How to Wind an Automatic Watch: Complete Guide for Watch Owners

Automatic watches combine centuries-old mechanical craftsmanship with the convenience of self-winding technology. But despite their “automatic” nature, these timepieces sometimes need a helping hand to keep ticking. Whether you’ve just purchased your first automatic watch or have a collection gathering dust, knowing how to properly wind and maintain these mechanical marvels is essential.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about winding automatic watches, avoiding common mistakes, and keeping your timepiece running perfectly for years to come.

Understanding Automatic Watches: The Basics

Before getting into winding techniques, it’s helpful to understand how automatic watches work.

How Automatic Movements Work

An automatic (or self-winding) watch harnesses the natural motion of your wrist to wind itself. Here’s a simplified explanation of the mechanism:

1. A weighted rotor in the movement rotates freely as your wrist moves
2. This rotation winds the mainspring, storing energy
3. The mainspring gradually releases this energy to power the watch
4. With regular wear (typically 8-10 hours daily), the watch should maintain power

The mainspring can only store a limited amount of energy, known as the power reserve. Most automatic watches have a power reserve of 38-48 hours, though some modern models can reach 70+ hours.

Signs Your Automatic Watch Needs Winding

Your watch likely needs manual winding if:

• It has stopped completely
• It’s running but losing significant time
• You haven’t worn it in more than a day
• You’ve just purchased it new or it’s been sitting unworn

How to Wind an Automatic Watch: Step-by-Step Guide

Winding an automatic watch is straightforward once you know the proper technique.

For Watches with a Screw-Down Crown

Many sports and dive watches have screw-down crowns for water resistance:

1. Hold the watch in your non-dominant hand
2. Unscrew the crown by rotating it counterclockwise until it pops out to the first position
3. Once unscrewed, proceed to the winding steps below
4. After winding, gently push the crown back in while applying light pressure
5. Screw the crown back down (clockwise) until snug—never force it

Winding an Automatic Watch

1. Hold the watch in your non-dominant hand
2. If the crown isn’t already in the winding position (position 0, pushed all the way in), ensure it is
3. Rotate the crown clockwise about 20-30 times at a steady pace
4. There’s no need to wind aggressively—gentle, consistent turning is best
5. You cannot overwind a modern automatic watch, as they have a slipping mechanism to prevent overwinding

For Watches Without Hacking

Some vintage or entry-level automatic watches don’t have a “hacking” feature (the ability to stop the seconds hand). For these watches:

1. Follow the same winding procedure above
2. Don’t pull the crown out to position 1 or 2 for winding
3. Wind with the crown pushed in (position 0)

Setting the Time After Winding

After winding, you may need to set the time:

1. Pull the crown out to position 2 (typically the furthest position)
2. Rotate the crown to set the time—usually clockwise, but check your manual
3. For watches with a date function, avoid setting the time between 9 PM and 3 AM as this may damage the date mechanism
4. Push the crown back to position 0 when finished (screwing down if necessary)

Common Questions About Winding Automatic Watches

Can You Overwind an Automatic Watch?

Modern automatic watches have a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents overwinding. You can’t damage the movement by manual winding, even if you wind extensively.

However, vintage watches (pre-1960s) might not have this safety feature, so if you own a vintage piece, limit winding to about 20-30 turns.

How Many Times Should You Wind an Automatic Watch?

For a watch that has completely stopped:

• 20-30 winds is typically sufficient to get it started
• This provides enough power for several hours of operation
• The watch will continue to wind itself as you wear it

For a watch that’s still running but hasn’t been worn for a while:

• 10-15 winds should be adequate to restore full power

Should You Wind an Automatic Watch Every Day?

If you wear your automatic watch daily for at least 8 hours, manual winding is typically unnecessary. The natural motion of your wrist throughout the day should keep it sufficiently wound.

However, if you’re relatively sedentary or don’t move your wrist much during the day, a few supplemental winds occasionally can help maintain optimal power.

Does Shaking an Automatic Watch Wind It?

While shaking an automatic watch can indeed wind it, this isn’t recommended for several reasons:

• Violent shaking can potentially damage delicate movement components
• It’s less efficient than proper manual winding
• It doesn’t distribute the mainspring tension as evenly as proper winding

If you need to quickly add some power, gentle side-to-side rocking motions are preferable to aggressive shaking.

