Do You Need to Wind an Automatic Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Watch Types & Mechanisms

When it comes to timepieces, automatic watches hold a special allure—combining intricate craftsmanship with the convenience of self-winding technology. But for many watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike, a common question arises: do you need to wind an automatic watch? This seemingly simple query opens the door to understanding how these mechanical marvels operate and how best to care for them.

Automatic watches are designed to harness the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to keep the mainspring wound, eliminating the need for daily manual winding. However, the reality of their maintenance is a bit more nuanced. Factors such as how often the watch is worn, its power reserve, and specific movement design all influence whether occasional winding might be necessary.

Exploring this topic not only demystifies the mechanics behind automatic watches but also helps owners maximize their timepiece’s performance and longevity. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your horological journey, understanding the winding habits of automatic watches is essential knowledge that enhances your appreciation and care of these timeless instruments.

How to Properly Wind an Automatic Watch

Although automatic watches are designed to wind themselves through the natural motion of your wrist, there are times when manual winding becomes necessary. For instance, if the watch has not been worn for a few days and has stopped running, manual winding can help restart its movement. The process of winding an automatic watch is straightforward, but it requires care to avoid damaging the mechanism.

To manually wind your automatic watch, follow these steps:

  • Ensure the crown is in the neutral position: The crown is typically located on the right side of the watch case. It should be fully pushed in (not pulled out) before winding.
  • Rotate the crown clockwise: Turn the crown slowly in a clockwise direction. Most automatic watches require about 20 to 40 full rotations to be fully wound.
  • Feel for resistance: As you wind, you may notice increased resistance, indicating the mainspring is fully tensioned. Avoid forcing the crown beyond this point.
  • Do not overwind: Unlike manual watches, many automatic watches have a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents overwinding, but it is still advisable to wind only until resistance is felt.
  • Set the time and date if necessary: If the watch stopped completely, pulling the crown out to the appropriate position will allow you to set the correct time and date.

Daily Wear and Automatic Watch Winding

When an automatic watch is worn regularly, the motion of your wrist keeps the mainspring wound. Activities such as walking, typing, and general arm movement generate enough kinetic energy to power the watch. However, the amount of winding depends on several factors:

  • Level of activity: More vigorous movements generate more winding.
  • Wearing duration: Wearing the watch for at least 8 hours a day typically keeps it fully wound.
  • Watch design: Some watches have more efficient winding rotors or higher power reserves.

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or remove the watch frequently, the watch may stop running and require manual winding or use of a watch winder.

Using a Watch Winder for Automatic Watches

A watch winder is a device designed to keep automatic watches running when they are not being worn. It simulates the motion of the wrist by rotating the watch in various directions and intervals.

Benefits of using a watch winder include:

  • Maintaining the watch’s power reserve, preventing it from stopping.
  • Keeping lubricants inside the movement evenly distributed.
  • Avoiding the need for frequent manual winding and resetting.

When selecting and using a watch winder, consider the following:

  • Rotation settings: Choose a winder with adjustable turns per day (TPD) to match your watch’s requirements.
  • Direction of rotation: Some watches wind in one direction, others in both. Ensure the winder supports the correct direction.
  • Quality and noise level: Higher quality winders tend to be quieter and more reliable.

Comparison of Manual Winding vs. Automatic Winding

Aspect Manual Winding Automatic Winding
Winding Mechanism Requires turning the crown manually to wind the mainspring. Winds automatically through wrist movement and can be manually wound.
Convenience Must be wound daily or every couple of days to keep running. Usually self-winding with regular wear; less frequent manual winding needed.
Power Reserve Varies, generally 40-50 hours. Varies, often 40-80 hours depending on model.
Maintenance Less complex mechanism, potentially fewer issues. More complex due to rotor and winding mechanism.
Use Case Preferred by purists or those who like the ritual of winding. Ideal for regular daily wear and active lifestyles.

Understanding the Need to Wind an Automatic Watch

Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, use the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring, which powers the watch. However, there are specific circumstances when manual winding is necessary or recommended:

  • Initial Use After Purchase: New automatic watches often require manual winding to start the movement, especially if they have been sitting unused for some time.
  • Watch Has Stopped: If the watch has not been worn for an extended period, the power reserve will deplete, and manual winding is needed to restart the movement.
  • Insufficient Daily Movement: Some wearers may not generate enough wrist motion during the day to keep the watch fully wound.
  • Power Reserve Optimization: Manually winding the watch ensures the mainspring is fully tensioned, maximizing accuracy and power reserve.

How to Properly Wind an Automatic Watch

Manual winding an automatic watch is a straightforward process but requires care to avoid damage:

  • Step-by-Step Manual Winding Process:
  1. Unscrew the crown if it is a screw-down type (common in diving watches).
  2. Pull the crown out to the winding position (usually the first position).
  3. Turn the crown clockwise slowly and steadily.
  4. Wind approximately 20 to 40 full rotations or until you feel resistance.
  5. Push the crown back in and screw it down if applicable.
  • Important Tips:
  • Avoid overwinding; most modern automatics have mechanisms to prevent damage, but excessive force can still harm the movement.
  • Do not wind counterclockwise unless specified by the manufacturer.
  • Wind the watch daily if it is not worn regularly to maintain lubrication and accuracy.

