Frequency to wind mechanical/automatics with little to no wrist time?
As my collection has grown, I’ve found some watches no longer get on my wrist. I want to keep their movements in best condition - some are NH35 which would be as expensive to service as to replace the movement. Are mechanical watches like cars, where they are best not left sitting too long? Or will leaving them alone prevent wear/tear on the parts?
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Matt
Loved watches in general for years, but only now truly understanding what I like, specifically.
Bristol, UK
Member since
Last active: 4 hrs ago
6.40” / 16.26 cm
My AD tells me that every month is OK. So I follow that advice.
If you use modern watches every few months you're likely fine, modern lubricants don't dry out as fast as the old ones did.
That said, if it's a watch with manual winding, a few turns every few weeks isn't going to hurt anything.
Just like everyone else said, perfectly fine to leave them resting and nonrunning for months at a time, and probably longer too depending on the watch.
I answered to leave it alone, but realistically I look at them every night and get them running every three days or so.
If you use modern watches every few months you're likely fine, modern lubricants don't dry out as fast as the old ones did.
That said, if it's a watch with manual winding, a few turns every few weeks isn't going to hurt anything.
@KristianG I do have a few vintage watches, such as a 50s Omega Seamaster I inherited from my Grandpa and I’ve recently started buying a few vintage Soviet watches from sellers in the Ukraine. These claim to have been serviced (and the Omega has been). I would assume that would mean modern lubricants, so probably not any different to a modern watch?
My AD tells me that every month is OK. So I follow that advice.
That is what I try to do. Once a month have the “big wind”.
@KristianG I do have a few vintage watches, such as a 50s Omega Seamaster I inherited from my Grandpa and I’ve recently started buying a few vintage Soviet watches from sellers in the Ukraine. These claim to have been serviced (and the Omega has been). I would assume that would mean modern lubricants, so probably not any different to a modern watch?
Yes if they've been serviced with modern synthetic lubricants it should be the same as a modern watch. I usually wind my vintage watches once every 1 to 2 months if they haven't been worn