We experience numerous “firsts” from the very beginning of our life till the end. The things that happen for the first time cut a deep impression on us. They even become a permanent addition to our cherished memories forever. Your first step, first day at school, first love, first kiss, first salary cheque, first car, first house, etc. hold a more prominent significance in life. Similarly, owning an automatic watch for the first time may create a custom experience in your life.
If you are a first-time automatic watch owner, consider some important factors as a part of its proper functioning. Now, the question is- Have you ever thought of them? Most probably, your answer is- No. Statistics show that first-time owners tend to ignore an automatic wristwatch that requires winding if its movement comes to a halt.
Therefore, you need to learn some basic techniques for the proper and smooth winding of an automatic timepiece. Here, we will show a systematic process to wind an automatic watch for first-time owners.
Debunking a Misconception:
There is a time-old saying: An automatic timepiece does not require any winding. This old myth misled many users, especially first-timers. A common belief dominates their conception that they will never need to wind their watch manually.
Hence, you may ask the obvious question: Do I need to wind my automatic timepiece? The answer is straight: Yes, you do need to ensure it. If you do wind, you can surely prevent your automatic watch from malfunctioning. It will also keep the watch in perfect shape throughout the years.
If you need further explanation as a first-time owner, we make an effort to clarify it in this article by an example.
Let us think that you have an automatic watch, and you wear it regularly. It tells the accurate time without throwing you in trouble. It functions well as long as you wear it. It happens as the watch includes a built-in winding rotor. The rotor works as the spirit of the watch. It accumulates energy from the natural movement of your wrist or arm throughout the day.
Another thing may peep through the window of your mind: What will happen at night when you are not wearing it? But thanks to its power reserve system, that will not allow your watch to stop its ticking at night. It can remain functional for up to 80 hours, depending on the brand of the watch you are using.
On the contrary, you cannot always wear your watch. A different situation may happen that will not allow you to wear your watch. So, leaving your automatic watch unused for a long time may adversely affect its performance as it requires your movement to run. Moreover, the timepiece will remain lifeless after consuming the stored energy. In this circumstance, you will find no other way but to wind it manually. So, you cannot ignore the importance of winding your automatic watch.
How to Wind an Automatic Watch?
If we want to make something work, we need to provide energy. For example, you need food to work; you need to refill your car’s gas tank to drive. Similarly, your automatic watch requires winding to bring its life back. But if you make a single mistake while doing it, it may permanently damage the timepiece.
Consequently, the question arises- How will I wind my automatic watch in the right way?
Winding is neither too simple nor too complicated. It requires carefulness and awareness, especially if you are a first-timer. You can develop your skill of winding over time.
Here, we would like to show you some easy ways to master the art of winding your automatic timepiece.
Always Wear It
As a first-timer, you should remember that wearing is caring. That means you can wind it by wearing, as the movement of your wrist or arm supplies the energy to the watch.
You should ensure the following steps while winding your timepiece by wearing:
- Carefully put on the watch.
- You have to move your wrists smoothly until the hands of the watch start to move again.
- Adjust the time and date if needed.
Turn The Crown
If you do not put on your automatic watch for a long time, it will start to malfunction. But it can still function well up to 48 hours. If you have to leave your watch for more than 48 hours, you should wind it by turning its crown before adjusting the time and date.
You should maintain the following steps while winding a watch by turning its crown.
Manual Winding:
At first, you have to unscrew the crown (if your watch features a screw-down crown). Spin the crown clockwise for around twenty or thirty times to fully wind the watch. You can see your success if the second-hand starts to move.
Date Adjustment:
Automatic watches generally feature three positions for the crown. Each position performs different winding functionality. The first position (as mentioned in the above step) is for manual winding. Now, pull the crown to the second position. Turn it clockwise until you reach your desired date.
Time Adjustment:
For adjusting the time, you have to pull the crown out to the furthest position from the watch base. The second hand will stop on this position so that you can set the time accurately. Then spin the crown clockwise to set your desired time.
Most importantly, you should not over-wind the watch. You should make sure to push the crown in at last.
Watch Winder Utilization
A watch winder is a modern device that imitates the human arm movements and wounds the automatic timepiece when unused. Its price varies from $50 – $500 depending on the brand.
The following notes require the following while using a watch winder:
- Select the appropriate winder box.
- Determine the rotation direction of the winder.
- Choose the number of watches for winding.
Final Thoughts On This
If you aspire to win, you should not go to the front line unschooled. In the same vein, an automatic watch is a luxurious possession that demands proper maintenance and care. So, it’s better not to own it if you are not sensible enough.