Comparing Automatic and Manual Winding Watches

Feature Automatic Watch Manual Winding Watch
Power Source Wrist movement Manual winding by crown
Need for Daily Winding Sometimes, if not worn sufficiently Always required
Convenience Generally more convenient Requires daily attention
Risk of Overwinding Low, with built-in safeguards Higher, if not careful
Maintenance Frequency Similar for both, depends on use Similar for both

When to Avoid Winding an Automatic Watch

In certain situations, manual winding should be avoided to prevent damage or malfunction:

  • During Date or Time Setting: Avoid winding when the watch date mechanism is engaged (typically between 8 PM and 4 AM) to prevent gear damage.
  • If the Crown or Stem is Damaged: Winding a watch with a compromised crown or stem can worsen the problem.
  • If the Watch is Water-Resistant and the Crown is Unscrewed: Ensure the crown is screwed down properly after winding to maintain water resistance.

Additional Considerations for Automatic Watch Owners

  • Use of Watch Winders: Watch winders are devices designed to keep automatic watches wound when not worn. They simulate wrist movement and can be useful for watches with complex calendars or multiple time zones.
  • Winding Frequency: For regular wearers, the natural motion usually suffices. For occasional wearers, manual winding every few days helps maintain accuracy.
  • Storage Recommendations: Store automatic watches in a clean, dry place away from strong magnetic fields to preserve movement accuracy.

Summary of Best Practices for Winding Automatic Watches

  • Manually wind the watch if it has stopped or if it’s new.
  • Wind gently and avoid forcing the crown beyond resistance.
  • Do not wind during the date change period to avoid damaging internal gears.
  • Wear the watch regularly or use a watch winder to keep it running smoothly.
  • Ensure the crown is securely screwed down after winding to maintain water resistance.

Expert Perspectives on Winding Automatic Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Horology Researcher, National Watch Institute). “While automatic watches are designed to wind themselves through wrist movement, manual winding can be beneficial if the watch has not been worn for an extended period. A few turns of the crown ensure the mainspring is fully tensioned, improving accuracy and preventing the watch from stopping unexpectedly.”

James Li (Master Watchmaker, Heritage Timepieces). “It is not strictly necessary to wind an automatic watch daily if it is worn regularly, as natural motion provides sufficient energy. However, for enthusiasts who rotate multiple watches, manually winding before use is recommended to quickly restore power reserve and maintain optimal performance.”

Sophia Martinez (Luxury Watch Consultant, Timepiece Advisors). “Automatic watches incorporate a rotor mechanism that harnesses kinetic energy, but manual winding remains a practical practice. It helps maintain consistent tension in the mainspring and can extend the lifespan of the movement by reducing wear caused by irregular power delivery.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you need to wind an automatic watch manually?
Most automatic watches do not require manual winding if worn regularly, as the movement of the wrist powers the watch. However, manual winding can be necessary if the watch has stopped or has not been worn for an extended period.

How do you manually wind an automatic watch?
To manually wind an automatic watch, turn the crown clockwise gently while it is in the normal position. Typically, 20 to 40 turns are sufficient to fully wind the mainspring without causing damage.

Can overwinding an automatic watch damage it?
Modern automatic watches have built-in mechanisms to prevent overwinding. While it is unlikely to cause damage, it is advisable to wind the watch only until resistance is felt to avoid unnecessary strain.

Is it necessary to wind an automatic watch every day?
If worn daily, an automatic watch generally maintains power through wrist movement and does not require daily winding. If not worn daily, manual winding or using a watch winder is recommended to keep it running accurately.

What happens if you don’t wind an automatic watch?
If an automatic watch is not wound or worn, it will eventually stop running once the power reserve is depleted. Manual winding or wearing the watch will restart the movement.

Can you wind an automatic watch while wearing it?
Yes, you can wind an automatic watch while wearing it, but it is often easier and safer to remove the watch and wind it manually to avoid applying excessive pressure on the crown or stem.
while automatic watches are designed to wind themselves through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist, there are circumstances where manual winding can be beneficial. If an automatic watch has not been worn for an extended period, manually winding it helps to restart the movement and ensure accurate timekeeping. Additionally, regular manual winding can maintain the watch’s power reserve and keep the lubricants inside the mechanism evenly distributed.

It is important to understand that over-winding an automatic watch is generally not a concern due to built-in mechanisms that prevent damage. However, following the manufacturer’s guidelines on winding frequency and technique is advisable to preserve the watch’s longevity. For daily wearers, the natural wrist movement usually suffices to keep the watch running without the need for manual winding.

Ultimately, knowing when and how to wind an automatic watch enhances both its performance and lifespan. Proper care, including occasional manual winding when necessary, ensures that the watch remains a reliable and precise timepiece for years to come.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.