Watch Maintenance: 5 Causes of Mechanical Watch Failures

Individuals unfamiliar with mechanical watches may wonder why their timepieces cease to tick. In contrast, quartz watches, though they can stop as well, usually run for several years on a single battery under typical conditions. However, mechanical watches, without proper Watch Maintenance, tend to have a higher probability of halting, showcasing the importance of regular upkeep.

In fact, the internal mechanisms of these two types of watches are inherently different. Mechanical watches operate through a purely mechanical structure that propels the movement of parts, with the mainspring barrel being a key component in accumulating kinetic energy. Therefore, if a mechanical watch suddenly stops while being worn.

▲Mechanical watches rely on purely mechanical mechanisms to function. Thus, if the watch stops moving, the first thing to check is whether it lacks power. If the watch resumes normal operation after being wound again, then there is usually no need for excessive concern.

The most common and primary reason for a mechanical watch to stop is due to insufficient power. This happens when the energy in the mainspring is completely released. If the watch isn’t wound by either the motion of the wrist activating the automatic winding system or by manually winding it, there won’t be any power to drive the parts, causing the hands to remain stationary. This issue is the least concerning, as it simply suggests a lack of familiarity with the peculiarities of mechanical watches. To prevent the watch from stopping due to depleted power:

Identify if your watch has a manual or automatic winding mechanism. For manual winding movements, try to wind your watch at the same time every day. For automatic movements, daily wear should generally provide enough movement to accumulate sufficient kinetic energy.
For automatic watches that haven’t been worn for some time, it’s advisable to manually wind them fully before wearing them out to avoid intermittent operation due to insufficient wrist movement.

Four additional reasons for a watch to stop unexpectedly include:

Impact and Vibrations: The watch or its movement has experienced impacts or shakes.
Displacement of Gears: The internal gears have shifted out of their proper positions.
Magnetization: The watch has become magnetized, affecting its operation.
Dried Lubricating Oil: The lubricating oil has dried up due to long periods without use.

▲The issue of a watch stopping unexpectedly is related to problems within the movement. However, identifying the precise cause requires detailed inspection by professionals who can then propose appropriate solutions.

These issues all relate to parts not functioning correctly. For instance, a strong impact on the movement might hinder the smooth operation between parts. If gears become loose or displaced due to external forces, this will also affect the movement’s operation. Magnetization can cause the hairspring in the escapement system to stick together, affecting the balance wheel’s oscillation and often leading to a faster running watch due to magnetic interference. Dry lubricating oil increases friction between components, reducing the efficiency of energy transmission from the mainspring to the gear train.

Don’t play detective with your watch; leave it to the professionals for the safest resolution.

Upon encountering unexpected stopping in a watch, resist the urge to impulsively dismantle it for troubleshooting. This scenario underscores the necessity of Watch Maintenance, best entrusted to manufacturers or proficient technicians who can pinpoint and rectify the problem accurately. Mechanical deterioration or malfunction, a natural outcome of extended usage, typically signals through such stops. Prompt recognition and action, integral to effective Watch Maintenance, are crucial in enhancing a watch’s longevity.