How do you wind an automatic watch?
An automatic watch is made up of several hundred small parts that activate its mechanism. Winding an automatic watch is essential to ensure the proper functioning of this horological marvel. To learn how an automatic watch works, follow our advice and learn how to wind your timepiece.
Why wind an automatic watch?
A mechanical watch can be either manual or automatic. For both types of watches, the operation is the same. During winding, the mainspring barrel compresses the spiral spring. This movement allows the system to store the energy necessary for the watch to run.
Energy is supplied slowly and steadily to keep the hands moving. Therefore, watches must always be wound; otherwise, they cannot function accurately.
What do you need to know about winding an automatic watch?
To wind a manual mechanical watch, you turn the crown by hand. This small part, located on the side of the watch, drives the mainspring barrel to compress the spring. With a self-winding mechanical watch, the system is quite different. To wind an automatic watch, the rotor turns independently thanks to the movements of the wearer's wrist. It is therefore the wearer's movement that compresses the spring to wind the timepiece.
What are the steps to wind an automatic watch?
An automatic watch can sometimes stop working. This is usually because its power reserve is depleted. Automatic watches don't work like quartz watches. They don't require a power source, but they do need to be wound to be "recharged." The special mechanism of an automatic watch is designed so that it is kept running by the constant movement of the watch across the wrist.
The energy produced is stored in the power reserve. The watch runs until the mainspring completely loses its tension, at which point the mechanism stops. Winding an automatic watch therefore ensures accurate timekeeping. But how do you wind an automatic watch? There are several methods.
By moving the wrist
If the watch is worn for 8 hours a day, the power reserve will always be fully recharged. Since the winding mechanism is designed for normal, steady movement, an automatic watch should not be worn while playing sports. Rapid movements disrupt the mechanism.
With the crown
Simply remove the watch from your wrist and hold it in one hand. With your other hand, gently turn the crown to wind the mechanism. The next step is to find the correct crown setting to wind the watch.
However, there may be differences depending on the specific model and manufacturer. The crown is used to wind the watch, as well as to set the time and date on the dial. In the case of water-resistant watches, the crown must first be loosened, because while the watch is running, the crown is so tightly fastened that water cannot enter the case.
To wind the watch, the crown must be turned clockwise. To do this, firmly grasp it between your thumb and forefinger and carefully turn it from bottom to top. It takes approximately 30 turns to fully wind the timepiece.
If the watch's mainspring is fully wound, you'll notice it because of the resistance. After winding the watch, you should check that the correct time and date are displayed on the chronograph.
When setting the clock, the hands must always move clockwise, not counterclockwise. This is the only way to preserve the timepiece's mechanics. Finally, the watch crown must be securely fastened.
To do this, gently push again until you return to your original position. This is especially important with water-resistant watches to prevent water from entering the case.
With a rotating case
Anyone who doesn't wear an automatic watch regularly, but keeps it primarily as a collector's item or investment, needs to wind it regularly. Rotating watch winders are designed for this purpose and are used for the professional storage of automatic watches. They feature integrated technology that recreates the movement of the wrist. The mechanism simulates the natural movement of the wrist and allows for easy winding of the automatic watch.
If you are still unable to wind your automatic watch after trying all these methods, it is very likely that the watch is damaged. We advise you to contact the watch retailer or the manufacturer if the warranty period is still valid. If your warranty has expired, your trusted watchmaker can also check the watch.
How do you take care of an automatic watch?
To ensure a longer lifespan for your watch and greater accuracy over the long term, it is essential to take care of the timepiece and perform regular maintenance. We recommend that you:
– always turn the hands of the watch in the correct direction (clockwise);
– clean the watch at least 4 times a year with a soft, flexible toothbrush;
– keep the watch in a case when not being worn.
Our watchmakers are waiting for you in our workshop to take care of your automatic watch. If you are looking for exceptional timepieces, you can visit our online store or one of our watch boutiques. Bollwerk jewelers and watchmakers are at your service to offer their assistance, advice, and expertise.
FAQ:
- How can you tell if an automatic watch is wound?
To fully wind the automatic watch, you need to turn the crown approximately 30 times. If the mainspring is wound, you will see this thanks to the resistance that will be clearly perceptible during the rotation.
- How do you wind a mechanical watch?
You should not wind your watch directly on your wrist. The timepiece must be removed to be wound manually.
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