The Beginner’s Guide: How to Wind an Automatic Watch
An automatic luxury watch is a beautiful and intricate instrument. The movement is created using meticulous craftsmanship, combined with the most advanced watch technology and materials, so it’s important to know how to look after it properly.
How does an automatic watch work?
Where a manual winding watch is driven by a spring and has to be wound every day, an automatic watch and its mechanical mechanism is charged by movement, so it won’t need winding as regularly.
An automatic movement uses a rotor that oscillates inside the watch to keep it ticking. The rotor is propelled by the motion of your arm, so it winds itself as you wear it. Your automatic watch will stop working if it’s not being powered by motion, so it’s important to follow our tips on how to keep the movement ticking nicely. If your automatic watch has an open caseback, you’ll be able to see the rotor oscillating away whenever you want.
If you need some guidance on how to wind an automatic watch, our below step by step guide is here to help.
Your step by step guide on how to wind an automatic watch
An automatic watch does exactly what it says – it automatically winds itself. The first time you wear it however, you’ll need to wind your automatic watch manually to start its heart beating away nicely.
Sound straight forward? It really is easy to do, but it’s not as simple as setting the time on a quartz watch. We’ve put together these easy to follow steps on automatic watches and how to wind them, so you’ll be a pro in no time.
Step 1
Firstly, take your automatic watch off. It’s important not to wind your watch whilst wearing it, or whilst walking or moving, as this can confuse the mechanism of the watch.
Step 2
For a classic automatic watch, begin to wind the crown around 30 times in a clockwise motion. If your automatic watch is a sports watch with a screw down crown for extra water resistance, you’ll need to begin by screwing the crown three or four times in an anti-clockwise motion until you feel the crown pop out. Then continue to wind your crown around 30 times clockwise to charge it.
Step 3
Check the date. If you need to wind your watch and you have a date window, it’s most it will be displaying the wrong date. Pull the crown out once from the winding position and move the crown in a clockwise motion to change the date. We recommend not to set the date when your watch is near 12 o’clock to avoid any damage to the date wheel.
Step 4
Set the time. Pull the crown out once more to set the time by moving the crown either clockwise or anticlockwise.
Step 5
Make sure you screw the crown back in if you have a screw down crown. To do this push the crown back into the winding position, push it in once more and then begin to screw clockwise to lock it into place.
Step 6
Enjoy wearing it. No really, wearing your automatic watch daily will power your watch and ensure the best performance. As you move throughout the day, your movements wind the mechanism inside the watch to keep it ticking. If for some reason you’re not wearing your watch every day, putting it on a watch winder would help keep it ticking along nicely and means you won’t have to reset the date every time you go to wear it. Our WOLF watch winders are essential for every automatic watch owner.
Speak to our experts
If you need a little extra help on winding your automatic watch, we’re always happy to help. Find your local store and come and see one of our friendly experts.
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For when you’re not wearing your watch…
As you now know, wearing your automatic watch daily will ensure the best performance. If your watch is having a day off your wrist however, a watch winder will keep it beating away.
A watch winder is a precision instrument that’s designed to keep your automatic watch ticking when you’re not wearing it to keep it up to date. They’re perfect for owners of multiple automatic watches as you switch between wearing your different timepieces. They’re also very pleasing to the eye, so they’re a stunning talking piece in your home, displaying your treasured watches beautifully.
Keep your watch ticking with a winder
A WOLF watch winder is essential for any automatic watch owner. Here’s just a few reasons why…
- Dedicated to protecting treasured watches since 1834, WOLF create luxury winders and boxes with engineered technology to keep your automatic watch ticking away when you’re not wearing it.
- The brand’s patented technology will take care of how many turns to give your watch for the perfect wind every time.
- They look good too and are worthy of being out on display proudly showing off your favourite watches.
More tips on caring for your watch
Check your watch’s manual to find out its power reserve, this is how long your watch will run without needing to be wound or worn.
Your automatic watch is a special timepiece that should be treasured forever. From cleaning your watch to servicing, follow more top tips on how to care for your watch.
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