What to Do When You Damage Your Luxury Watch

The luxury of luxury watches isn't necessarily what you find on the outside, but it's more about the insides. They're meticulously crafted mechanical wonders, a culmination of human ingenuity and craftsmanship. For the most part, they're built to last a long time, sometimes generations.

So it's totally understandable to have a bit of a panic when something goes wrong and you ding, dent, scratch, or outright break one.

Of course, accidents can happen no matter how careful you are with your luxury watches. They're worn on the wrist, after all, which means they can be put into harm's way on a fairly regular basis. But what are you supposed to do when the unthinkable happens and you damage your watch? Below, we'll cover a variety of scenarios and offer advice on some good next steps.

When You Damage the Crystal

The crystal of a luxury watch is usually made from sapphire, mineral glass, or synthetic resin. While all of these materials are fairly scratch and shatter-resistant, they're not indestructible. The good news is that most watch crystals can be replaced without too much trouble.

If your watch has a sapphire crystal, you're in luck. These are the most durable type of crystals and can usually be buffed out if they develop scratches. If the scratch is too deep, however, you'll need to have the crystal replaced.

Mineral glass crystals are also fairly durable, but they're more prone to shattering. If your watch has a mineral glass crystal and it shatters, you'll need to have it replaced.

Synthetic resin crystals are the least durable type of crystals used in luxury watches. They can easily scratch and crack, so if you damage yours, you'll most likely need to have it replaced.

When You Damage the Watch Band

The watch band is one of the most vulnerable parts of a luxury watch. It's often made from leather, metal, or fabric, all of which can be easily damaged.

If your watch has a leather strap, it can develop scratches, scuffs, and cracks over time. If the damage is minor, you might be able to buff it out or cover it with a leather patch. If the damage is more severe, you'll need to have the strap replaced.

Metal watch straps can also develop scratches and scuffs over time. If the damage is minor, you might be able to buff it out with a polishing cloth. If the damage is more severe, you might need to have the strap replaced or repolished.

Fabric watch straps are the most susceptible to damage. They can easily tear, fray, or become stained. If your fabric strap is damaged, you'll most likely need to have it replaced.

Luckily, watch straps and bracelets are the easiest components to replace. Many people will often swap out a strap or a bracelet for one they prefer anyways, so if you damage yours, it might be an opportunity to upgrade.

When You Damage the Watch Movement

The watch movement is the most complex and delicate component of a luxury watch. It's made up of hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of tiny moving parts, all working together in perfect harmony to keep time.

If your watch movement is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced by a qualified watchmaker. This is definitely a task for a seasoned professional, as the movement of a luxury watch is a delicate and intricate machine.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you might be able to have the watch movement repaired. If the damage is too severe, however, you'll need to have the entire movement replaced.

This can be a costly repair, as it often requires completely disassembling the watch and then reassembling it with a new movement. But if your watch is important to you, it's worth the investment to have it repaired by a qualified professional.

When You Damage the Watch Case

The watch case is the metal (usually stainless steel) housing that encases the watch movement. It's often the most visible part of the watch and, as such, can be easily damaged.

If your watch case is scratched, scuffed, or dented, you might be able to buff out the damage with a polishing cloth. If the damage is more severe, you'll need to have the case repaired or replaced by a qualified watchmaker.

When You Damage the Watch Dial

The watch dial is the face of the watch, where the time is displayed. It's often made from enamel, metal, or synthetic resin.

If your watch has an enamel dial, it can develop cracks or chips over time. If the damage is minor, you might be able to buff it out with a polishing cloth. If the damage is more severe, you'll need to have the dial replaced or repainted by a qualified watchmaker.

Metal and synthetic resin dials are less susceptible to damage, but they can still scratch or crack over time. If the damage is minor, you might be able to buff it out with a polishing cloth. If the damage is more severe, you'll need to have the dial replaced.

When You Damage the Watch Crown

The watch crown is the knob on the side of the watch that's used to set the time and date. It's often made from metal, synthetic resin, or a combination of both.

It's actually pretty easy to damage a crown because it's usually protruding from the side of the watch. If you catch it on something, it can easily become bent, scratched, or broken.

If your crown is damaged, you'll need to have it repaired or replaced by a qualified watchmaker. This is usually a fairly simple and straightforward repair, but it's still best to leave it to the professionals.

WatchMaxx Has Hundreds of Un-Damaged New Luxury Watches

Fortunately, no matter how badly you damage your luxury watch, WatchMaxx has hundreds of un-damaged new watches to choose from. Whether you're looking for an Omega women's watch, TAG Heuer, or Breitling, we have the perfect watch for you.

We believe that there's no joy quite like feeling the weight of a high quality luxury watch on your wrist, and there's no occasion that's too casual or too formal to warrant one. Whether you're going to the office or hitting the beach, a luxury watch is always the perfect accessory.

So, if you've damaged your watch beyond repair, don't despair. Come browse our selection of un-damaged new watches and find the perfect replacement for your beloved timepiece.