What to Do If Your Automatic Mechanical Watch Stops? Diagnosing the Issue
1. Automatic Watch Stalling: In our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, winding your automatic watch becomes essential. An automatic watch, or more fittingly called an “arm movement-assisted winding device,” needs sufficient motion to stay wound. Lack of movement or insufficient winding can lead to the watch stalling or losing accuracy.
2. Identifying the Stalling Issue: A watch may stall due to a collision, misalignment, magnetization, or simply due to lack of motion. Commonly, the issue arises from the hands getting dislodged and interfering with each other or the watch face, due to impact.
3. Diagnosing Your Automatic Watch: To pinpoint the issue, check whether the problem lies with the watch’s mechanism or the automatic system itself. For watches with manual winding options, attempt winding to see if the movement’s primary mechanisms function normally. An observation of the automatic rotor’s smooth movement without undue resistance suggests the automatic mechanism is generally in good condition.
4. Common Faults and Solutions: If your watch has been inactive or you have a low activity level, give it a gentle shake or manually wind it to kickstart the movement. If it still doesn’t work, professional inspection may be necessary to address issues like hand misalignment or internal damage.
5. Maintenance Tips for Automatic Watches: Ensure regular motion to keep the watch wound, avoid strong vibrations, and keep away from magnetic fields. If exposed to water, ensure the crown is tightly secured to prevent moisture ingress. Every 3-5 years, have your watch professionally cleaned and lubricated, depending on wear and model specifications.
6. Storing Your Watch: Avoid places with camphor or naphthalene, as these substances can degrade the lubricants inside your watch. Regular winding or wearing will keep the mechanisms smooth.
By understanding these key points, you can often prevent or remedy situations where your automatic mechanical watch stops working, ensuring it remains a reliable timepiece for years to come.
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