How long does a watch last? What you need to know to keep it in good condition for a long time

We all use watches casually. If it's something we bought because we love it, that's even more so, but even if it's something we received from family or acquaintances, we grow attached to it as we use it and want to keep using it for a long time. In this article, we'll explain the lifespan of watches by type and how to extend their lifespan.

Explanation by type: The lifespan of a watch

　This is not limited to us humans, but as long as we exist as physical objects in this world, we will inevitably come to a point where we have a lifespan. This is the same for any expensive or high-performance watch. Any tangible structure will eventually stop working.

　Now, regarding the topic of this article, "the lifespan of a wristwatch," the truth is that it is difficult to give a definitive answer as it varies greatly depending on the type of movement that powers the watch, the number of functions it has, the brand of the watch, and the circumstances and environment in which it is worn.

　Here, we will divide wristwatches into three types and explain the different lifespan guidelines for each.

Battery-powered quartz watch

　The most common type of watch on the market today is the quartz watch. By applying electricity to the quartz crystal inside the movement, it vibrates at high speed, allowing it to maintain a high level of accuracy that cannot be achieved with mechanical watches that use mainsprings.

　When the principles of quartz were discovered and quartz watches first came into practical use, they were about the size of a classroom locker, but technological innovations have led to them being miniaturized to the size of a wristwatch, and they have become commonplace. There is a wide variety of quartz watches, from inexpensive models costing a few hundred yen to luxury models costing several million yen.

　A typical watch with a quartz movement is said to last about 30 years, no matter how well it's maintained. The main reason for this is that it uses electronic circuits. These circuits are very delicate, and if they break, the watch will no longer function. Some manufacturers offer replacement circuit boards, but there is a limit to how long you can do this, and with older watches, the manufacturer often doesn't have the parts in stock.

　However, there are exceptions to this rule for luxury quartz watches designed for long-term use, such as Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Grand Seiko's 9F quartz movement, and Citizen's annual difference quartz watch. These watches have a structure that allows them to be disassembled down to the smallest detail and repaired if broken, and manufacturers often store parts for long periods of time for repairs, so in theory they can be said to have a longer lifespan.

Solar-powered watch that runs on light

Thanks to further advances in technology, solar-powered watches have become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike quartz watches, solar-powered watches do not require periodic battery changes, making them appealing for stress-free daily wear.

　Solar watches are essentially quartz watches with the addition of a power generation function, and instead of a standard button battery, they have a built-in rechargeable secondary battery. Because they are repeatedly charged and discharged, the secondary battery will naturally deteriorate, just like how the battery life of a smartphone deteriorates over time.

　The secondary batteries used in solar watches have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, after which they must be replaced by the manufacturer. Solar watches are marketed as "no battery replacement required," but it's important to remember that even though they last a long time, they still require maintenance.

The most classic and long-lasting mechanical watch

　The basic structure of mechanical watches is said to have been perfected over 200 years ago, and they have a classic mechanism that is powered by winding a mainspring. As a result, mechanical watches have a much longer lifespan than quartz watches, and are often said to be "lifetime pieces" that can be used for generations.

　The main reason for this is that many of them do not have electronic circuits and can be disassembled down to the smallest detail. Instead, because they are completely analog, they will not function properly unless they are regularly maintained. If they are used continuously without being disassembled and cleaned (overhauled), the internal oil will harden and the parts will wear out, and in many cases they will stop working after about 10 years.

　On the other hand, proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your equipment. Even if it does break down, it is often enough to just replace the parts, and with timely overhauls, you can continue using it for decades.

　However, this is only true if the parts are available. However, in the case of domestic watch manufacturers, the parts needed for repairs are only kept in stock for 10 years after production has ceased, and even in the case of general Swiss watch manufacturers, they are kept for only 10 to 30 years. However, this is not the case for "luxury watch manufacturers" in Switzerland and Germany. Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet will basically manufacture parts from scratch as long as you pay the repair fee, so they can repair watches that are decades old.

Daily care is important to extend lifespan

Proper care is important for extending the lifespan of any watch, whether it's quartz, solar, or mechanical. If you use it carefully, it will last a long time, but if you continue to use it improperly, it will quickly malfunction, shorten its lifespan, and in the worst case scenario, it may even become unusable.

　Every time you use your watch, you should remove any dirt that has accumulated. As you sweat, especially in the summer, dirt such as sweat, sebum, and dust will accumulate where the case and bracelet join, and between the crown and case. Gently wipe the entire watch with a microfiber cloth or chamois leather. Dirt containing sweat and other moisture can cause metal parts to rust, so you should avoid leaving it there.

　In addition to the exterior, don't forget to pay attention to the movement inside the case. Whether it's a battery-powered quartz movement or a mechanical movement that requires winding a mainspring, both are made up of small parts, so it's best to avoid rough use that exposes them to constant shocks.

　In addition, direct sunlight can have a negative effect not only on the dial and strap, but also on the movement. The temperature inside the sealed movement can rise due to sunlight, which can cause the oil used in the movement to deteriorate. If you notice any abnormalities, such as a significant decrease in accuracy, it is important to have your watch repaired.