Most modern wristwatches are quartz; that is, it works thanks to the batteries. Traditional mechanical models, small and trendy ones or "vintage" watches are operated by a spring mechanism. This is compressed when the crown is turned and runs the watch as it loosens. This is the mechanism that allows the watch to measure time. There are two types of mechanical movements: automatic and manual.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Charging a Manual Mechanism Watch
Step 1. Place the clock on the table
Take it off your wrist or case. If you try to charge it while wearing it and it fits snugly, you may not get the desired result.
- If you try to wind a watch that is still on your wrist, you strain the mechanisms due to the tilt between the arm and the winding stem.
- Find the head of the stem that you need to pull to wind the watch. This is the small wheel that you can find on one side of the case.
Step 2. Hold the watch facing up using your left hand
If you are left handed, reverse the position. The stem may have several settings, including settings for adjusting the time, calendar, alarm, or time zone. Each position is signaled with a small "click" as you pull or push the head of the stem. Make several attempts to perceive this sound and find the correct position.
Step 3. Pull out the crown
Use your thumb and forefinger to gently pull out the stem by grabbing it by the head called the "crown"; it may not be easy, since you don't have to force the mechanism too much.
Step 4. Charge the watch
Rotate the crown clockwise until you feel some resistance. Proceed with caution and do not wind beyond the mechanism, otherwise you could damage the watch. Over time, you will learn to feel this resistance.
- If the watch discharges earlier than expected, it means that you have not loaded the spring to full tension.
- Depending on the size of the watch, it may take 20 to 40 rotations to feel resistance; be careful not to overdo it, otherwise you could break it or put it under strain.
Step 5. Restore the watch to normal condition
Press the crown to insert the stem into place. Act carefully to put all the components back in the same place they were in the beginning. Never push hard and never force any part when handling the winding stem and crown of a watch.
Part 2 of 3: Setting up an Automatic Movement Watch
Step 1. Do some research on the clock
Some models with a manual mechanism can run for up to five days on one charge. However, this does not mean that they are watches with an automatic movement. Check the details on the packaging or search online by the serial number for more information. You can also wait and check how long it takes the watch to stop since the last charge.
If it's an automatic model, it should work for a long time. This kind of watch stops when it is not worn regularly
Step 2. Prepare the watch
Take it off your wrist to start charging properly. It is important to proceed with caution when handling the charging stem. This element is connected to several important mechanisms that are inside the watch and that you absolutely must not break.
If you tinker with the stem while wearing your watch, you could bend or damage it
Step 3. Locate the crown
Watches with automatic movement are similar to manual ones, except that they are equipped with a rotor that conserves energy. The crown should allow you to adjust the time, date and other functions. Just like with manual models, you have to pull the crown to expose the winding stem.
A good technique for figuring out which position is assigned to each function of the stem is to try them all. The position that allows you to wind the mechanism should not look different from the others when looking at it from the outside
Step 4. Rotate the crown
When you have determined the charging position, you are ready to proceed. Turn the crown clockwise until you feel resistance. It is very important not to go beyond this point.
If you turn the stem too much, you could break the small mechanical components; should this happen, take the watch to a specialist
Step 5. Restore the watch to normal condition
Once loaded, you can set the time and other functions. Check the dial to understand what elements you are changing by turning the crown. Check the time and date by comparing them with those indicated by a digital clock.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Watch
Step 1. Upload it every day
A watch that is wound works accurately for a period of between 18 and 36 hours, depending on the type of mechanism. The larger models have larger mechanisms and, of course, the smaller ones have smaller, more delicate components.
- Mechanical watches should be wound at least once a week, even if they are not being worn.
- You can develop a habit of charging it in the morning when you get dressed or in the evening before bed.
Step 2. Clean your watch
There is no need to buy special oils or cleaners to take care of it. Clean it with a toothbrush and warm water. Dip the toothbrush in the water and scrub the bristles to remove excess moisture; then brush the inside and outside of the watch.
- Don't apply too much force when cleaning the stem and crown area.
- Don't remove the screws or try to clean the gears unless you know how to do it. Contact a watchmaker to clean the inner workings of the wristwatch.
Step 3. Store it properly
Watches are delicate tools and you should treat them with care when storing them. The best way to protect them is to wrap them in a material such as bubble wrap or in a fabric bag.
- You should put the watch in a cool, clean and dust-free place. Make sure it is out of direct sunlight.
- Charge it every week when you're not wearing it.
