Luxury Watch FAQs: 10 Things to Know About Watches
Discover 10 essential things to know about luxury watches, from movements and design to care and maintenance, with clear answers to common questions.
A watch may seem like a simple tool for telling time, but behind its small dial is a world of detail. From the size and shape of the case to the movement inside, as well as the finishing and care it requires, every element plays a role in how a watch works, looks, and lasts. This is especially true of mechanical watches and luxury watches, where each component can contribute to the overall performance, appearance, and longevity of the timepiece.
With so many details to understand, it is natural for watch enthusiasts and first-time buyers to have questions. How does a movement work? What should you consider when choosing a watch? How should it be cared for? And what should you do when something goes wrong?
This guide answers 10 common questions about watches, covering everything from basic functions and design to everyday use and maintenance. Whether you are new to watches or simply want to understand them better, these answers will help you look beyond the dial and appreciate the details that make a watch more than just a way to tell time.
1. What Does Watch Size Mean, and Where Is It Measured?
Watch size generally refers to the width of the case, measured from one side to the other. Common sizes include 36, 40, and 42 mm. This measurement gives you a basic idea of how large a watch is, but two watches with the same case diameter may look very different on the wrist because case thickness and shape also affect their overall appearance.
Another measurement to consider is lug-to-lug, which refers to the distance from the tip of one lug to the tip of the other. Simply put, it shows how much space the watch takes up across your wrist. A longer lug-to-lug measurement can make a watch feel larger, even if the case itself is only 40 mm.
For this reason, if you want to know whether a watch will fit comfortably on your wrist, it is useful to consider both the case diameter and lug-to-lug measurement, rather than looking at the case size alone.
2. Why Are There “Jewels” Inside a Watch?
The jewels found inside a mechanical watch are not mainly there for decoration. They are part of the movement and help reduce friction between moving components. Most are made from synthetic ruby, a hard material that can resist wear and provide a smooth surface for the movement's components.
You may come across specifications such as 21 Jewels or 25 Jewels when looking at a watch. These numbers refer to the number of synthetic jewels used at specific points within the movement to support components and reduce friction.
A mechanical movement contains many small parts that move continuously and work together. By reducing direct contact between these components, jewels help the movement operate more smoothly and can reduce wear over time.
3. Will a Watch Break If It Gets Wet?
A watch getting wet does not necessarily mean it will be damaged immediately. However, if water or moisture gets inside the case, it should be inspected as soon as possible. Different watches have different levels of water resistance, so the term “water-resistant” does not mean that every watch can safely be worn in water.
Water resistance can also decrease over time as the seals inside the watch become worn. Seals are components that help close the gaps between different parts of the case and prevent water and moisture from entering.
If you notice water droplets or condensation underneath the crystal, do not open the case back or try to dry the watch using heat. Doing so could make the damage worse. Moisture trapped inside the case can cause metal components to corrode and may affect the movement.
If you suspect that water has entered the watch, having it inspected by a qualified watchmaker as soon as possible is the safest approach.
4. Can Scratches on a Watch Case Be Removed?
Some scratches can be polished out, depending on how deep they are and the type of surface finish on the case. Light scratches can often be reduced through polishing, while deeper scratches may require more advanced restoration. In some cases, it may not be possible to completely remove a deep scratch without removing some of the surrounding material.
Watch cases can feature different finishes, including a smooth polished finish and a fine-lined brushed finish. When removing scratches, the original surface must be carefully preserved. Incorrect polishing can turn a brushed surface into a polished one or alter the shape of the case.
For valuable watches or cases with complex finishing, it is generally safer to have the work carried out by an experienced watchmaker or specialist.
5. Why Does a Dress Watch Look Simpler Than Other Watches?
A dress watch is designed to have a refined and understated appearance, making it suitable for formal occasions. It often features a clean dial, a relatively slim case, and proportions that work well with a shirt or suit.
By contrast, an everyday watch is designed to be more versatile and practical. It may focus more on durability and flexibility, allowing it to be worn in different situations, from work and travel to everyday activities.
However, there is no strict rule separating the two categories. Some watches have a clean enough design to work with formal clothing while still being comfortable for casual occasions.
