As watches age, they are susceptible to changes in condition, such as fading or discoloration. If this happens, there are ways to easily restore the color of a faded watch. Even high-quality watches are not immune to the risk of fading, especially as they get older.
However, faded color doesn’t mean the watch is no longer usable. Follow the guide in this article to understand how to restore a watch’s color when it has changed.
Causes of Fading Watch Color
Several factors can cause a watch’s color to fade. Here are some potential causes.
1. Sun exposure
The strong UV rays from the sun can affect the color of the materials used in watches, especially those with straps or cases made from plastic, rubber, or leather.
This fading process is often referred to as fading. Prolonged sun exposure can damage the color coating or pigments on the watch’s surface.
Read more: How to Clean A Luxury Watch Dial and Bezel: A Comprehensive Guide
2. Sweats and oils from skin
Sweat, which contains salt and oils from the skin, can also cause the color of a watch to fade. When wearing a watch for an extended period, sweat that touches the watch surface, especially the strap, can wear away the color and alter the watch’s appearance.
3. Rough handling
When a watch is frequently exposed to friction or used in activities that require heavy movement, it can wear away the color layer on the watch’s surface. Especially with watches that have painted or colored outer layers, such friction can cause the color to fade quickly.
Preparation Before Cleaning Your Watch
Before restoring your watch’s color, there are a few preparations to make. Here are the steps.
Identify the Watch’s Material
First, identify the material used on the watch. Different materials require different care methods. For example, watches with leather straps require more careful cleaning using a soft cloth and specialized leather cleaner.
On the other hand, stainless steel watches can be cleaned more easily using mild soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
Read more: What Are Corrosion-Resistant Materials Used in Luxury Watches? Here’s the List
Tools and Materials Needed
Next, gather the tools and materials needed. Make sure that the tools and materials you use won’t damage the watch’s material.
Some of the tools that should be prepared are microfiber cloths, a soft brush, a soft toothbrush, and cotton buds. You may also want to prepare a specialized watch cleaning spray if available.
How to Clean and Polish Watches Based on Their Materials
To restore the color of a faded watch, you need to adjust your method according to the watch’s material. Check the following information to understand the differences in cleaning metal and rubber watches.
Metal Watches
Metal watches here refer to watches made from stainless steel, gold, or metal alloys like titanium. To clean these watches, start by using a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the watch’s surface.
After that, mix a little dishwashing liquid with warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the hard-to-reach areas, such as the gaps between the metal strap links. Be gentle to avoid damaging the metal surface.
Once you’ve cleaned the dirt and oils, the next step is to restore the metal’s shine using a special watch polishing liquid.
Apply the polish to a clean cloth, then gently rub it onto the metal surface in a circular motion. This will help restore the faded color and give your watch a new shine.
Read more: 4 Easy Ways To Clean Stainless Steel Watches
Rubber or Silicone Watches
Start by washing the rubber strap with warm water mixed with a little mild liquid soap. Mild liquid soap is effective at removing oils and dirt that may have built up. Use a soft toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas or areas with many grooves, such as patterns or textures on the strap.
If the rubber strap looks dull or yellowing, you can use a special rubber cleaner or baby oil to restore moisture and color to the strap.
To do this, apply a small amount of baby oil to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the surface of the rubber strap. Baby oil helps restore the shine and color of the rubber strap gently.
After cleaning, rinse the strap with clean water to remove any leftover soap or cleaning products. Then, dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.
Tips for Maintaining Watch Color to Prevent Fading
While a faded watch can be restored, it’s better to prevent fading in the first place. Here are some tips to keep the color of your watch from fading.
1. Avoid direct sun exposure
One of the main factors that can cause a watch, especially those made of rubber, silicone, or plastic materials, to fade quickly is prolonged direct sun exposure.
UV rays can damage the color coating and the materials of the watch, making it dull or yellowing. So, try to store your watch in a shaded area and away from direct sunlight when not in use.
2. Avoid contact with chemicals
Chemicals found in products such as perfumes, lotions, household cleaners, or harsh chemicals can damage the protective coating and color of the watch.
Avoid wearing your watch when applying chemical products like perfume, hairspray, or cleaners. If your watch comes into contact with chemicals, immediately clean it with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid further damage.
3. Clean regularly
Dust, dirt, and oils that build up on the watch can affect its appearance and cause the color to fade over time. Therefore, it’s essential to clean your watch regularly.
Use a microfiber cloth or a soft toothbrush to clean your watch periodically. For watches with rubber or silicone straps, clean them with mild liquid soap and warm water, then dry with a clean cloth.
These are some tips or ways to restore the color of your faded watch that you can try yourself at home easily.
If you’re not confident about cleaning your watch on your own, it’s better to ask a professional. Additionally, if your watch is damaged, it’s best to take it to a trusted service center, such as Luxehouze. Luxehouze currently offers watch servicing, including inspection, polishing, battery servicing, and more.
Not only that, at Luxehouze you can also find watches from various brands, all guaranteed to be 100% authentic and available at the best prices. So, don’t hesitate to visit Luxehouze!
