Here’s everything you need to know about automatic watch winding and how it compares to owning a manual or quartz.
An automatic watch is more than just a functional tool. It exemplifies some of the world’s best engineering and human craftsmanship. There’s an element of enchantment with timepieces that operate mechanically, both automatic and manual.
If you’re new to the mechanical watch world, you’ll want to know how they work and compare them to quartz movements. You’ll also want to know the answer to “How do automatic watches work?” and how to maintain their accuracy. Here’s a guide covering everything about automatic watch winding, including answers to questions like “What is a watch winder?”.
Table of Contents
What Is an Automatic Watch?
At the heart of an automatic watch is a mechanism that powers itself by using the movement of the wearer’s wrist. This is all thanks to a weighted disc called a rotor. The rotor swings back and forth as you move your wrist, transferring energy to the mainspring.
The mainspring is the element that drives the watch. This flat steel spring band tightens when you manually or automatically wind a watch. As the spring curves, it stores energy, which is then released in a controlled manner, converting it into power for timekeeping.
Before we go any further, it’s important to note that “mechanical” refers to manual and automatic watches. Quartz is kind of an entity of its own since it relies on a battery.
It goes without saying that mechanical watches bring an element of enchantment and sophistication to watch-wearing. What’s more, many automatic watches have what we call an exhibition caseback. This watch’s reverse side reveals the mechanism behind a glass surface. As you can imagine, admiring the beating heart of a watch as complex as this is pretty spellbinding.
The intricacy and meticulous craftsmanship behind the design of an automatic watch is half of the fascination for horologists. This is a hobby by which the engineering of the watch itself is a marvel to explore and fall in love with.
While some collectors prefer manually winding a hand-wound movement, the self-sufficiency of an automatic watch eliminates the need for this. Automatics are certainly more convenient, provided you wear them regularly.
Now you know what is an automatic watch let’s explore how to wind a watch.
How To Wind a Watch
As automatics rely on your wrist movement, some factors can affect their accuracy. Taking the watch off for periods or not moving enough can slow the watch down. Resuming accuracy is pretty simple. You only need to pop the watch back on your wrist or give it a quick wind. It will soon resume working order. If you’re wondering how to wind a watch, we’ll cover that now.
Winding a watch depends on whether you own a manual or automatic watch. When powering up a manual, you must pull the crown out and wind it by hand.
Winding an automatic watch can be very similar since you can wind the mechanism similarly. The difference is that you don’t have to. An automatic can wind itself, but you may need to manually wind it to start it from new.
To do this, you need to pull out the crown to position one and turn it clockwise. You only need to wind the crown around 30 or 40 times before you start feeling resistance. When you begin to hear a faint click every few winds, you’ll know you have fully wound the movement.
Pulling the crown out to the second position lets you change the date. The third position sets the time. Twisting the crown moves the hour and minute hands clockwise or anti-clockwise.
After winding your automatic watch, always return the crown to the 0 position. A slight turn of the crown in the clockwise direction locks it back into place. Returning the crown to the correct position is also essential in maintaining water resistance.
How Do Automatic Watches Work?
The mainspring is a tightly coiled metal spring that holds the key to the power that drives the hands. The time it takes for the spring to uncoil is your power reserve.
The uncoiling of the mainspring turns the escapement, and it’s this escapement that transforms energy into vibrational impulses. This part of the mechanism turns a balance wheel, which acts a little like a pendulum. As this pendulum-type component moves back and forth, it turns a gear train. This part of the movement is responsible for the consistent speed of the seconds hand. As this seconds hand moves rhythmically around the dial, the other hands advance in sync.
Following the instructions above, you can wind your automatic watch to maintain accuracy. This tightens the mainspring inside the movement.
Mechanical Vs Automatic Watch – Which Is Better?
I mentioned earlier that mechanical can refer to both manual winding and automatic watches. However, collectors sometimes refer to a manual as a mechanical watch. For the purpose of this next section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of manual watches versus self-winding watches.