Special Winding Considerations

Watches with Unusual Crowns

Some watches have unique crown systems that require special attention:

Watches with Crowns at Unusual Positions

• Watches with crowns at 4 o’clock, 9 o’clock, or other positions are wound using the same technique
• The rotation direction remains the same regardless of crown position

Watches with Hidden or Recessed Crowns

• Some designs (particularly vintage or dress watches) have crowns that sit flush with the case
• These may require a fingernail or small tool to pull out the crown
• Once extended, they’re wound normally

Watches with Special Complications

Perpetual Calendars

• These complex watches track days, months, and leap years
• Be extremely careful about winding and setting when the date is changing (typically avoid 9 PM – 3 AM)
• If the watch has stopped, consult the manual or a professional to reset all calendar functions

Automatic Chronographs

• Some automatic chronographs should not be wound with the chronograph running
• Stop the chronograph function before winding for optimal safety
• Resume the chronograph after winding if desired

Winding When You’re Not Wearing Your Watch

If you have multiple watches or don’t wear your automatic watch daily, you have several options:

Watch Winders: Pros and Cons

Pros of Watch Winders:

• Keeps watches ready to wear
• Maintains calendar functions
• Helps keep lubricants distributed
• Convenient for larger collections

Cons of Watch Winders:

• Quality winders can be expensive
• Constant winding increases wear on components
• Uses electricity continuously
• Not necessary for basic watches without complications

Recommendations on Watch Winders

If you decide to use a watch winder, consider:

1. Rotation settings: Look for winders with multiple direction options (clockwise, counterclockwise, or bidirectional)
2. Turns per day (TPD): Different watches require different TPD settings (usually 650-1,800)
3. Timer function: The best winders don’t run continuously but operate on intervals
4. Quality construction: Avoid cheap winders that can create magnetic fields or rotate too aggressively

Letting Watches Wind Down

Many collectors simply let unused watches stop and then reset them when ready to wear. This approach has several advantages:

• Reduces unnecessary wear on movement components
• Conserves power in both the watch and winder
• Many watchmakers suggest this is better for long-term movement health
• Modern automatic watches are designed to be started and stopped without issues

Best Practices for Automatic Watch Care

Daily Handling Tips

DO:

• Wind your watch at approximately the same time each day if needed
• Wind it while wearing if possible (the weight of the watch on your wrist provides stability)
• Use smooth, consistent motions
• Listen for any unusual sounds which could indicate a problem

DON’T:

• Wind your watch while wearing it on your right wrist if the crown digs into your hand
• Force the crown if you feel unusual resistance
• Wind excessively if you have a vintage watch without a slipping clutch
• Shake the watch vigorously as a substitute for proper winding

Long-Term Storage Recommendations

If storing an automatic watch for an extended period:

1. Consider getting it serviced before long-term storage
2. Store it in a cool, dry place away from magnetic sources
3. It’s generally best to let it wind down naturally rather than keeping it running
4. For valuable pieces, store in a watch box or safe with humidity control
5. Wind it briefly every few months to help distribute the lubricants

Troubleshooting Common Winding Issues

Watch Won’t Wind or Feels Gritty

Potential causes and solutions:

Crown Tube Issues

• Symptoms: Crown doesn’t engage or feels disconnected
• Possible cause: Worn or damaged crown tube
• Solution: Professional repair required

Mainspring Problems

• Symptoms: Can wind but power doesn’t hold
• Possible cause: Broken or slipping mainspring
• Solution: Service by a professional watchmaker

Debris or Dried Lubricant

• Symptoms: Gritty or inconsistent winding feel
• Possible cause: Dirt or dried oils in winding mechanism
• Solution: Professional cleaning and service

Watch Winds But Doesn’t Run or Keep Time

If your watch winds normally but doesn’t run properly:

1. Try gently tapping it against your palm (not too hard)
2. Check if it’s magnetized (a common issue that affects timekeeping)
3. If it runs briefly then stops, it likely needs service
4. If it keeps poor time, it may need regulation

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional service if:

• The crown doesn’t engage the winding mechanism
• You feel significant resistance while winding
• The watch doesn’t hold power despite winding
• There are unusual sounds during winding
• The crown feels loose or wobbly

Winding Different Brands of Automatic Watches

While the basic principles are similar, different brands may have specific recommendations:

Rolex

• Unscrew the crown fully before winding
• About 20-30 turns from a dead stop
• Twinlock and Triplock crowns need careful screwing down to maintain water resistance

Omega

• Many modern Omegas have screw-down crowns requiring full unscrewing
• Seamaster and Planet Ocean models in particular need proper crown securing
• Co-axial movements benefit from regular winding when unworn

Seiko

• Many Seiko automatics don’t have screw-down crowns (except dive models)
• Their mainsprings are designed to be wound both by hand and automatically
• The Magic Lever system in many Seikos is particularly efficient at winding

Tudor

• Similar to Rolex with screw-down crowns on most models
• Tudor in-house movements typically have longer power reserves (70 hours for MT movements)
• Require similar care when screwing down crowns

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Mechanical Timepieces

Winding an automatic watch is more than just maintenance—it’s part of the ritual and connection to traditional watchmaking that makes mechanical watches special. That brief moment of interaction with your timepiece creates a bond that smartwatches and quartz watches simply can’t replicate.

With proper winding and care, your automatic watch can provide decades of reliable service and potentially become an heirloom passed through generations. The few seconds it takes to wind your watch is a small investment in preserving a piece of mechanical artistry.

Do you have tips or questions about winding automatic watches? Share your experiences in the comments below!

SEE also

Rolex
Omega
Patek Philippe
Audemars Piguet
TAG Heuer
Seiko
Longines
Tissot
Casio
Citizen