Does it do any harm?

Gray C · Post by **Gray C** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:10 pm

As I am intending to get a collection of CW automatic watches, but do not want to buy a multiple watch winder, does it cause any harm to an automatic watch to let it run down and then rewind it whenever you want to wear it again?

Do not want to walk around with three watches on each arm!

Experts, what are your views please?

Hans · Post by **Hans** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:39 pm

No, it is not harmful for a mechanical watch to leave it with an unwound mainspring for a while. If you leave it that way for a really long time (let's say a year or more), the oil could harden a bit possibly, the running of the watch keeps the oil distributed and in good condition within the watch.

I have multiple automatics, but no watchwinder, I think watchwinders are a bit silly, and absolutely not necessary, just make sure your watches run once in a while, and if they "sleep" for a while, no problem at all!!

Gray C · Post by **Gray C** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 1:49 pm

Thanks. I have no excuses now not to expand my collection, wife and funds permitting of course

peterh · Post by **peterh** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:18 pm

I've got a really el-cheapo automatic watch that hasn't ran for a year.

When I picked it back up, it turned out to be the most accurate watch I've had (at least for the last week). I wore it the entire week, and it lost three seconds over that week.

I think that, with the synthetic lubrication used these days, hardening is much less of a problem than it was in the olde dayes, when my grandfather (a watchmaker) said to run an automatic at least twice a month.

wbilly · Post by **wbilly** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:29 pm

Just the answer I was looking for! If correct, I can avoid one more unnecessary contraption. Any contrary opinions?

Helix Von Smelix · Post by **Helix Von Smelix** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:39 pm

The answer was 5 years old, so we may want to wait for an up to date answer.

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robinbarke · Post by **robinbarke** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:42 pm

wbilly wrote:Just the answer I was looking for! If correct, I can avoid one more unnecessary contraption. Any contrary opinions?

I think you may rely on Hans advice completely. I've abandoned my winders after one broke the spring of my Rolex!

Robin

Macca · Post by **Macca** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:30 pm

I don't use one, don't see the point, heard too many horror stories as above.. Of broken springs although up until this last year I only had one auto, it only got periodic use and has soldiered on for years now, still accurate to within ten seconds a week

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