To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

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TXAG96
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To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by TXAG96 »

In the past, I've put my unworn automatic watches on a watch winder. I have one on my wrist and 2 in the winder. I just added a fourth watch, and now I have to decide to either buy another winder or store one some other way between wears. If I don't add another winder, is it best to pull the crown stopping the movement and storing the reserve or to let the watch wind down and stop? Is the answer different for a hand-wind movement? It would certainly be convenient to just pull the crown, and reset the time when I'm ready to wear it. I've read about the oil settling in the movement, but it seems that keeping it running also puts more wear on the parts.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to best store an unworn watch (unworn meaning that it might sit for up to a week or two between wears)?
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Re: To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by markuk »

I would love to know what people do I personaly think letting it wind out till the spring finishes is better than holding it halfway.. but lets see what people say..
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Re: To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by robinbarke »

Allow th watch to run down. This will reduce pressure and thus wear on all components. Not all autos stop when the winder is pulled fully out and very few hand wound watches do. Pull the wider out fully to change the hands and generally for no other purpose.

With quartz it is different. Pulling the winder out fully usually stops the watch and saves battery consumption.


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Re: To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by Yoda »

It is not a good idea to pull the crown out on any watches. Let them wind down and restart them as required.

The reason for this is the drying out of the movement and ingression of dirt.
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Re: To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by TXAG96 »

Thanks for the reply. Wind down it is then! My manual is a ETA 2804, which hacks, but your point is duely noted that most manuals won't stop with the crown pulled out.
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Re: To wind, run down, or pull the crown. That is the question

Post by downer »

Fully agree. So long as you use them reasonably regularly (say once per month), allowing the watch to wind down has to be the best long-term treatment for a watch. It will also (I believe) extend the service interval, compared to running 24x7 using a winder.
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