Just like the “quartz movement vs automatic movement” debate, the pros and cons of mechanical vs automatic watches are just as important. There are advantages and disadvantages for both automatic and manual options. If you’re new to mechanical watches, it’s worth exploring these to identify the better option for you.
Automatic and manual watches share some advantages over quartz watches. First, you’ll never need to replace a battery. Depending on the type, you can wind them manually or automatically. If you don’t need to replace a battery, you don’t need to open the back of the case. This means less wear and tear on the watch since frequent openings of the case can compromise its water resistance.
Both manuals and automatics have a power reserve, too. This means that once fully wound, your watch will keep accurate time even when you don’t wear it. There are pros and cons to explore when comparing automatic watches with manual watches.
The Pros of Automatic Watches
Generally speaking, more design options exist within the automatic watch category. So, if you’re fussy about watches, you’ll always have many choices.
Since manual watches require winding every day (preferably at the same time), automatic watches are more convenient. They take care of themselves, so long as you keep them on and stay active enough.
The Cons of Automatic Watches
When you think about it, an automatic watch has a weighted rotor, adding heft and weight to its case. So, automatic watches are heavier than manual watches.
They’re also less accurate since variables can affect their performance. If you don’t wear your automatic daily, it’s likely to become inaccurate.
The Pros of Manual Watches
Manual watches tend to add a touch of nostalgia to the wrist. You must appreciate that this craft has been in practice since the 1800s. For those who prefer the watchmaking tradition, the classic manual mechanism can bring a collector much joy.
They also weigh less on the wrist and are more traditional in design. Powering your watch by hand is a far cry from the convenience of today’s technology. Manual watches require attention as part of a daily ritual, and winding them by hand can be a grounding, relaxing experience.
The Cons of Manual Watches
Some can view winding a manual watch as laborious and inconvenient. Since they require the pulling out of the crown daily, they impose more wear and tear on the watch.
The daily obligation of manually winding a watch may be unenjoyable for those who don’t appreciate a hands-on relationship with their watch.
Weighing up which is best between a manual or automatic watch depends on how deep your appreciation for mechanical engineering goes. A manual watch is perfect if you enjoy marveling at the mastery behind Haute Horlogerie. If you like convenience, an automatic is best, but ensure you keep active with it.
Quartz Movement vs Automatic
So, how about the quartz movement vs automatic debate? If you’re starting on your watch-collecting journey, broaden your knowledge first. Weigh up each of the pros and cons before making your first purchase.
The Pros of Quartz Watches
When Seiko launched the quartz watch in 1868, it revolutionized the industry. They weren’t just reliable, low maintenance, and cheaper to produce; they became a fashion item, too! Chip technology brought limitless possibilities to the quartz watch. Analog and digital variations could offer a plethora of functions and features.
Quartz watches are more accurate than automatic watches. They promise an accuracy of -10 to +15 seconds per month! Since they hold a super slim winding mechanism inside, they’re also thinner and lighter. Today, you can find quartz watches in all price brackets on the market and in many different styles.
The Cons of Quartz Watches
Many horophiles argue that quartz watches, although cheaper and more convenient, lack the craftsmanship a mechanical watch affords. They don’t tend to hold the same value as an automatic watch, either.
Quartz watch batteries can leak if you don’t wear them for long periods. Replacing the battery every few years is an added inconvenience.
The Pros of Automatic Watches
Although less accurate than quartz watches, automatic timepieces are incredibly reliable. They will stand the test of time on your wrist, provided you care for them adequately.
Automatic watches exude tradition, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail by the bucket load. They preserve the beauty and mastery of an age-old craft, and because of that, they hold value well.
Some automatic watches can make superb investments, many of which appreciate over time. They are also status symbols, reflecting success, wealth, and good taste. Automatic watches are also available in every price bracket. The most affordable ones can cost as little as $1k, while the more expensive ones can reach hundreds of thousands.
