A Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Watches: How to Wind and Use Them Properly

Entering the world of mechanical watches can be both exciting and intimidating for newcomers. Unlike their quartz counterparts, mechanical timepieces require special care and understanding to keep them running smoothly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about handling these precision instruments.

Understanding Mechanical Watch Types

There are two main categories of mechanical watches:

1. Manual Wind Watches

   • Require daily winding by turning the crown

   • Offer a more traditional experience

   • Typically thinner than automatic watches

2. Automatic Watches (Self-Winding)

   • Wind themselves through natural wrist movement

   • Contain a rotor that spins with motion

   • Will stop if not worn for 36-48 hours

How to Properly Wind Your Watch

For Manual Wind Watches:

Remove the watch from your wrist

Turn the crown counterclockwise (if applicable) to unscrew it

Gently turn the crown clockwise (usually 30-40 turns)

Stop when you feel resistance (remember not to turn too much to avoid over-winding)

Push the crown back in/turn it back

For Automatic Watches:

1. Wear the watch regularly (8+ hours/day)

2. For watches that have stopped:

   • Gently shake side-to-side for 30 seconds

   • Or give it 10-15 manual winds to start

Daily Use Best Practices

1. Winding Routine:

   • Manual: Wind at the same time daily

   • Automatic: Wear consistently or use a watch winder

2. Time Setting:

   • Always move hands clockwise

   • Avoid changing date between 9PM-3AM

   • For hacking seconds (second hand stops), pull crown to furthest position

3. Water Resistance:

   • Never operate crown underwater

   • Have seals checked annually

Maintaining Accuracy

Mechanical watches are less accurate than quartz:

• Standard range: -10/+30 seconds per day

• COSC certified: -4/+6 seconds

• Don't expect perfect precision

Pro Tip: Keep your Wishdoit watch or other mechanical timepiece running by wearing it regularly - automatics perform best when in constant motion.

Long-Term Care

1. Service every 3-5 years

2. Store in a dry place away from magnets

3. Use a watch box or winder for automatics

4. Clean with soft cloth regularly

Why Mechanical Watches?

Despite requiring more attention, mechanical watches offer:

• Craftsmanship appreciation

• Long-term value

• Eco-friendly (no batteries required)

• Connection to horological history

Remember: the key to enjoying a mechanical watch is to understand its needs. With proper care, these timepieces can be passed down from generation to generation and become family heirlooms.

Are you ready to start your mechanical watch journey?

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