Watch Care in Winter – Tips for Leather Straps & Movement

Winter poses special challenges not only for us humans, but also for our watches. Cold temperatures, dry indoor heating air, and moisture can take their toll on leather straps and mechanical movements. So that your wristwatch continues to work reliably and look great even in the cold season, you should follow a few simple care tips. In this article, you'll learn how to protect leather straps, properly care for mechanical movements in winter, and which mistakes you should avoid.

Why leather straps need special care in winter

Leather is a natural material that can react sensitively to changes in temperature and humidity. Cold air makes the material brittle, while heating air dries it out. This can cause cracks or damage the color. Especially with an elegant men's watch or women's watch with a leather strap, it is important to take preventive action early. With the right care, your strap will stay flexible and keep its refined look.

Tips for caring for leather straps

• Avoid direct contact with water, snow, or ice. If your strap gets wet, let it dry slowly at room temperature — never on the radiator.
• Clean the leather regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Use a special leather care product or balm to keep the material supple.
• Wear your watch occasionally with a spare strap made of metal or silicone if you are out in the cold and wet a lot.

Mechanical watches in winter

Not only leather straps, but also the technology inside a wristwatch is sensitive to cold. Lubricants in mechanical movements can become more viscous at low temperatures, which affects timekeeping accuracy. Make sure your watch is not exposed to extreme subzero temperatures for long periods if possible. If you are outside, wear the watch close to your body under your sleeve so it can benefit from your body heat.

Quartz watches and batteries

Quartz watches can also have problems in winter, as cold affects battery performance. If your watch suddenly runs slow or stops, the temperature could be the cause. In most cases, it will start running normally again once it returns to normal room temperature. If not, it's time to replace the battery.

Care of watches in the home

Not only wristwatches, but also wall clocks or mantel clocks suffer in winter from dry indoor heating air. Regular dusting and, if necessary, light re-oiling of mechanical models is important here. Also make sure your watch is not hanging directly above a heater — this can stress the material and affect timekeeping accuracy.

Avoid common winter mistakes

Drying directly on the radiator: leather becomes hard and cracks.
Sudden changes in temperature: condensation can form inside the case.
Spending long periods outdoors: mechanical movements and batteries lose performance.

Conclusion: how to keep your watch in top shape in winter too

With the right care, your watch will get through cold winter days with no problem. Protect leather straps from moisture, keep mechanical movements away from extreme cold, and pay attention to proper storage. That way your wristwatch — whether men's watch, women's watch or wall clock for your home — will remain a reliable companion in every season.

Discover now: Browse our large selection of wristwatches, from elegant men's watches to stylish women's watches, as well as high-quality wall clocks — perfect for you or as a gift in winter.