Automatic mechanical watches, those that rely on gears and mechanics to operate, have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, after a boom of quartz watches.Automatic watches wind themselves using an internal moving weight that winds or rotates when the wearer moves their arm, transferring energy to a power reserve, and keeping the watch working.These watches do not require batteries and are powered by humans.It's a good idea to wind an automatic watch every so often to make sure they keep accurate time and enjoy a long life.
Step 1: Your arm should be moving.
The watch is built with a metal weight that tracks movement.The mainspring is attached to the gears inside the watch.The mainspring is winded by the gears which move when the rotor moves.The watch continues to tick because this stores energy in the mainspring.The mainspring's energy goes down if the watch is not being moved.If you wear a watch and keep your arm moving, you should be able to keep the mainspring moving.Your arm doesn't need to be in constant motion.Automatic watches are built to respond to movement on average.Automatic watches store energy for up to 48 hours so they don't need additional winding.Elderly people or people who are confined to bed may need to wind their automatic watches more frequently.Since it is not getting regular movement, your watch may wind down if you are sick.Don't wear watch when playing sports that require continuous hand or arm movement.The automatic winding mechanisms are built for everyday arm movement.
Step 2: Take the watch off your wrist.
An automatic watch is intended to restore its energy by winding the mainspring through the motion of your arm, but it also requires periodic manual winding to keep it tight.If you want to make sure the crown is not strained when you pull it out, you should take it off your wrist.You will be able to pull the crown out with the right angle and leverage.
Step 3: The crown should be found by locating it.
The dial knob is on the right side of the watch.The time and date can be set with this knob.In order to engage the winding mechanism, it does not need to be pulled out.The crown has settings that engage certain functions.The first position is when the watch is pushed all the way in.The second position is when the crown is pulled out halfway; this is the position for setting the time or date.The third position is when the crown is pulled out all the way, this is the position for setting the time or date.The crown may be screwed down if the watch is waterproof.Turn the crown 4 to 5 times to remove it.The crown will be screwed back into place when you wind the watch.
Step 4: The crown should be turned around.
If you are looking directly at the watch, twist the crown in a clockwise manner, moving it from the bottom to the top.The second hand must start moving in order to fully wind the watch.Winding keeps the mainspring tight and at full energy reserve, as well as keeping your watch in motion.You can't over-wind an automatic watch.Automatic watches are built to protect against this possibility.When you feel resistance, turn the crown and stop winding.
Step 5: Set the time by moving forward.
If you pull the crown out, you may accidentally move the watch hands.If this happens, you can reset the time by moving the watch hands forward.Keeping the gears and interior mechanisms working in their intended manner is more important than moving the watch's hands backwards.
Step 6: The crown has to be pushed all the way in.
The crown should be pushed all the way back in.If you have a waterproof watch, you need to double check that the crown has been screwed into place.To tighten the crown, pinch it with your thumb and forefinger.
Step 7: Compare the timekeeping on your watch to that of another watch.
The time that is consistent with other watches should be maintained if your watch has been wound properly.If you think your watch isn't performing up to standard, you can ask a watch repair shop to test it on a timing machine.The instrument will measure timekeeping and speed to see if it is slow or fast.
Step 8: If it hasn't been worn in a while, you should wind the watch.
If you have been sitting in a drawer or box for more than a few days, the automatic watches may run out of motion.The crown should be turned on a watch 30-40 times to ensure it is ready to wear.The crown should be turned until the second hand starts moving.The time and date will need to be reset.
Step 9: There are different kinds of watch winder you can choose from.
Automatic watches are wound when they are not being worn by moving the watch in a circular pattern to mimic the movement of a human's arm.These can range in price from $50 to $400, with top-of-the-line models costing up to $8,000.There are many models of watch winders.The purpose of functional watch winders is almost entirely functional.These are on the lower end of the scale.Cheap watch winders can be unreliable and are not worth the price.The exteriors of elegant watch winders are made of wood or leather, and are usually display-friendly, ready to sit on a shelf.They are small enough to fit in a drawer or safety deposit box.The top of the price range is where extravagant watch winders are.These are usually made to hold multiple watches and are constructed out of fine materials.They might have features such as temperature control, storage drawers, and synchronized time displays.
Step 10: You can choose how many watches you want.
There are different types of winders for single and multiple watches.If you have a rotation of watches that you wear frequently, you may want to get a watch winder that can hold several watches at the same time.If you only have one watch that you wear frequently, a single watch winder might be more useful.If you only wear your watches once in a while, such as for a special occasion, then you don't need to worry about keeping your watch safe.If you know you will be wearing a watch to a wedding, you can take it out the day before and wind it on your own, rather than going to the trouble of setting it in the watch winder for 30 minutes every day.If you have a large collection of automatic watches and want any of them to be ready to go at a moment's notice, watch winders are a good choice.
Step 11: Determine the direction of the timepiece.
Many automatic watches use clockwise motion, while others use counter-clockwise or bi-directional movement.To figure out which motion your watch needs, check with the manufacturer.
Step 12: If you have a watch, keep it out of harms way.
The hairspring is a very delicate component that keeps time.Exposure to magnets may cause a watch to run too fast.If you want to keep your watch away from traditional magnets, think about consumer electronics that have magnets.If your watch suddenly runs a lot faster or is five minutes ahead of where it should be, it is possible that it was exposed to magnets and the hairspring was impacted.Take your watch to a shop that can fix it.
Step 13: Stay away from the water.
Your watch won't be ruined after an accidental dip in the lake because most watches are able to handle water depths of about 30 meters.For regular water exposure, you should choose a waterproof watch that can handle being in water longer and at greater depths.
Step 14: You can check the temperature.
Watches can be affected by extremely cold or hot temperatures, which can affect how accurate they are.If you are going to be somewhere with really hot or really cold temperatures, you may need to take special care with your watch.
Step 15: You should wipe the wrist band down frequently.
Leather, metal, and rubber are some of the materials that can be used for watch straps.The aesthetic design and intended use of the watch will determine this.For waterproof watches that will be used when swimming, diving or boating, rubber watch straps are usually used.When rubber straps show signs of weakness, replace them.Water, perfume, sunscreen, and other liquids don't respond well to leather straps.Leather oil can be used to improve the look of the leather.To polish metal straps, use a soft cloth.
Step 16: The watch needs to be cleaned every few months.
If you wear your watch a lot, it will gather dirt, dead skin, and other gunk that needs to be cleaned away.Warm water and an old toothbrush can be used to scrub the watch.If you have a metal band, use a toothbrush to clean it.
Step 17: You should keep your watch in a safe place.
If you don't plan to wear your watch a lot, you should store it in a way that protects it from the elements.It will help keep the watch's lubricating oils in good shape.Store it in a box or container.You can keep a particularly expensive watch in a safe deposit box.You can keep it on a watch.
Step 18: On a yearly basis, check the seals on waterproof watches.
With regular wear and exposure to the elements, waterproof watches can get loosened up.Make sure the seals around the face, crown and back of the watch are still going to keep water out.The seals need to be replaced if there are signs of wear.It is best to take the watch to a watch repair shop to have the seals replaced.
Step 19: You should have your watch maintained every five years.
It's a good idea to maintain expensive watches like a car.Their gears have lubricating oil that can get dirty.The watch should be taken to a watch repair shop.worn gear teeth and jewels will be repaired or replaced by the watch repair professional.Depending on the watch, this maintenance can cost from $250 to several thousand dollars.This maintenance will prolong the life of the watch, which is important if it is an heirloom watch that you want to keep.