Despite careful mantenance of the automatic watch, it can occur that the automatic watch stops working.
The most common cause is simply that the power reserve has been used up. Contrary to quartz watches, no energy source is needed in automatic watches, in order for them to function. The special mechanism of an automatic watch is designed in such a way that the movement is kept in operation by the constant movement of the watch through the wrist. The energy generated in this way is stored in the so-called power reserve. The watch works until the fully wound watch spring has completely lost its tension and then the mechanism stops.
Why should you wind an automatic watch?
So that an accurate time display can always be guaranteed.
So that a stable movement can be established.
So that the mechanical movement runs steadily and does not suffer any damage.
So that the watch has a long life span.
Wind up the automatic watch by moving the wrist
If the watch is worn regularly for 8 hours a day, the power reserve is always fully recharged.
Attention: Since the winding mechanism is designed for normal and regular movement, an automatic watch should not be worn while exercising. The fast and hectic movements disrupt the fine mechanism and can cause permanent damage to the movement.
Winding the watch with the crown
- Take the watch off your wrist
The first thing to do is to take the watch off your wrist. In this way, on the one hand, you can have a better control over the crown and, on the other hand, the risk of turning the crown too hard is minimized.
- Adjust the crown
The next step is to find the correct crown setting for winding the watch. There may be differences depending on the model and manufacturer. With the crown, you can not only wind the watch, but also set the time or date on the dial. To do this, the crown must either be pulled out halfway or fully. In order to wind the watch, the crown usually does not have to be pulled out at all, just turned in a certain direction.
Attention: In the case of water-resistant watches, the crown must first be loosened, for while the watch is operating, the crown is so tight that no water can penetrate the case.
- Turn the crown
To tension the clock spring and wind the watch, the crown must be turned clockwise. To do this, you should grasp it firmly between your thumb and forefinger and carefully turn it from bottom to top. It usually takes around 30 turns to fully wind the watch. If the clock spring is fully tensioned, you can notice it through a distinct resistance when turning.
- Check and set the time
After winding the watch, you should check that both the correct time and the correct date are displayed on the chronograph. Since these settings are also made via the crown, they could have been unintentionally misaligned due to the movement.
Attention: When setting the clock, the hands should always be moved clockwise and not in the opposite direction. In this way, the mechanics of the watch can be preserved.
- Fasten the crown
Last but not least, the watch crown must be properly fastened. To do this, you push it back with gentle pressure back to its original position. It is important to do this especially with watertight watches, in order to prevent water from entering the case.
Wind up an automatic watch using a watch winder
Anyone who does not wear an automatic watch regularly, but primarily keeps it as a collector’s item or investment, should still wind it up regularly. There are watch winders for exactly this purpose, they are used for the professional storage of automatic watches. These are not only staged in an appealing way, but are also regularly moved thanks to their built-in technology. The watch winder simulates the natural movement that the wrist does, when wearing a watch.
If none of these measures help, which is rather unlikely, then the watch has probably been damaged. Contact your seller or manufacturer during the warranty period. If you no longer have a guarantee, a local watchmaker can also check on the watch.