Properly handling and winding your mechanical watch is essential to keep it running smoothly and accurately. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Wind your watch daily – Most mechanical watches should be wound once a day to keep them running. It is best to do this at the same time every day to maintain a consistent power reserve. To wind your watch, simply turn the crown (the knob on the side of the watch) in a clockwise direction until you feel resistance. Avoid overwinding your watch, as this can cause damage to the movement.
- Use the correct winding technique – Some mechanical watches, such as those with a hand-wound movement, require a specific winding technique. Make sure to consult your watch’s instruction manual or seek advice from a watchmaker to ensure you are winding it correctly.
- Handle your watch with care – Avoid exposing your mechanical watch to extreme temperatures or shock, as this can cause damage to the movement. When not in use, store your watch in a safe place, away from moisture and dust.
- Regular servicing – To ensure your mechanical watch is running smoothly, it is important to have it serviced regularly by a qualified watchmaker. This will involve cleaning and lubricating the movement, as well as inspecting and replacing any worn parts.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your mechanical watch running smoothly for years to come.
Hold a pocket watch by the bow or the case, not by the crown. The stem is a thin steel part in an old hole; it is the first thing that bends when a watch is used as a handle. Wind slowly, crown between thumb and finger, until it resists. If you have a hunter-case, shut the lid before it goes in the pocket so the crystal is not the bumper.
Wristwatches hate the same three things pocket watches hate: magnets, knocks, and steam. Take it off before a gym, a sauna, or swinging a hammer. If the watch has a display caseback, do not treat the glass as a window to press. When something already feels wrong — slop in the crown, a grinding wind, a hand that jumps — stop winding and have it looked at. Continuing is how a small part becomes a scarce part.
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Also browse: fully serviced watches for sale ·
pocket watch guides (Collector’s Corner).