Wondering Which Watch You Should Wear This Holi? The Answer May Surprise You
3 min read
Holi, the festival of colours, is almost here. But are you still wondering which watch you will pair with your Holi fit? If you are looking for a professional opinion, the answer according to Chandraprakash Pogu, Watchmaker & Founder at POGU Watch Service Centre is NONE!
Water, colours, and even the high-energy environment can put your timepiece at risk. This can prove a nightmare for your timepiece as it can cause permanent damage to the movement as well as the inner workings of the watch. We got in touch with luxury service centre POGU Watch Service Centre to give you some tips on how to keep your luxury watch in the best condition this Holi. Whether you're wearing your watch during the festivities or storing it safely away, here’s everything you need to know to keep it protected.
Should You Wear Your Watch During Holi?
“Ideally, the best way to protect your watch is to not wear it at all during Holi. Luxury watches, especially those with leather straps, delicate movements, or high-end finishes, are not designed to withstand water, coloured powders, or rough handling,” says Chandraprakash.
Choose a Holi-Safe Watch
If you’re set on wearing a watch, opt for a sports watch with high water resistance (ideally 200m or more). Smartwatches may be your best bet as they are designed to withstand water impact as well as other environmental factors. In fact, in a recent Watch Industry Spotlight webinar hosted by Deloitte and Watch Femme pointed out that in 2024, smartwatches have surpassed traditional timepieces in popularity among female consumers. Avoiding mechanical watches and wearing a smartwatch during Holi might be the safest way to ensure longevity and top condition of your luxury watches.
If however, you are keen on wearing a luxury watch, avoid leather straps as they absorb water and colour, leading to permanent stains and damage. Instead, go for rubber or metal bracelets, which are easier to clean. If your watch has a screw-in crown then you must make sure to screw down the crown carefully. This will prevent water from entering the mechanism inside. However, if your watch is a non screw-down crown one, then you must push the crown back into the neutral position.
“Depending on when the watch was serviced last and how old the gaskets are, colour powders and water can seep into the case even if the watch is water resistant. This can cause long term damage to your timepiece. Hence it is important to be very careful with your timepiece during Holi celebrations,” comments Chandraprakash.
Post-Holi Watch Care
Despite precautions, accidents happen. Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving. Post Holi, you may find that your watch shows no apparent signs of damage. In such a case, it is still advisable to take your watch to a service centre as it may be damaged internally.
“If your watch comes into contact with water or colours do not try to clean it yourself. Take your watch to a reputed service centre which will inspect the damage and suggest a deep cleaning treatment accordingly. If your strap is stained or smells from Holi colours, consider replacing it with a fresh one. Even if your watch is working perfectly, bring your watch to POGU Watch Service Centre for a thorough inspection as we can detect early signs of damage once we service the watch,” shares Chandraprakash.
Luxury watches are meant to be worn and enjoyed, but certain occasions like Holi pose a higher risk of damage. Whether you choose to wear a rugged, water-resistant piece or store your timepiece safely, taking precautions will ensure your watch remains pristine long after the celebrations are over.
