How to Maintain the Accuracy of Mechanical Watches

Mechanical watches are known for their intricate craftsmanship, precision, and timeless appeal. Unlike quartz watches that rely on batteries, mechanical watches are powered by intricate movements of gears and springs. As a result, these watches require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function accurately over time. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for maintaining the accuracy of mechanical watches and how to keep them running smoothly for years to come.

1. Keep the Watch Wound Regularly

For mechanical watches, winding the watch regularly is crucial for maintaining accuracy. A manual-wind mechanical watch requires you to wind it by turning the crown, which stores energy in the mainspring. If not wound regularly, the watch will stop running, and the timekeeping will be disrupted.

For automatic watches, which wind themselves as you wear them, it’s still important to wear the watch consistently. If you don’t wear the watch regularly, it may stop, and you’ll need to manually wind it to get it started again. Wearing your automatic watch daily helps ensure it maintains its energy and keeps time accurately.

2. Store the Watch Properly

When you’re not wearing your mechanical watch, storing it properly can prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Avoid placing your watch in places with extreme temperatures, such as near heaters, windows, or humid areas. Temperature fluctuations can affect the watch’s accuracy over time.

It’s also important to store mechanical watches in a watch box or winder when not in use. A watch winder is a device that keeps automatic watches gently rotating, ensuring they continue to run and stay wound. Proper storage ensures that the watch continues to perform optimally and is ready to wear when needed.

3. Regular Servicing and Maintenance

Mechanical watches, especially high-end models, require regular servicing to maintain accuracy. A general recommendation is to have your watch serviced every 3 to 5 years. During a servicing, a professional watchmaker will disassemble the movement, clean the components, lubricate them, and make adjustments to ensure the watch operates at its best.

Servicing is essential for automatic and manual movements to ensure the components continue working smoothly. Over time, lubricants in the movement can degrade, and dust or dirt may accumulate, which can affect the accuracy of your watch. A service will address these issues and prevent long-term damage to the movement.

4. Avoid Magnetic Fields

Magnetic fields are one of the most common causes of accuracy issues in mechanical watches. When exposed to strong magnets, the components of the movement can be magnetized, which can interfere with the movement’s gear system and affect timekeeping.

To protect your mechanical watch from magnets, keep it away from electronics like smartphones, computers, speakers, and other devices that emit magnetic fields. If you suspect that your watch has been magnetized, many professional watchmakers can demagnetize the watch to restore its accuracy.

5. Keep the Watch Clean

Dirt and dust can accumulate in the small crevices of your mechanical watch, affecting the movement and potentially leading to a decrease in its accuracy. Regular cleaning of your watch can prevent this. However, avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging the watch in water unless it’s water-resistant.

For basic cleaning, wipe the case and band with a soft cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and dirt. A soft toothbrush can be used to clean the areas between the lugs, where dirt tends to collect. Be cautious around the crown and pushers to avoid damaging the internal movement.

6. Avoid Shocks and Impacts

Mechanical watches are delicate instruments, and sudden shocks or impacts can affect their accuracy. Avoid wearing your watch while participating in activities that involve heavy physical movement, such as sports or manual labor, unless it is designed to withstand such conditions. A watch with a shock-resistant case and movement can handle minor impacts, but it’s still advisable to be cautious.

Avoid dropping your watch or subjecting it to extreme shocks, as these can misalign internal components, affecting its precision.

7. Adjusting the Time Correctly

When adjusting your mechanical watch, especially for models with date complications, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to prevent damaging the movement. For many watches, adjusting the time during the AM/PM transition (usually between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM) can damage the date-change mechanism.

Always pull the crown out to the correct position before adjusting the time, and ensure the watch is stopped when setting the time to avoid unnecessary strain on the movement.

8. Monitor the Watch’s Performance

Keeping an eye on the timekeeping accuracy of your mechanical watch is also a good practice. If you notice that your watch is running too fast or too slow, it could indicate an issue with the movement or the need for servicing. Keep track of any deviations in the time, and note if the timekeeping becomes less reliable over time. Early detection of issues can help prevent further damage to the movement.

Conclusion

Maintaining the accuracy of your mechanical watch requires attention to detail and proper care. Regular winding, servicing, and cleaning, combined with proper storage and protection from magnetic fields and shocks, are key to ensuring your watch remains accurate and reliable. By following these best practices, you can enjoy your mechanical timepiece for years, preserving both its functionality and its value.