How to properly wind your automatic watch : techniques, advices and mistakes to avoid

Understanding the difference between an automatic and a mechanical watch

Before winding a watch, it is essential to know which type of movement it is composed of. A manual mechanical watch must be wound daily using the crown to keep it running.

In contrast, an automatic watch features a rotor—a component that rotates with the movement of the wrist and winds the mainspring autonomously.

However, an automatic watch may stop if it is not worn regularly. This is where manual winding comes into play: it allows you to restart the watch after a period of inactivity or to maintain its power reserve when not on the wrist.

This distinction is vital because winding an automatic watch should be neither systematic nor excessive, as it could put unnecessary strain on the mechanism. It should be viewed as an occasional maintenance step—one that is both useful and carefully managed.

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How to correctly wind an automatic watch

Manually winding an automatic watch is a simple operation, but it requires precision and a delicate touch.

Here are the recommended steps:

1. Remove the watch from your wrist. This prevents any lateral pressure on the crown stem, which could otherwise be damaged.

2. Locate the crown position. It must be pushed in (Position 0), not pulled out as it would be for setting the time.

3. Turn the crown clockwise (upward). This is the only direction in which the mechanism engages for winding. Generally, about twenty turns are enough to start the movement.

4. Never force it. Unlike manual-wind watches, automatic movements feature a "sliding bridle" (a decoupling system) to prevent over-tensioning the spring, but it is still best to remain moderate.

This occasional winding allows the watch to regain its precision and restarts the second hand without the need to reset the time and date every time.

Should you wind your automatic watch every day?

This depends primarily on how often you wear it. If you wear your watch daily, the natural movements of your wrist are sufficient to keep it running. In this case, manual winding is unnecessary.

However, if you rotate between several watches or wear your timepiece infrequently, it may stop after 36 to 72 hours, depending on its power reserve. In this situation, a few turns every two or three days is enough to:

• Preserve the regularity of the movement,

• Avoid the need for frequent time adjustments,

• Extend the lifespan of internal components.

The rule of thumb: Wind your watch, but do so sparingly.

A Practical Alternative: Automatic Watch Winders

For collectors or automatic watch enthusiasts, there is an elegant solution: the watch winder. This accessory simulates the movements of the wrist at regular intervals, allowing you to:

• Keep the watch running,

• Maintain timekeeping accuracy,

• Prevent the movement from stopping and the date from becoming desynchronized.

These winders are particularly useful for:

• Complication watches (moon phases, perpetual calendars, etc.),

• Collectors who switch between several watches throughout the week,

• Anyone who wants their watch ready to wear at a moment's notice without manual intervention.

Note: Not all movements react the same way to watch winders. Ensure you choose a model compatible with the rotation frequency recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion: A Simple Gesture to Preserve Precision

Winding an automatic watch is not a chore: it is an act of care—a discreet ritual that extends the life and reliability of your timepiece. When done correctly, it ensures the continuity of the movement, prevents unexpected stops, and maintains the accuracy of both the time and its complications.

Whether you wear your watch daily or alternate with other models, understanding the specific needs of your mechanism is essential. For those who wish to preserve their watch effortlessly, watch winders offer an elegant and effective alternative.

Taking care of your watch means prolonging the pleasure of wearing it, day after day, with the same precision as the very first day.