The Proper Way to Wind Your Watch (Plus Tips on Care)

This question keeps coming up, so I thought this video would be helpful to new collectors. I suggest saving this link if you have questions. Below is an AI generated summary of the video ;-):

Winding woes: Befriend or Befuddle Your Beloved Timepiece?

Ah, the satisfying spin of a watch crown – a symphony for the watch enthusiast's soul. But hold on, fellow aficionados! Before you get carried away, let's untangle the truth about winding: is it friend or foe to your cherished timepiece?

Hand-Wound Heroes:

For our manually wound companions, over-winding is a surefire way to turn their tick into a tragic tock. Picture a tightly coiled spring – that's your mainspring, the heart of your watch. Push it too far, and it might just snap, leaving you with a stylish (but silent) wrist accessory. So, how to find the sweet spot?

• Wind gently, clockwise, until you feel a slight resistance. That's your cue to stop – any further and you're teetering on trouble. Imagine you're shaking hands with your watch, a firm grip is good, but a death squeeze is not!

• Consistency is key: Winding your watch daily at the same time helps maintain internal lubrication and prevents excessive wear. Think of it as a spa day for your watch's inner workings!

Automatic Allure:

Automatic watches boast self-winding magic, but even they have their limits. While a clever slipping mainspring usually prevents over-winding, excessive turns can strain the automatic mechanism, leading to premature wear. So, how much is enough?

• 10-15 gentle winds should get your automatic ticking happily. Then, let the natural wrist motion take over. Think of it as giving your watch a gentle nudge, not a full-blown workout.

• Avoid the temptation to overcompensate: If your watch hasn't been worn for a while, resist the urge to over-wind. Let it wind naturally on your wrist again over the course of the day. It's like letting your car coast after a long stop, it doesn't need a jump start!

Winding Wisdom:

Now, to truly master the art of winding, heed these golden nuggets:

• Moisture is the enemy: Keep your watch dry while winding. Humidity and water can wreak havoc on the delicate internals. Imagine your watch taking a dip it didn't ask for!

• Location, location, location: Take your watch off your wrist before winding. The added pressure can put unnecessary stress on the crown and stem. Think of it as giving your watch some breathing room.

• Listen to your watch: Over-winding often comes with a subtle grinding sound. If you hear it, stop immediately! It's your watch's way of saying, "Hey, that tickles!"

• Consult your manual: Different watches have different needs. Refer to your manual for specific winding instructions and power reserve details. It's like having a personalized guide to keeping your watch happy and healthy.

By following these simple tips, you can transform winding from a potential foe into a powerful tool for keeping your watch running smoothly for years to come. So, wind with care, wind with knowledge, and wind with love. Your timepiece will reward you with years of precise and reliable service. Now, go forth and conquer the world, one perfectly wound tick at a time!