Q&A for How to Wind an Automatic Watch

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Question

How can I restart a watch that has not been worn for awhile?

Community Answer

Turn the crown until the seconds hand starts to move. Then turn the crown another 30 or 40 times.

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Question

Does the automatic watch stop itself when not in use?

Community Answer

Yes, they usually last 2 days on a fully wound spring. After that, they will stop working until wound again.

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Question

What will happen if an automatic watch falls down?

Community Answer

The best case scenario is that you would not have any damage to the watch. The worst case scenario is that you would have to replace a piece in the watch (or the watch entirely). It depends on your watch, the height of the fall, and the materials in your watch.

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Question

How damaging is it to accidentally wind a clock counterclockwise?

Community Answer

Winding counterclockwise will not damage the watch, it just won't wind it either.

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Question

How do I open the back of my watch?

Community Answer

You can use a very fine screwdriver to pry the caseback open. Some watches have a screw-down caseback which you usually need a special tool to open. Beware that opening your watch may void your warranty, cause unwanted damage, or allow dust and other particles to enter the movement. It's not recommended to self-service such a fine mechanism if you don't have the necessary skills.

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Question

How do I know when to stop manually winding?

Community Answer

Most people stop when they start to feel tension in the spring, after about 10-15 turns. When the spring is fully wound, you will not be able to wind any more, but there is some debate as to whether or not fully winding a watch could damage the spring.

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Question

My manual wind watch has stopped working. What I can do?

Missy Winget

Community Answer

Take it to a watch repair shop. Most likely the oils that keep the watch parts lubed have dried up and are clogging the parts. So it will need to be cleaned and have the oils replaced.

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Question

My tissot watch keeps on advancing time, 8 minutes a day. What do I do?

Missy Winget

Community Answer

Take it to a watch shop and have them clean it, readjust the hair springs and movement and maybe demagnetize it.

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Question

I have a new automatic watch. I wound it according to instructions. It works fine when worn, but if it sits for 5-15 min, it stops. If I shake it, it works, and 5-15 min later stops again. What could be wrong with it?

Community Answer

Your main spring is most likely not storing energy. Take it to a watch repair professional.

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Question

How do I open a Rolex watch?

Community Answer

You don't. Have it serviced only by an authorized service center or watch technician.

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Question

How can I restart my automatic watch if it's not used?

Community Answer

You can wind the watch or shake it around to get the rotor in the back to wind the spring.

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Question

I didn't wear my watch for few months, and now it's running about -20 slower per day. How can I fix that?

Community Answer

If it's automatic, it may not be properly wound. If it's battery powered, it may need a new battery. Take it to a watch technician, or the store where you bought it to find out, especially if it's new.

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Question

How do I fix the automatic sleep on a Rolex watch?

Community Answer

There is no "automatic sleep" - it's the movement of the watch. Simply wind it up like any other watch.

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