watch. Unfortunately, many of those who buy a knockoff tend to blame its poor quality. But in fact, it is not the quality that influences (even if that is also a factor of influence) but rather the indifferent attitude towards its maintenance. Yes, replica watches also need maintenance and care. This is what makes them more resistant and durable over time, and what keeps their look fresh and attractive.
So while replica watches do not differ significantly from authentic accessories, taking care of them does not involve anything out of the ordinary. However, it is so easy to ignore caring for them. We are always busy with everything, but not with cleaning procedures and taking care of our accessories. However, if we want them to serve us for a long time, we must be aware that they require a special attitude towards them.
Replica watches may not always be identical to genuine watches. However, their constructions contain dozens of details that work in symbiosis and dependence on each other. In this context, if we omit one of the recommendations I’m going to talk about, we risk triggering a chain of adverse effects on the functionality and look of the replica watch. So, how do you get the best serviceability from your knockoff? How do you extend its life and clean aesthetics? We will find out all right here and right now.
Replica watches need daily care
It is wrong to think that making a professional replica watch cleaning once a year is enough. The truth is that you have to show care every day. There is nothing complicated about it. It is only necessary to form some skills that will become routine actions. These will help the watch to keep on time. The most important thing is to become aware that it is better to prevent the damage than to fix it. I’ll explain what this entails right away.
Make sure of the water-resistance profile
I know dozens of cases where watch lovers take a knockoff and swim in the pool with them the very next day. The watch breaks and the owner didn’t even bother to find out if the watch is water resistant or not. And it’s revolting when the watch becomes faulty right from the first days. Specify with the dealer what the water-resistance profile is BEFORE you immerse your knockoff in water. Many replica watches are only resistant to hand washing. Others can’t even withstand the raindrops that fall on them. So, it is critical to learn all you can about this aspect before putting the replica watch on your wrist.
Not all DIVER replica watches are water-resistant like their authentic counterparts. The water resistance profile depends on the price of the replica watch and its manufacturer. So if the authentic watch is water resistant, this does not mean that its replica counterpart is also water resistant. Only the manufacturer can give you definite information on this subject. It is your responsibility to ask and make sure of the quality of the replica watch you are buying.
Be aware of the magnetic field around the replica watches
Replica watches, like genuine ones, can be sensitive to magnetic fields. Especially if it is a mechanical replica watch. Their balance spring might undergo deviations due to the magnetic field and it is not excluded that your replica watch will stop working or show precision errors. Many watch enthusiasts report such phenomena with their replica watches. But when I ask them where they usually keep their watch, most of them say “next to stereo speakers, or next to the iPad”. It is obvious that the watch will show deviations because it is in a magnetic field that disturbs its balance spring.
In this context, avoid putting the replica timepiece (especially the mechanical one) next to anything that can create a magnetic field. This refers to gadgets, magnetic clasps, refrigerators, and other tools. In the worst case, a watch specialist can solve the damage due to a magnetic field. So, the problem is not critical and irreversible. However, you should know that the magnetic field is one of the factors that influence the functionality and precision of a replica watch.
Dirt- the most common replica watch’s enemy
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to 100% protect your replica watch from dirt and dust. It is always exposed and dirt particles are likely to get inside the timepiece.
In this context, you have to do 2 things. One refers to the periodic cleaning of the replica watch. It is wrong to think that if it is just a replica, it needs no cleaning. Number two: keep your expensive and complicated replica watches away from dirty environments. I think you don’t necessarily have to wear your Vacheron Patrimony replica watch to the beach, do you? Take into account the environment in which you are. If the circumstances do not force you to “be at four hands”, opt for a simpler watch. Keep the sophisticated and expensive ones for solid circumstances, which, as a rule, are even cleaner.
What about direct sunlight?
I bet you never thought you had to keep your replica watch away from sunlight. Of course, this does not mean that you have to wear your knockoffs exclusively at night. That would be a total absurdity. But at least, take into account the place where you keep it. Places near the window are not the most suitable. The sun can pass through the window directly onto the watch. Consequently, it won’t take long until the leather strap will dry out and crack, the colors will start to fade, and the lubricants inside will also dry out. All this leads to premature deterioration and accuracy deviations.
You probably didn’t know, but watches have a certain temperature limit to which they can be exposed. At least, I know for sure that this is valid for authentic timepieces. I assume that it would be valid for the replica ones as well, but only the manufacturer can confirm that for you. Either way, long exposure to direct sunlight must be avoided at all costs, if your goal is to enjoy the replica watch as much as possible.
The crown of the replica watch deserves special respect
We all know that replica watches are a bit more sensitive than genuine ones. That is, the manufacturers do their best to make the knockoffs as firm and solid as possible. However, we can never be sure that the knockoff is as solid in construction as the authentic models. For this reason, we must deal with replica watches carefully and accurately. I am referring especially to their crown.
Agree that many times you are tempted to wind it while your knockoff is on your wrist, isn’t it? Well, it’s not the most correct technique, actually. Winding the crown while the watch is on the wrist could affect its internal construction. This is because you risk involuntarily pulling the crown too hard due to your position in relation to the watch. The most correct way is to wind the crown smoothly and carefully when you hold the watch in your hand.
Can you take the replica watch to a repair center for cleaning?
Many replica watch hobbyists avoid going to a watch service center just because their watch is … a knockoff. They somehow feel insecure and uncomfortable because the watch is not exactly authentic.
How wrong it is to believe this! Watch repair experts have seen replica watches hundreds of times before you come to them. So, you won’t surprise them with anything by having a replica watch.
Ultimately, their responsibility is to clean the watch of dirt and bring it to optimal condition. They don’t really care how authentic or not your watch is.
In this context, you should not feel somehow inferior and you should make a regular appointment for cleaning the replica watch, just like you do with any genuine timepiece. Once you purchase a time-telling accessory, you engage in an act of intermittent maintenance and service, regardless of whether it is a replica or genuine.
The visit to the repair shop does not have to be frequent. Once a year will do if the circumstances do not require it otherwise.
Regarding the periodic cleaning of the replica watch, it is not advisable to do it yourself, unless you are an expert. Knockoffs require more careful cleaning because the materials in them are not as high-quality as the authentic ones. So they are more sensitive to scratches and you can damage them if you don’t know how to clean them properly. In addition, disassembling at home is not exactly a good idea. Your replica watch may have a specific construction. Respectively, you could encounter difficulties in assembling it. In addition, you may need additional lubrication in the internal components. So it’s a task that only a professional should do.
Bottom line
I hope you found something new in this article. As you can see, periodic cleaning is not enough to keep the replica watch in optimal condition. Any accessory, be it glasses, jewelry, or watches, they all need care and maintenance, if we want to enjoy them as much as possible.
Replica watches are not always as long-lasting as genuine ones. This is the price we pay to enjoy an affordable brand watch, even if not original. But with proper care and maintenance, I assure you that their life can be extended. It is important not to forget the PERMANENT caring attitude, and not just once in a while. Thus, the replica watch will serve you for a long time and will have an attractive aesthetic like the first day. If you need help choosing a replica watch, we are here to make the right choice together. Then, you will enjoy it for a long time to come whenever you take into account the recommendations above.