How to Keep a Watch Wound: The Essential Guide to Maintaining Your Timepiece

Imagine this scenario: It's a crisp autumn morning, and you're preparing for an important meeting. You reach for your favorite watch, the one that’s been with you through countless moments, and you notice something troubling: it has stopped ticking. The once-reliable timekeeper is no longer marking the seconds of your life. What went wrong?

The truth is, the care and maintenance of a watch, especially a manual one, are often overlooked. Keeping a watch wound isn't just about ensuring it runs; it’s about preserving the craftsmanship and heritage that come with it. Let’s take a deep dive into the art of watch winding, a skill that goes far beyond simply turning a crown.

The Forgotten Task of Winding

Many watch owners believe that a watch should simply work, like a phone or a car. You buy it, you wear it, and it runs. But for manual or automatic watches, this couldn’t be further from the truth. These watches are intricate machines with hundreds of tiny moving parts, each relying on the energy provided by you. If neglected, their performance can degrade over time.

Manual vs. Automatic: Understanding the Mechanisms

Before diving into the methods of winding, it’s important to understand what type of watch you own. Manual watches require regular winding to keep them running, while automatic watches, which are powered by the movement of your wrist, also benefit from occasional manual winding.

In manual watches, the mainspring, which stores energy, must be wound by hand. This is usually done by rotating the crown (the small knob on the side of the watch) in a clockwise direction. Automatic watches, on the other hand, wind themselves using the natural movements of your wrist but can still run out of power if not worn regularly.

But here’s where it gets tricky: Even automatic watches benefit from manual winding, especially if you're not wearing them frequently. Without consistent motion, they won't accumulate enough energy, and over time, they may stop working altogether. It’s crucial to strike a balance.

The Technique: Winding with Care

Winding a watch might sound straightforward, but doing it properly requires patience and finesse. Overwinding is one of the most common mistakes people make, which can cause damage to the internal mechanisms.

Here’s how to wind your watch correctly:

1. Locate the crown on the side of your watch.
2. Gently pull the crown out to the first position.
3. Turn the crown clockwise slowly (never counterclockwise) until you feel a slight resistance.
4. Once you feel resistance, stop immediately. Overwinding can cause permanent damage.
5. If you own an automatic watch, do this every couple of days, even if you wear it regularly.

Tip: If you feel like your watch stops too often, even with regular winding, it may be time for a professional service. Regular maintenance of the internal gears is essential to ensure longevity.

Setting the Time: The Forgotten Step

One of the most important things to remember when winding a watch is that it's not just about the power—it’s also about precision. Many watch enthusiasts forget to accurately set the time, which leads to an inaccurately running watch.

Follow these steps to ensure proper time-setting:

1. After winding the watch, pull the crown to the second position.
2. Rotate the crown to set the time. Be mindful of the AM/PM cycle, especially if your watch has a date function.
3. Once the correct time is set, push the crown back in and ensure it's secured.

The Hidden Dangers of Magnets

One factor that can severely affect the winding and timekeeping of your watch is exposure to magnetic fields. Many people are unaware that everyday items like smartphones, laptops, and even speakers can produce magnetic fields strong enough to affect the delicate components of a watch.

Signs of magnetization include erratic timekeeping (running fast or slow) and issues with winding. If you suspect your watch has been exposed to a magnetic field, it’s best to take it to a professional for demagnetization.

Storing Your Watch: The Role of Watch Winders

For those who own multiple watches or don’t wear their automatic timepiece daily, a watch winder can be a helpful tool. These devices mimic the movement of your wrist, keeping the watch wound even when it’s not in use. However, not all watches should be kept on a winder for extended periods, as overwinding can still be a risk. Use them sparingly, or for watches you don’t plan to wear for weeks at a time.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Even with the best care, a watch’s internal components will wear over time. Regular servicing—typically every 3 to 5 years—is essential for ensuring longevity. This involves cleaning and lubricating the tiny gears and springs, replacing worn parts, and sometimes recalibrating the watch for accuracy.

A Legacy Worth Preserving

Owning a watch isn’t just about keeping track of time. It’s about the connection to history, craftsmanship, and the moments those watches have witnessed. Whether it's a vintage piece handed down through generations or a modern luxury timepiece, keeping it wound and well-maintained ensures it can be passed on to future generations.

In a world of disposable technology, the simple act of winding a watch is a reminder of the value of things that endure. Take care of your watch, and it will take care of you, faithfully marking the moments that matter most in life.