Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, are a popular choice among watch enthusiasts. These timepieces are powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist, which in turn winds the watch's mainspring. However, in order to ensure that your automatic watch runs smoothly and accurately, it is important to know how to properly wind and maintain it.
First, it is important to understand that an automatic watch should not need to be wound daily. In fact, over-winding can actually damage the movement. A fully wound automatic watch should run for at least 36 hours without needing to be wound again. However, if you don't wear your automatic watch for an extended period of time, it may stop running and need to be manually wound.
When manually winding an automatic watch, it is important to turn the crown clockwise while it is in the "winding" position, which is typically located at the three o'clock position. Keep winding the watch until it is fully wound. It is important not to overwind the watch, as this can cause damage to the movement. Most automatic watches will have a winding indicator that will let you know when the watch is fully wound.
In addition to manual winding, wearing your automatic watch regularly is essential for keeping the mainspring tight and the watch running smoothly. This is because the movement of your wrist while wearing the watch helps to keep the mainspring wound. If you have a collection of watches, it's a good idea to rotate them so that each watch gets worn regularly.
