The Journal
How-to tips for your IWC watch
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Anyone can wear a watch, but true timepiece lovers know it’s more than just strapping it on. Join us as The Journal visits watch enthusiast Justin Hast at the IWC Boutique on Bond Street, London, where he tackles your most pressing watch care questions. From winding to cleaning, our six-part “How To...” video series covers it all.
HOW TO WIND YOUR WATCH
Whether winding is part of your morning routine or a nightly ritual, those 20–30 crown twists are key. In episode one, using the Portugieser Automatic and Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, Justin Hast shows you the right way to wind and why you should always take the watch off first.
*Pro tip: For watches with IWC’s 82000-calibre movement, turn the crown anti-clockwise.*
HOW TO SET THE DATE
Never set the date between 9 PM and 3 AM – it can mess with the jumping mechanism. Here’s another trick: set the date for the day before. Want to know why? Tune into episode two with Justin Hast to find out.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR WATCH SAFE
Theft and Mother Nature are threats to your timepiece, but don’t worry. In episode three, Justin Hast offers tips on how to protect your watch from sticky fingers and bad weather, whether at home or on the road.
HOW TO ADJUST YOUR MILANAISE BRACELET
The Milanaise bracelet, seen on select Portofino models, is all about Italian elegance and comfort. Justin Hast shows how to adjust it for the perfect fit in episode four, ensuring your Portofino stays secure and stylish.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR LEATHER STRAP
Your IWC leather strap, handcrafted by Santoni, deserves the same care as fine leather shoes. In episode five, Justin Hast explains how a bit of cream, a cloth, and some common sense can keep it looking sharp.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WATCH
If you wear your watch often (as you should), it’ll pick up some dirt. In the sixth episode, Justin Hast shares a simple cleaning routine – no soap needed, just water and a little effort to keep your watch looking its best.
HOW TO ADJUST YOUR H-LINK BRACELET
Need to resize your H-Link metal bracelet? We’ve got you covered and show you how in a quick tutorial.
HOW TO ADJUST YOUR 5-LINK BRACELET
The same goes for the 5-Link metal bracelet – tune in to learn how to get the perfect fit.