Why Properly Winding Your Automatic Watch Matters
Winding correctly keeps precision and prevents wear; some automatic watches contain over 130 tiny parts that can be ruined by rough handling. This quick guide teaches safe, efficient steps every owner can apply daily at home.
What You Need
Wind an Automatic Watch Like a Pro: Quick Guide
Inspect and Prepare the Watch
Why a 30-second check can save you hours (and a costly repair)?Begin with a quick visual and tactile inspection of the case, crystal, strap and crown.
Wipe the case and crystal with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust or grit that could enter the crown or scratch the glass.
Confirm the crown is fully pushed in or, if it’s a screw-down crown, that it is tightly screwed down before you start.
Gently test the crown for smoothness and free play: if it feels gritty or excessively loose, stop and consult a watchmaker.
Note whether the watch has stopped completely or still shows some motion—if it’s stopped you’ll need more turns to build power reserve; if it’s ticking, fewer turns will usually suffice.
Check the manufacturer’s manual or website for brand-specific warnings or special rules; older and exotic movements sometimes require unique handling.
Always remove the watch from your wrist before winding to avoid putting sideways pressure on the stem and risking damage to the winding mechanism.
Choose the Right Winding Method
Manual winding vs. winder — which wins? (Hint: both have perks.)Decide between hand-winding via the crown and using an automatic watch winder. Hand-winding gives you control and is quick for a stopped watch; most modern automatics accept a set number of crown turns to build reserve (consult your manual — many movements commonly need on the order of 20–40 turns as an example).
Use a watch winder to keep the watch running continuously. Winders are ideal for watches with complex calendars or moonphase displays that are tedious to reset, but a poorly configured winder can overwork a movement or wind in the wrong direction.
Check water resistance and crown type before exposing the watch to moisture. If your watch has a screw-down crown, ensure it’s fully screwed and sealed before any exposure to humidity or water.
Consult the watchmaker’s recommendations for permitted winding methods and rotation direction. Follow brand notes like permitted crown turns, preferred rotation (uni- or bi-directional), and any warnings to avoid damaging the movement.
Manual Winding: Technique and Best Practice
Feel the torque — slight resistance is healthy, snapping is not. Learn the sweet touch.Unscrew the crown if it’s a screw-down type and set it to the winding position (usually position 0 or fully in). For example, turn the crown counterclockwise to free a screw-down crown, then leave it pushed in for winding.
Move the hands away from the date-change window (commonly ~8 PM–4 AM) before changing date or time — set the hands to about 6 AM to be safe.
Wind with your thumb and forefinger using smooth, deliberate clockwise turns unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. Count your turns: many watches require 20–40 full rotations to build a full reserve. Stop when you feel firm resistance.
Press or screw the crown down securely after winding to restore water resistance.
Using a Watch Winder Safely
Can a winder be smarter than you? Yes — if you set it right.Choose a winder with configurable turns-per-day (TPD), rotation direction, and rest intervals. Match the TPD and rotation to your watch’s specifications to avoid unnecessary wear.
Match rotation direction to the movement — many modern automatics prefer bidirectional or mixed programs; consult your watch manual. Adjust rest intervals so the motor pauses periodically rather than running nonstop.
Place the watch snugly on the winder pillow so it won’t slip; test by gently nudging the cushion to confirm a secure fit. Keep the winder away from strong magnets and high humidity to prevent magnetization and moisture damage.
Avoid continuous 24/7 operation for watches you wear infrequently; prefer periodic cycles, e.g., run three 30‑minute sessions spaced through the day rather than one long run. Clean the winder exterior and the watch caseback contacts occasionally to remove dust and oils.
Check that the movement is not running hot — excessive heat can indicate mechanical stress or an inappropriate program setting.
After Winding: Set, Observe, and Troubleshoot
Still not ticking? Don’t panic — quick fixes before you call a watchmaker.Set the time and date by moving the hands forward unless the manual instructs otherwise; for example, avoid changing the date between 8 PM and 4 AM to prevent calendar damage.
Ensure the crown is fully pushed in and, if applicable, screwed down to restore water resistance.
Wear the watch for a few hours and check that it accumulates power (power reserve) and runs within its expected accuracy.
Watch and listen for unusual signs:
Try a gentle short shake or tap the case lightly against your palm if the watch doesn’t start—avoid hard impacts or banging it on surfaces.
Stop winding and consult a professional if the crown feels excessively stiff, won’t move, or the watch remains inaccurate after running; these can indicate lubrication issues, magnetization, or other service needs.
Schedule regular servicing every 3–7 years to keep the movement healthy.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe
Winding an automatic watch safely preserves accuracy and longevity. Regular gentle winding or using a winder keeps the power reserve topped, reduces wear, and maintains appearance and performance; follow these steps consistently to enjoy reliable timekeeping for years. Now Ready?
I actually bought a cheap watch winder after reading section 4. The guide helped a lot with placement and rotation settings.
Pros: my watch is ready every morning, no fuss.
Cons: the winder is a tiny bit noisy at night (thought I’d mention it for anyone sensitive to sound).
Also — do you recommend a specific rotation per day? CW/CCW/mixed? 🤔
Thanks for sharing, Lily. For many movements, ‘mixed’ or bi-directional settings are safest, but check the watch manual. If unspecified, a conservative 650-800 turns per day (TPD) in a mixed pattern is common.
I appreciate the section about inspecting seals and water resistance before winding. One tiny nit: when you say “check crown for grit,” maybe suggest a quick rinse if it’s waterproof? I almost scrubbed a gasket once with a toothpick lol (don’t do that).
Omg the toothpick story made my day. 😂 Always be gentle!
I once dropped my watch while trying to set it and had to get the stem fixed. Lesson learned: sit down, put the watch on a soft towel, and breathe. 😂
Also: keep it simple, people. Small hands, slow turns, don’t try to impress anyone. 😜
Thanks for the guide — the ‘Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe’ bit is my favorite.
Pro tip: if nervous, use a loupe or phone camera to watch the crown thread when screwing it down. Helps ensure it’s aligned.
I do my winding seated at the kitchen table with a towel. Much calmer and fewer disasters.