Automatic Watch
Self-winding mechanical movement
What is an automatic watch?
An automatic (self-winding) watch is a mechanical watch powered by a moving weight called a rotor. As your wrist moves, the rotor spins and winds the mainspring, storing energy that powers the watch.
Why does it need winding?
If the watch sits unworn for a day or two, the mainspring loses its stored energy and the watch stops. A few manual winds gets it running again and keeps timekeeping accurate.
How to wind it safely
- 1Remove the watch from your wrist.
- 2Unscrew the crown if it has a screw-down crown.
- 3Keep the crown in the first position.
- 4Turn the crown clockwise about 20–40 turns.
- 5Do not force the crown once resistance feels unusual.
- 6Screw the crown back down if applicable.
Do not set the date when the hands are between approximately 9 PM and 3 AM, unless your watch brand says otherwise.
How to set the time and date
- 1Pull the crown out to the date position (usually the first click).
- 2Advance the date to the day before today.
- 3Pull the crown to the final position to set the time.
- 4Turn the hands forward past midnight to roll the date to today, then set the correct time.
- 5Push the crown fully back in and screw down if applicable.
Common mistakes to avoid
Forcing the crown, changing the date during the danger zone, leaving a screw-down crown unscrewed near water, and shaking the watch aggressively to start it.
FAQ
Most automatics need 20–40 winds to start. You generally cannot overwind a modern automatic — it has a slipping clutch. If it stops overnight, it simply ran out of power reserve.