Easy Steps to Wind a Mechanical Watch

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A mechanical watch operates based on mechanical principles, so after a certain period of use, users often need to wind the watch again. Winding a mechanical watch is a routine task to keep the watch running smoothly. If you're using a mechanical watch and don't know how to wind it properly, don't worry. Check out the following article for guidance on how to wind common types of mechanical watches today.

Firstly, let's differentiate between hand-wound mechanical watches, which commonly come in two types: hand-winding watches and automatic watches. For hand-winding watches, the wearer needs to use the crown to wind the watch at specific intervals, depending on the type of watch. Winding an automatic mechanical watch relies on the movement of the wearer's wrist. With different operating mechanisms, we have different methods of winding mechanical watches.

Easy Ways to Wind and Adjust a Mechanical Watch

POPULAR METHODS FOR WINDING MECHANICAL WATCHES

How to Wind a Handwinding Mechanical Watch:

To effectively wind a handwinding mechanical watch, follow the sequence of 5 steps below:

Step 1: You need to remove the watch from your wrist and place it on a table or a fixed position.

After taking off the watch, you need to locate the winding crown. This crown is usually located around the 3 o'clock position, although some watches may have the crown at the 4 o'clock position.

Step 2: Hold the watch face up with your left hand (non-dominant hand).

You need to carefully observe the crown, as it often controls various functions of the watch such as setting the time, date, alarm, or time zone. These functions are activated at different positions when you pull or push the crown. Typically, the function to wind a mechanical watch is at the first position and does not require pulling or pushing the crown from its initial position.

Step 3: Proceed to turn the crown (with the winding resistance) fully clockwise to the winding position.

Note that this step only applies to certain types of watches designed with screw-down crowns (such as Rolex watches). Before winding or using the crown to control other functions, users need to unscrew the crown completely to the free position for adjustment. Other typical watches do not have a screw-down crown design and do not require this step.

Step 4: Proceed to wind the mechanical watch.

Rotate slowly clockwise from the bottom to the top, from the 6 o'clock direction to the 12 o'clock direction of the watch. Typically, after rotating 20 - 40 turns, the watch will be fully wound, storing enough energy.

Note: When you feel resistance while winding, you should stop immediately, and avoid overwinding as it may cause the watch to break or damage internal components. Additionally, handle all operations gently and with care for the product you hold in your hands.

Step 5: Return the crown to its original position.

After winding the crown to wind the mechanical watch, for watches with screw-down crowns, you need to screw the crown back completely to its original position to ensure the watch is water-resistant. And for other typical watches, the crown does not need any further adjustment as the winding position is also the original position of the crown.

How to Wind an Automatic Mechanical Watch:

Automatic mechanical watches rely on the swinging motion of the wrist to automatically wind the mainspring. Therefore, to wind the watch, users need to wear the watch for 6-8 hours a day so that the watch can run continuously for 24 hours. When an Automatic watch stops running, you can gently shake it 20 to 40 times before wearing it to keep the watch running. Additionally, it is recommended to manually wind the automatic mechanical watch once a week to assist. The method of winding manually is similar to that of Handwinding watches.

Important Notes When Winding a Mechanical Watch:

- Avoid winding the watch while wearing it as the narrow space between the winding crown and the wrist can cause obstruction when rotating. Additionally, excessively tight angles can risk damaging the watch.
- During the winding process, if you accidentally overwind the crown and break the mainspring, you should immediately take the watch to reliable repair shops.
- When winding a mechanical watch, ensure that the crown is not pulled out. After each winding, carefully check the position of the crown to ensure it is in the correct position, snugly fitted, and protected from dust or water ingress.

With just a few basic steps, you now know how to wind commonly used mechanical watches today. To ensure the watch operates accurately, users need to wind it at a fixed time each day, such as in the morning when putting on the watch or before going to bed when taking it off. Winding in this way will help the smart watch operate smoothly as the winding force is evenly applied every day.

Additionally, adjusting the date on a mechanical watch is also crucial. If the date is set incorrectly, it can lead to various consequences. You can refer to how to adjust the date on a mechanical watch here

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I follow to wind a hand-wound mechanical watch?

To wind a hand-wound mechanical watch, first, remove it from your wrist and place it face up. Then, locate the crown, typically at the 3 o'clock position. Turn the crown clockwise, usually requiring 20 to 40 turns until you feel resistance. Finally, return the crown to its original position to maintain water resistance.

How does an automatic mechanical watch wind itself during use?

An automatic mechanical watch winds itself through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. By wearing the watch for 6 to 8 hours a day, the mainspring is automatically wound. If the watch stops, gently shaking it 20 to 40 times can restart it, but manual winding is recommended weekly.

Why is it important to wind a mechanical watch daily?

Winding a mechanical watch daily ensures it operates accurately and maintains a consistent power reserve. Regular winding prevents potential issues such as overwinding and damage to internal components. Establishing a routine, like winding it each morning or before bed, can enhance the longevity and performance of your watch.

What precautions should I take when winding my mechanical watch?

When winding your mechanical watch, avoid doing so while wearing it to prevent damage. Additionally, do not overwind the crown; stop winding when you feel resistance. Always ensure the crown is securely positioned to protect against dust and moisture ingress after winding.

How often should I manually wind my automatic mechanical watch?

It is recommended to manually wind your automatic mechanical watch once a week to ensure optimal performance. Although these watches self-wind through wrist motion, regular manual winding helps maintain consistent power and accuracy, especially when not worn for extended periods.

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