How to Make a Manual-Wind Watch Operate the Right Way

Watchmaking tradition is a tale as old as time. When referring to classic craftsmanship, mechanical watches come to mind. Through generations, mechanical watches remain an enduring testament to the excellence of the watchmaking art itself. What makes mechanical watches so distinct is the required process of their operation.

For a mechanical watch wearer, manually winding the timepiece has become a ritual before starting the day. Repeated winding motions can form a connection between the timepiece and the wearer. A manual winding watch has all but batteries. Instead of running automatically, it has to be powered by the intricate movement of gears and springs. 

However, not all mechanical watches require manual winding. Some of the mechanical watches only use kinetic energy to operate. Then, how do the self-winding and manual-winding differ? Let’s start our journey to understand the winding mechanism and how to do it!

Self-Winding Watches vs. Manual-Winding Watches

There are two types of mechanical watches, namely automatic and manual winding. Automatic watches are also known as self-winding watches. Both types require winding to work, as their machinery power comes from a tightly wound spring called a mainspring. A series of gears, components, and energy from winding the mainspring can release the tension, which transfers to mechanical components inside a timepiece.

Automatic or self-winding watches have a rotor that spins and winds through the tightening of the mainspring. This mechanism works through the movement of the wrist. Meanwhile, manual-winding watches don’t operate using rotors. For the watch to operate, the wearer needs to wind the watch by hand. Here are some of the characteristics of self-winding and manual- winding watches:

Variety of Winding Methods

Based on the type, there are primarily two winding methods. Traditionally, winding a mechanical watch should be done manually. The watch wearer can turn the crown clockwise to wind the mainspring. This method requires careful attention because overwinding can cause premature wear on the seal of the crown. Regularly winding a classic mechanical watch ensures its functionality.

On the other hand, self-winding doesn’t involve complicated procedures. A self-winding watch can harness the movement of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring. Additionally, the power reserve features can help the wearer not to wind a watch constantly. This characteristic of a self-winding watch appeals to watch enthusiasts who have active lifestyles.

Regardless of the winding method, as a watch wearer, you must understand the type of timepiece you deal with. When you wind up with watches with no battery, you must consider their kind. If it’s a vintage watch, you must turn the crown gently. As for a timepiece with complex features, like a chronograph, detailed attention must be the utmost priority. In this case, you can read the official instructions to avoid potential damages.

Read also: How to Store Watches: The 10 Easy Ways to Try at Home 

Pay Attention to the Crown Types

Winding a watch requires you to understand the crown types. As a part of a watch anatomy, the crown has a particular function to ensure timekeeping. It’s not merely an additional flourishing. Instead, it holds a crucial role in opening the heart of the watch—the movement. Knowing the type of crown you have on your timepiece can ensure overall care. Some of the commonly found crown types are:

• Standard crown: It usually sticks out from a watch’s case, knurled for a better grip. The wearer can not only wind it but also set the time and other functions.
• Screw-in crown: The type of crown that enhances water resistance. It can secure the crown more efficiently after the wearer tweaks for adjustments.
• Screw-down crown: The wearer needs to unscrew it before pulling it out to wind the watch or set the time. Once done, the crown should be screwed back against the case to ensure its water resistance feature, especially when worn during diving activities.
• Recessed crown: Usually hidden to accentuate the sleek case design. To wind the watch or make some adjustments, the wearer should pull out the crown first.

What Differs Watch Movements?

As mentioned earlier, mechanical watches are divided into self-winding and manual-winding. In movement terms, these refer to manual and automatic movements. Mechanical watches with manual movements should be wound periodically to operate well. It obliges a traditional ritual in which the wearer turns the crown. By winding the watch manually, the energy from the tightening mainspring can be released, thereby powering the timepiece.

Conversely, automatic movements rely on the wrist movement from the wearer to proceed with the winding procedure. Instead of the manual winding by hand, the wearer’s wrist motion is in charge of winding the mainspring. With every wrist movement, the rotor spins and transfers the energy to the wind automatically. The energy from this process is then stored, allowing the watch to stay powered on even without being worn around the wrist for a long period.

