Can Winding an Automatic Watch Damage the Mechanism?
Automatic watches are prized for their uniqueness and convenience compared to hand-wound mechanical watches. They function effortlessly by being worn, as wrist movements provide the energy required to power the watch. The mechanism relies on a rotor that moves with your wrist, driving a gear train that winds the mainspring. As the spring stores energy, it powers the watch for a certain period, known as the power reserve.
Manual Winding of Automatic Watches via the Crown
Many manufacturers include mechanisms that allow manual winding of automatic watches by turning the crown in one direction. This feature is especially common in mechanisms that come in various versions with different additional functions.
Does this mean you should always use it? It depends on the situation and your overall use of the watch. First, let’s review some practical aspects of automatic mechanisms.
Automatic Watches Are Designed for Wrist Movement
An automatic mechanism is fundamentally designed to be powered by wrist movements. Its intricate assembly of hundreds of components works optimally when energy is generated by the rotor rather than the crown. Therefore, it’s best to use the watch as intended. Ironically, manually winding an automatic watch may do more harm than good.
The Mechanism Has a Maximum Energy Capacity
The power reserve applies to all mechanical watches, meaning they can only store a specific amount of energy. Manually winding via the crown can cause excessive tension in the mainspring, potentially reducing its lifespan. Automatic mechanisms are designed to prevent this scenario during wrist movement, where certain components slip rather than over-tighten the spring.
Overworking the Mechanism Through Manual Winding
Manual winding forces the watch to work in ways it wasn’t optimized for. Instead of naturally cycling through winding and releasing energy, the mechanism remains perpetually wound, making the rotor’s operation redundant. This can lead to accelerated wear on various components.
When Should You Manually Wind an Automatic Watch?
Manual winding is helpful when the power reserve has been fully depleted, and you want to use the watch immediately. In such cases, carefully wind the watch by turning the crown 7–10 times back and forth, but avoid winding to its maximum capacity. Always consult the user manual to ensure proper operation, as some mechanisms don’t support manual winding.
How to Prevent the Mechanism from Stopping
The ideal solution is to prevent the watch mechanism from stopping. Wear your favorite automatic watches as often as possible! For those not worn regularly, consider using a watch winder. This device keeps the mechanism running and serves as a secure way to display your collection while maintaining optimal storage conditions.
4 Key Tips for Maintaining an Automatic Watch
- Temperature: Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures, as they can damage internal components and alter the properties of protective lubricants.
- Magnetic Fields: Keep your watch away from electronics and magnetic devices, which may affect its accuracy by causing it to run fast or slow.
- Shocks and Vibrations: Avoid dropping or exposing the watch to strong vibrations, which can harm the balance wheel, mainspring, or gear train.
- Regular Servicing: Have your automatic watch serviced every 3–5 years to maintain its longevity.
A quality watch can accompany you for years or even decades if properly cared for. We hope this guide helps you keep your timepiece in peak condition. Ready to expand your collection? Explore our range of automatic watches today!
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