The Cons of Automatic Watches
The key difference between automatic and quartz watches is in the winding.
While a quartz watch requires no winding, an automatic watch will occasionally need winding. Once wound, it can retain accuracy based on the movement of your wrist, but you can’t just forget about an automatic watch.
Automatic watches aren’t as accurate as quartz watches. Some can lose up to a few minutes per month.
In addition to keeping your automatic wound, you’ll need to service it every 60 months or so. Since they hold a larger mechanism, they’re also thicker and heavier in design, especially automatic chronographs.
What Is a Watch Winder?
A watch winder is a clever gadget that helps keep your watch working when you aren’t wearing it. Many connoisseurs have one as part of their watch accessories collection. If you think you’ll struggle to keep your automatic watch wound, you might want to consider a watch winder.
An automatic watch winder simulates the motion of your wrist. You can use one to keep your watch ticking over while off your wrist. They’re also handy for those who own multiple timepieces and regularly rotate them.
To use a watch winder, you strap your timepiece to a rotating cushion, which spins to keep the rotor moving. The beauty of owning a good quality winder is that you can select various settings tailored to suit your watch. You can choose the direction by which the winder rotates your watch. You can also select the number of rotations per day and resting intervals.
Watch winder styles are so versatile and cover every price bracket. Even budget-friendly designs get the job done, while premium models can double up as a feature.
FAQs
Many queries about looking after an automatic watch and maintaining its accuracy stem from the winding aspect. These FAQs on caring for your automatic watch may clarify some uncertainties.
Is It Bad To Let Your Automatic Watch Stop?
It’s not bad to let your automatic watch run down. All it means is that the mechanism has become completely unwound. Once this happens, the hands on the dial will stop working until you rewind the watch.
Is It Bad To Leave an Automatic Watch Unwound?
Once a watch is unwound, you can leave it like this until you want to wear it again. Leaving a watch unwound will not damage it or hinder its performance when you come to wind it up again.
How Long Can an Automatic Watch Run Without Being Worn?
The time it takes for a watch to unwind once off the wrist depends on its power reserve. The power reserve relates to the time it takes for the mainspring to unwind without relying on the wrist’s movement. No power reaches the escape wheel when the hands stop on a watch, which is what makes your watch tick multiple times per second.
Why Does My Automatic Watch Stop Overnight?
An automatic watch winds itself using the motion of your wrist. So, when your arm is still, the watch can slow down. The same goes for placing your watch on your bedside table at night. That said, a power reserve should enable the watch to keep ticking even when it’s stationary. If this isn’t happening, it could be that your wrist isn’t winding it enough during the day. You could wind it manually or use a watch winder to ensure it keeps time accurately throughout the night.
Is It Better To Keep an Automatic Watch Wound?
While you don’t need to keep an automatic watch constantly wound, some brands provide recommendations. They may advise you to wind your watch at least once every two weeks if you don’t wear it often.
How To Keep an Automatic Watch Wound When Not Wearing It?
I mentioned there are ways to keep your watch wound even when you aren’t particularly active. Manually winding a watch will enable you to tighten the mainspring inside the movement entirely. Taking the watch off will use the mechanism’s power reserve until it eventually runs out. Watch winders are another good option for keeping your watch ticking over nicely when it’s off the wrist.
Is Automatic Watch Winding for You?
Don’t worry. Automatic watch winding is not so difficult to get the hang of. In fact, they’re easier than manual watches and last longer than quartz.
The critical thing to remember with an automatic watch is that it’s safe. No harm will come to it, whether it stopped a few hours or weeks ago. When you want to pick back up where you left off, you can. You can keep your watch wound if you don’t want to kickstart it with a watch winder every time, but you don’t have to.
If you worry about over-winding your watch, I have you covered. Check out my article about over-winding a watch! While you’re at it, sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today!
