Summer, holidays, a break away from the city. The direction has long been set – a relaxing beach vacation by the water. As you get ready, make sure to pack all the essentials. Of course, you can't forget your favorite watch – not only to look stylish but also to be able to quickly check the time without having to dig around your bag for your phone. But wait, is wearing a watch at the beach a good idea? Can sand damage the case or the movement? Before you hit the sandy shores, give this article a read!

The beach, sand and a watch – what's good to know?

The beach poses a challenge for watches, smartwatches and other accessories. The combination of sand, water and sun makes it one of the more hostile places where damage is prone to occur. When you bring a watch to the beach that isn't well-suited to handle these conditions, you're exposing it to extreme tests that may eventually lead to damage.

Wearing a watch on the beach and the risks involved

Wearing a watch to the beach is just asking for trouble. You might be like, "Nah, it doesn't concern me, I always keep an eye on my stuff". But the truth is, there are lots of situations at the beach that can mess things up. Firstly, the salty water and moisture can stick to your watch, taking forever to evaporate. Secondly, the sudden switch from cool water to blazing sun can mess with your timepiece due to the sudden temperature change. And don't forget the pesky sand – it's everywhere, ready to sneak into your watch.

Even if your watch manages to withstand water, moisture, shocks, impacts and heat, there's still sand. Sand is everywhere, especially when the wind picks up. Not to mention the risk of inadvertently touching the watch with sand-covered fingers while building sandcastles or playing ball. The rough sand grates against the screen, scratches the protective glass and finds its way into the tiniest gaps in the case, bezel, and crown, causing damage to delicate materials. It can even disrupt the movement. 

You know how it goes. Just a split second of not paying attention, and before you know it, you're shaking the sand off your clothes. But guess what? The sand sneaks into every nook and cranny of your watch, making itself right at home, putting your precious device at serious risk. 

Is sand harmful to watches?

The answer is a definite yes. Sand can be quite harmful to watches, especially those that lack high water and dust resistance, protective-locking mechanisms, and features like screw-down crowns and lugs. Furthermore, watches made from delicate materials such as leather, plastic, or basic metal are particularly susceptible to rapid deterioration when exposed to sand. 

When hitting the beach, choose sturdy and durable watches that come equipped with silicone straps, rubber straps or bracelets. If you're curious about how to efficiently get rid of sand that might find its way onto your watch bracelet, check out the article below.

When sand finds its way into a watch, you can expect more than just sand in the case. Prepare for malfunctioning buttons, unpleasant grinding noises and possibly a broken movement. Even a visit to the watchmaker might not fully restore its proper timekeeping.

This is why it is so important to prevent such situations. Take care of your watch at the beach and if you are unsure whether your watch can handle the sand and saltwater, it's best to play it safe and leave it in a secure place for those few hours. Tuck it deep in your bag, leave it at home, or stow it in the car glove box.

What kind of watch to wear to the beach?

The case is quite different when it comes to sports watches, especially military, diving and outdoor watches. They not only feature high water resistance but also offer protection against shocks, mud and dust, just like some G-SHOCK watches. If you want to wear a watch to the beach, go for the following brands - traser®, Luminox, Balticus, Ball or Victorinox. These brands offer watches that are better equipped to handle unfavourable conditions, reducing the risk of damage. Not only are these watches more durable, but they are also easier to clean, which is a definite plus when you're dealing with sand and saltwater. What's more, the possible repair costs at a watchmaker are much lower than for fixing completely damaged watches.

Cleaning watches after the beach – head to the professional watch service

Is it a good idea to wear a watch to the beach? Yes, but only if it's an outdoor watch specifically designed for such environments. Keep in mind that even sports watches designed for outdoor use aren’t immune to the potential hazards of sand. Failing to thoroughly clean any watch after exposure to sand can result in permanent damage. If not taken care of, timepieces may not perform well in tough survival situations or extreme conditions down the road.

Do you want to make sure your watch has been thoroughly cleaned and works flawlessly? Take care of your watch not only after the beach. Have it serviced regularly by a professional watchmaker!