Practical advice from watchmakers to keep your timepiece safe during travel, celebrations, and winter conditions.

The holiday season is one of the most demanding times of year for a vintage mechanical watch. Travel, cold weather, alcohol, water exposure, and irregular wearing patterns all introduce risks that don’t exist during normal daily use.

Whether you’re wearing a family heirloom to Christmas dinner or rotating watches while traveling, a few informed precautions can prevent damage that often only becomes visible weeks later.

1. Cold Temperatures and Mechanical Watches

Vintage watches were not designed with modern temperature compensation in mind.

What cold does

  • Thickens lubricants, reducing amplitude

  • Causes metals to contract at different rates

  • Can temporarily affect accuracy

Best practices

  • Avoid leaving your watch in cars, luggage holds, or window sills

  • Let the watch warm gradually on the wrist before heavy use

  • Expect minor rate changes in winter — this is normal

Sudden temperature shifts are far more harmful than cold itself.

2. Holiday Travel: The Biggest Risk Factor

Most holiday watch damage happens away from home.

Common travel hazards

  • Loose packing without proper protection

  • Impacts inside carry-on luggage

  • Magnetic exposure at security scanners

  • Forgetting to wind or set the watch properly

Safe travel tips

  • Use a padded watch pouch or hard case

  • Never place a loose watch in a pocket or bag

  • If traveling with multiple watches, keep them separated

  • Wind and set the watch only once you’re settled

A watch that survives decades can still be damaged in a single trip.

3. Alcohol, Water, and Festive Environments

Holiday gatherings often combine three enemies of vintage watches: moisture, spills, and distraction.

Key risks

  • Wine or spirits entering through worn crown gaskets

  • Condensation from moving between warm interiors and cold outdoors

  • Hand-washing without removing the watch

Watchmaker advice

  • Assume vintage watches are not water-resistant, regardless of case design

  • Remove the watch before washing hands

  • If liquid contacts the watch, dry it immediately and monitor it

If condensation appears under the crystal, stop wearing the watch and seek service.

4. Magnetism: The Invisible Holiday Threat

Modern holidays involve far more magnets than most people realize.

Common sources

  • Handbags with magnetic clasps

  • Phone cases and wireless chargers

  • Tablet covers and headphones

  • Hotel key cards

What magnetism does

  • Causes hairspring coils to stick

  • Makes the watch run significantly fast

  • Often appears suddenly and dramatically

The good news: demagnetization is quick and usually inexpensive — but prevention is easier.

5. Infrequent Wearing and Power Reserve Issues

During holidays, watches are often worn inconsistently.

Problems this causes

  • Low mainspring torque

  • Reduced accuracy

  • Increased wear if partially wound repeatedly

Best practice

  • If worn: wind fully once per day

  • If not worn: let the watch stop naturally

  • Avoid short, partial winding cycles

Mechanical watches prefer consistency.

6. When Not to Wear Your Vintage Watch

There are moments when caution outweighs sentiment.

Avoid wearing vintage watches during:

  • Snow sports or winter hiking

  • Crowded parties where bumps are likely

  • Cooking, cleaning, or decorating

  • Long airport days with frequent bag handling

Choosing a modern watch for high-risk activities protects your vintage piece for the moments that matter.

7. Post-Holiday Check: What to Look For

After the holidays, inspect your watch for:

  • New scratches or case dents

  • Condensation under the crystal

  • Changes in winding feel

  • Sudden accuracy changes

Early attention prevents minor issues from becoming major repairs.

8. A Final Thought

Vintage watches were built to last — but not to be careless. The holiday season doesn’t require locking them away, only wearing them with awareness. With a few simple precautions, your watch can safely accompany you through celebrations, travel, and family gatherings — and be ready for the year ahead.