A mechanical watch is a timepiece of precision engineering and craftsmanship. Unlike watches powered by batteries, mechanical watches rely on stored energy from a tightly wound spring. To keep them accurate and running smoothly, you need to wind up your watch correctly.
Whether you own an automatic or manual wind up watch, learning the proper winding ensures accurate timekeeping, preserves the delicate movement inside, and extends the lifespan of your watch.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the difference between manual and automatic watches, how winding actually powers your timepiece, and the safest methods to keep it ticking for years to come
Understanding Your Watch Type
It’s essential to know which kind of mechanical watch you have. The winding method and frequency differ between manual and automatic movements.
* Manual Mechanical Watches
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Powered entirely by winding the crown; no self-winding feature.
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Require daily winding to keep running, usually once every 24 hours.
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If not wound, the watch will stop when its power reserve runs out.
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Overwinding can damage the mainspring, so you must stop when resistance is felt.
* Automatic (Self-Winding) Mechanical Watches
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Powered by a small rotor inside the movement, which spins as you move your wrist.
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Typically stay wound if worn regularly (8+ hours a day of normal activity).
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Can also be manually wound through the crown. Useful if the watch hasn’t been worn for a while.
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Feature a built-in slipping mechanism to prevent overwinding, making them safer to wind manually.
How Does Winding Work
Winding is what gives life to a mechanical watch. When you wind the crown, you are storing energy that the movement gradually releases to keep accurate time.
* The Mainspring
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This is a long, coiled spring inside the barrel. When you turn the crown, the mainspring is tightened and stores potential energy.
* Energy Transfer
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As the mainspring unwinds, it releases energy slowly and evenly. This energy is transmitted through a series of gears (the gear train).
* The Escapement and Balance Wheel
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The escapement regulates the release of energy, allowing the gears to “tick” in controlled steps. The balance wheel oscillates back and forth like a pendulum, ensuring consistent timing.
* Hands Movement
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The regulated energy drives the hands on the dial (seconds, minutes, and hours).
* Automatic Watches
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Instead of only relying on crown winding, a rotor (a weighted semicircular piece) spins with wrist motion.
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The rotor winds the mainspring gradually, keeping the watch powered as long as it’s worn
How Does Overwinding Damage a Watch Movement
Not all mechanical watches handle overwinding the same way. Understanding this helps you protect your watch’s delicate movement.
* Manual Mechanical Watches
- The mainspring is attached directly to the barrel. When you wind, the mainspring coils tighter until it cannot store more energy.
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If you continue forcing the crown after full tension, you risk:
- Snapping the mainspring, which renders the watch powerless.
- Stripping gears or damaging the barrel arbor
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That’s why you should stop winding as soon as you feel resistance.
* Automatic Watches
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Automatic movements are built with a slipping clutch mechanism inside the barrel.
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Once the mainspring is fully wound, the bridle (a small sliding component) slips against the barrel wall, allowing the rotor or crown to keep turning without adding more tension.
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So, can you overwind an automatic watch? Yes, unfortunately. Excessive or aggressive winding can still cause unnecessary wear over time.
How to Wind a Mechanical Watch
The exact process depends on whether your watch is manual or automatic, but the basic principles of safe winding remain the same.
Winding a Manual Winding Watch
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Remove the watch from your wrist. This prevents stress on the crown stem.
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Locate the crown and pull it to the first position (winding position).
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Turn the crown clockwise slowly. Smooth, deliberate turns are best.
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Count the turns. Most manual wind watches need 20 to 40 turns for a full wind.
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Stop when you feel resistance. This means the mainspring is fully wound. Forcing it further risks damage.
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Push the crown back in. Screw down if it has a screw-lock system.
How to Wind Automatic Watches
If worn daily:
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No special winding needed. Your normal wrist movement keeps the rotor active.
If not worn for a while (stopped watch):
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Unscrew/pull the crown to the first position.
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Rotate clockwise 20 to 40 turns to give it an initial charge.
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You don’t need to worry about overwinding. Automatic watches use a slipping clutch.
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Push/screw the crown back in securely.
General Winding Tips
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Wind your watch at the same time each day (for manuals).
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Always use gentle pressure. If the crown feels stiff, don’t force it.
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For automatics, occasional manual winding helps keep the lubricants evenly distributed, even if you wear it regularly.
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Consider a watch winder if you rotate between multiple automatics and want them to stay powered.
Conclusion
Winding a mechanical watch may seem simple, but it’s one of the most important habits for keeping your timepiece accurate and healthy. By knowing how winding actually powers the movement and following the correct winding steps, you ensure both precision and longevity.
Check out Jestik Collection for stunning manual or automatic luxury watches.
