Care of Automatic Watches

Automatic watches are a step above wind-up watches, but a step below digital watches. Almost immediately after the first wind-up watches hit the market, self winding or "automatic" watches became available to the public. You do not wind these watches on a daily basis; they instead wind themselves by using your own movements. The kinetic energy--energy caused by movement--of your every actions keeps the watch wound and running. These watches may not be as accurate as a digital wristwatch, but they certainly retain a lot of character.

Instructions

When setting the time and date, wind the hands slowly clockwise.

In the case of those watches with a manual wind capability then it is usual practice to give the watch approximately 35-40 gentle and slow turns of the winder; this puts the movement in an optimum state of wind to start with. Normal arm motion should then be enough to keep the watch wound. If you are fairly active, then it should be OK to leave the watch off overnight without any further manual winding

 Wear your automatic watch for at least a few hours every week.

Store your watch is a safe, dry place. Like all watches, automatic watches can fall victim to accidents and scuffs if you do not store them correctly.

Care of Mechanical Watches

Mechanical Watches and Pocket Watches

1.           Must be wound every day.  Wind them gently and slowly until the crown (the winding knob) begins to tighten then STOP. Do not overwind it! STOP as soon as it tightens.  The best time to wind your watch is in the morning, that way the watch has more "power" when you are most active, and will keep the best time. Wind it at night if you are a "night" person.

2.            To set the time, very gently pull out the winder (just a notch) and set the right time by turning the hands clockwise only then gently push the winder back in.

3.          Almost all vintage watches are not waterproof, so remove them even when washing your hands.

4.          If you should get your watch wet, take it to a repairman the same day.  Watches can start to rust almost at once.  If you wait several days you could destroy your watch or have a very high repair bill.

5.          There are over 100-300 parts in your watch, some smaller that your hair on your head, so please use some common sense when you are wearing them.  Watches don't like shocks, power tools or any violent games such as tennis or football so remove it before partaking in any of these activities. Don’t drop it as that will damage it immediately.

6.          Mechanical watches just can't keep the time quartz watches can and you should not expect them too.  Only the finest watches that have been professionally serviced can come close to that kind of timekeeping. 

7.            Have your watches serviced about every 2-5 years, depending mostly on how good the case is and how you use it. 

8.     <> Vintage watches are wonderful little "works of art".  The classic styling and workmanship are hard to find in anything else man has made.  With some care,  your watch will be in service for another 50 to 100 years.