The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

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Amor Vincit Omnia
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Re: The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

This is one of those questions that appear from time to time (another one for the FAQ, Kip & Ian?)
I must confess I was surprised when I first read it, but then I bought my first quartz watch when I was 20 and wore no other type for over 30 years. So we have a couple of generations out there who have never had to wind a watch up!
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Re: The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

Post by CeeBee »

Half-a-turn backwards and fowards sounds, to me, like the kind of fussy detail that will make no difference whatsoever. It seems just the same on a horticulture-related forum I sometimes frequent - "Shall I sow my seeds 3mm or 4mm deep" etc. whereas I just think "Bung them in soil, and they'll come up - they're seeds - it's what they're designed to do."

I usually turn clockwise as far as rolling between finger and thumb will go. I usually then let go, and repeat as required. So I don't usually turn anti-clockwise. But there's a ratchet in there so that turning anti-clockwise is possible, though doing nothing for the watch. Surely it's just a convenience, so you can alternate direction if you find it more convenient to do it like that?
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alphajet
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Re: The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

Post by alphajet »

I believe the anti-clockwise ratchet is only there to prevent the heavy handed from shearing off the winding stem.
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Re: The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

Post by Pip »

Interesting - the rocking back and forth method is the way I naturally wind watches! I'd never even thought of just keeping turning clockwise, it feels more awkward to me!
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Re: The 'correct' way to wind an automatic?

Post by raygsoko »

I have two autos, one that I wear during the week and one that I wear on the weekends. When I place my one in the watch box (don't have a winder, obviously) for the weekend, I wind it. I then wind it Saturday evening to make sure it doesn't stop. This keeps it going until Monday morning.
I've always turned the crown clockwise to wind it, it almost has a "slight gritty feel" as opposed to winding counter clockwise.
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