A diamond-set watch is two beautiful things at once: a fine timepiece and a piece of jewellery. Look after both and it will keep its sparkle and its value for years. Neglect it and the diamonds dull, the setting loosens, and the whole piece loses its shine. The good news is that caring for one is simple once you know how. Here is what to do, and what to avoid.
Clean it gently, and regularly
Diamonds attract oils, dust and everyday grime, which is what makes an iced out watch look flat over time. A light clean every couple of weeks keeps it bright. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the case and bracelet, and for the diamonds, a soft toothbrush with a little warm water and mild soap, worked gently around the stones. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth afterward. Skip the harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and jewellery dips unless a professional has said your specific piece can handle them, because they can loosen settings or damage certain finishes.
Take it off for the rough stuff
The quickest way to damage a diamond-set watch is simply wearing it at the wrong moment. Take it off before the gym, swimming, showering, cleaning, gardening, or anything with knocks and chemicals. Chlorine, salt water, sweat, perfume, hairspray and household cleaners are all hard on both the diamonds and the setting. A watch that lives a gentle life stays looking new far longer.
Mind the water
Even if the base watch is water resistant, adding a custom diamond setting can affect that rating, because the case may have been opened during the work. Treat a custom iced out piece as less water resistant than the original, and keep it away from pools, showers and the sea unless you have had the water resistance re-checked after the setting was done.
Check the settings from time to time
Diamonds are held by tiny prongs or channels, and everyday wear can loosen them. Every so often, look closely at the stones in good light, and gently run a fingertip across the surface. If anything feels loose, catches, or a stone looks slightly out of line, stop wearing it and have it checked. Catching a loose stone early is the difference between a quick tightening and a lost diamond.
Store it properly
When it is off your wrist, keep it in a soft-lined watch box or pouch, away from other jewellery that could scratch it. Diamonds are hard enough to scratch almost anything, including the case of your own watch and other pieces, so give it its own space. A stable, dry spot away from heat and direct sunlight is ideal.
Service it like the fine watch it is
Underneath the diamonds is a precision timepiece that benefits from occasional professional servicing, just like any luxury watch. A good jeweller or watchmaker can service the movement and check and tighten the diamond setting at the same time, keeping both halves of the piece in top condition.
Looking after your investment
A well-kept diamond-set watch holds its brilliance and its value, which matters given what these pieces are worth. If you are still choosing one, it is worth reading our guide on whether iced out watches hold their value and, so you buy with confidence, how to spot a fake iced out watch. Every piece in our iced out watches collection is an authenticated Rolex, Cartier or Audemars Piguet set with natural diamonds, and we are always happy to advise on caring for yours. We are Melbourne based and here to help.