You own an automatic mechanical watch or plan to acquire one, and you want to know how to operate it correctly to preserve it and keep it in good condition for many years. You are in the right place.
An automatic mechanical watch does not require a battery and does not need systematic manual winding. Its operation is based on the natural movement of your wrist, thanks to the presence of an oscillating weight (also called a rotor) located at the back of the watch.
The oscillating weight continuously swings when the wrist is in motion, which winds the mainspring, the watch's power source. The mainspring gradually winds throughout the day until it reaches its maximum (the power reserve is then at its fullest).
Note: In horology, power reserve refers to the operating time of a watch when it is not being worn (for an automatic watch).
For example, if a watch like our store's MM23-01 has a power reserve of 40 hours, it means that once fully wound (after a full day of wear), it will continue to operate for 40 hours before stopping.
Conversely, when an automatic watch is stopped, its power reserve is zero, and the mainspring is fully relaxed, with no accumulated energy. On skeleton automatic watches, you can visually see if the mainspring is taut (and therefore charged with energy) or relaxed (devoid of energy).
Important: When an automatic watch is completely stopped, it is highly recommended to manually wind it using the crown (15 to 30 turns depending on the model) before wearing it. Indeed, a watch that starts without any power reserve is in what is called a "red zone," meaning an operating range where precision is unstable and the mechanism may lack enough energy to function durably.
If wrist movements are too weak, the watch may even stop again quickly. By lightly hand-winding it before wearing it, you give it the necessary impulse to function correctly and accurately.
MM24-04 - Maison MORFIN
To start a mechanical watch, it's very simple. Wind it using the crown positioned at 3 o'clock (10 to 20 turns) and you will see the watch start.
Once the watch has started, you just need to wear it, and it will automatically wind itself thanks to the natural movements of your wrist. The spring will gradually tighten.
Tip: If you wear your watch only very rarely (less than once a month), wind it using the side crown (about 30 turns if the watch is completely stopped). This will allow it to operate (without wearing it) and lubricate the components, thus preventing the accumulation of stagnant oil in certain places, which will optimize its lifespan.
Tip 1: If you want to preserve your watch's health and ensure it always keeps accurate time, consider investing in a watch winder, like those we offer in our store, which will keep your watch running continuously.
Tip 2: Automatic watches have an unparalleled charm for watch enthusiasts and require special attention to optimize their longevity. When setting the time, turn the hands clockwise, as the components are designed to operate in this direction. If your watch has a date window, make sure to adjust it when the hands are between 3 AM and 9 PM. The period between 9 PM and 3 AM is called the "danger zone," and forcing a date change during this interval can damage the mechanism via the push button.
Tip 3 : To prevent any dirt from entering the case, it's a good idea to remove dust and dead skin using a little water and a toothbrush every 3 months.
By following these tips, you will be able to fully enjoy your automatic mechanical watch for many years.