Ultimately, choosing between a dress watch and an everyday watch comes down to how you plan to wear it, your daily activities, and your personal style rather than following a fixed set of rules.
6. How Often Does a Luxury Watch Need to Be Serviced?
In general, a mechanical watch may need servicing every 3–5 years. Quartz watches can usually be checked every 2–3 years, with the battery replaced when necessary. Water resistance should also be checked approximately every 1–2 years, especially if the watch is regularly exposed to water or moisture.
However, the appropriate service interval can vary depending on the watch model, movement, manufacturer's recommendations, and how the watch is used. For this reason, it is best to follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule.
A watch service involves inspecting and maintaining the components inside the watch. This can include cleaning, lubrication, and checking the movement to ensure that it is working properly.
For a mechanical watch, the many small components inside the movement are constantly moving. Over time, lubricants can deteriorate, components can wear, and the seals that help protect the watch from water can also become less effective.
Regular servicing can help reduce unnecessary wear and maintain the movement's performance over the long term, rather than waiting until a problem appears.
7. What Is the Difference Between a Solid and Transparent Case Back?
A watch can have either a solid case back or a transparent case back, also known as an Exhibition Caseback. A transparent case back has a section of glass or another clear material that allows you to see the movement inside, particularly in mechanical watches.
A solid case back completely covers the movement, so the mechanism cannot be seen from the back. Neither design is necessarily better than the other; each offers different advantages.
A transparent case back is ideal for people who enjoy seeing the movement and its details, such as gears and other components. A solid case back, on the other hand, provides more space for engravings, patterns, or other details that can tell the story of the watch.
The choice therefore depends on both the design of the watch and the preferences of the person wearing it.
8. What Is Watch Finishing, and Why Does It Matter?
Watch finishing refers to the techniques used to decorate and refine the surfaces of different watch components. These can include polishing, creating fine brushed patterns, and applying decorative details to metal parts.
Although much of this work may be hidden inside the movement, it is an important part of traditional watchmaking. Finishing can reflect the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into a timepiece.
Finishing small components requires precision and skill, as each part must be carefully shaped and treated to achieve a consistent result. This becomes particularly noticeable in a mechanical watch with a transparent case back, where the movement can be viewed from the outside.
These details add character to a watch and allow the craftsmanship behind the movement to be appreciated, even when the components themselves are not directly involved in telling the time.
9. Moonphase and Perpetual Calendar Sound Complicated. What Do They Actually Do?
Moonphase is a function that shows the current phase of the moon, while a Perpetual Calendar is a calendar system designed to display the correct date according to the different lengths of each month.
In simple terms:
Moonphase = shows the phase of the moon
Perpetual Calendar = keeps track of the date according to the calendar
A Moonphase display is often shown as a small window or circular indicator on the dial, representing the changing phases of the moon from a crescent to a full moon.
A Perpetual Calendar is more complex because it accounts for the different numbers of days in each month, including February and leap years, when February has 29 days.
These functions are good examples of how complex a mechanical watch movement can be, combining precise engineering with useful and visually distinctive displays.
10. How Should You Store a Watch When You Are Not Wearing It?
A watch should be stored in a dry environment with a stable temperature, away from excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. It should also be kept away from strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by speakers and certain electronic devices.
This is particularly important for a mechanical watch, as strong magnetic fields can affect the performance of its movement.
If a watch will not be worn for an extended period, it is a good idea to check its condition from time to time and follow any storage recommendations specific to the model. Watches with manual-winding movements or different power-reserve systems may also have specific considerations when left unused for long periods.
Keeping a watch in a suitable environment and protecting it from conditions that could cause damage can help preserve its condition and performance for years to come.
These questions are only a small part of the world hidden inside a watch. From the tiny components working inside the movement to the details of the case, dial, and finishing, many elements can easily go unnoticed. The more you learn about watches, the more you begin to see the meaning behind these small details—and why a watch can be much more than a simple instrument for telling time.
If you want to explore the world of watches in greater depth, meet executives from leading watch brands and connect with watch communities from around the world at Bangkok Watch Week 2026, taking place from 22–27 September 2026 at Siam Paragon, Bangkok.