How to Wind a Manual Watch

A manual winding watch needs a regular winding to maintain its timekeeping functionality. This ritual bonds the wearer to the watch. To properly wind a manual watch, you need to follow the right steps. A misstep may reward you with scratches or inaccurate timekeeping. Here’s the way to wind a manual watch:

1. Remove the Watch from the Box

When you wind a manual watch, you must pick it up from the box first. Don’t immediately put the watch on the wrist. Winding the mainspring while putting the watch around the wrist can place more stress on the crown and stem. Find a stable and soft surface to wind it. This way, you can prevent the potential scratching.

2. Unscrew the Crown

This step applies to the screw-down crown. Usually, you’ll see this type of crown on dive watches. To wind this crown, you need to unscrew it by turning it counterclockwise. Once you hear a little click or feel it loose, you can grip the crown gently and move it with less resistance.

3. Turn the Crown Clockwise

To start winding the mainspring, you can hold the crown and turn it clockwise. As the mainspring starts to get tighter, you may feel a little bit of resistance. While rotating the crown, you should not use too much power. Do it smoothly and steadily to avoid hurting the intricate mechanism.

4. Careful with the Resistance

As you proceed with the winding, you may feel the mainspring tighten over time, which causes increasing resistance in the crown. If you feel this, it means that the winding almost comes to a full stop. Manual watches usually only need 20–40 turns, but this requirement depends on each watch’s power reserve.

5. Finish the Winding

When you can no longer turn the crown in the clockwise direction anymore, it means that you have reached the end of the process. Avoid pushing the winding further because it can damage the internal watch’s machinery. Though most timepieces have a built-in overwinding feature, it doesn't hurt to be cautious when winding yours.

6. Put the Crown Back to Its Original State

Depending on the type of crown, putting it back to its normal position should be done accordingly. If you have a dive watch with a screw-down crown, you should push the crown gently against the case and screw it back in by rotating it clockwise. Be careful when putting the crown back. Avoid forcing the parts when you’re doing it.

Read also: Watch 101: How to Clean a Watch at Home with a Proper Way 

Be Mindful Not to Overwind

Ensuring timekeeping works as it’s supposed to require you to measure the winding adequately. A mechanical watch can stay functional if you don’t overwind it. Consider a timepiece as a delicate craft when you wind the mainspring to power it up. To avoid overwinding, you can take notes of the following tips:

1. Feel the Resistance

Every manual winding watch shows resistance at a certain point of winding. It indicates that the mainspring is almost completely wound, marking the finishing step of the process. If you continue winding it even when you feel the resistance, you may strain the internal mechanism. Instead of saving more energy, you will potentially damage the delicate machinery.

2. Follow the Instruction

When you don’t know the way to go, always trust the guidelines. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to help you manually wind your mechanical watch. This way, you know the exact number of turns to provide the right energy and power up the watch without overwinding it.

3. Schedule a Winding Time

A regular winding procedure can help you avoid overwinding. As mentioned, mechanical watches typically only need about 20 to 40 turns. With a routine, you will get used to the watch’s power reserve and schedule the winding accordingly. This winding schedule will help you keep your watch operating smoothly without fearing the risk of overwinding.

4. Use a Watch Winder

Automatic watch wearers can consider a watch winder to ensure the optimal power reserve. If you primarily wear an automatic watch, you can use the watch winder to keep the power without risking overwinding. This tool can be useful if you don’t wear your automatic watch daily.

Conclusion

To wind a watch with no batteries, you must understand the components involved in the entire process. Winding requires you to gently turn the crown without overdoing it. As the mainspring tightens, you will feel more resistance. If it gets more difficult to rotate the crown, then it means the winding is already at its end. Don’t push it further, or else the watch will suffer damage from overwinding.

Maintaining your mechanical watch’s functionality is as important as cleaning it regularly with a soft cloth. As the surface of the watch is free from dust, moisture, and fingerprints, the internal parts should perform equally well. Some mechanical watches may not handle shocks and impacts from active sports, so avoid wearing them during outdoor outings.

While winding is essential, you should always make time for proper regular servicing. A mechanical watch can benefit from a professional’s maintenance. You can ask for a complete service for your mechanical watch every few years according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A watch specialist can disassemble the internal parts, and clean and lubricate them to ensure the movement can operate smoothly. As a watch wearer, it’s important to keep close attention to your timepiece. Take proper care of your watch to ensure its performance stays on top of the game all the time.