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When your cherished automatic watch stops ticking, it can be concerning. Whether you’re new to the world of automatic timepieces or a seasoned collector, understanding why an automatic watch stop occurs and how to address it is crucial knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping your automatic watch running smoothly and what to do when it stops.

Why Does My Automatic Watch Stop When Not Worn?

Before delving into the reasons behind an automatic watch stop, it’s essential to understand how these timepieces function. An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is powered by the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. It contains a weighted rotor that rotates with the movement of the wrist, which in turn winds the mainspring. The mainspring stores the energy needed to keep the watch running.

Therefore, as long as you wear your watch regularly, the mainspring will remain wound and the watch will continue to run accurately under the power. At the same time, the movement of the rotor is transmitted to the mainspring through a series of gears, allowing the watch to maintain a stable speed.

The mainspring gradually releases its stored energy while the watch sits idle. Think of it like a battery slowly depleting – except in this case, it’s mechanical energy rather than electrical. This natural unwinding process is why an automatic watch closing occurs during periods of inactivity.

Several factors influence how quickly your watch’s power reserve depletes:

• The watch’s power reserve capacity
  • Different watches have varying power reserve capacities, typically ranging from 40 to 70 hours or more. A larger power reserve means the watch can run longer without movement.
• The efficiency of the movement
  • Unlike ordinary movements, high-quality movements are designed to use energy more efficiently. This way, it can better extend the time before the automatic watch stops.
• The condition of the mainspring
  • Over time, mainsprings can lose some of their elasticity, affecting their ability to store and release energy consistently.
• Environmental factors
  • Temperature fluctuations and the position in which the watch is stored can impact its power reserve. Extreme temperatures or constant positional changes may cause the watch to expend energy more quickly.
• The watch’s age and maintenance history
  • Older watches or those that haven’t been serviced regularly may experience more frequent stops due to worn components or lack of proper lubrication.

Even high-end automatic watches with excellent power reserves eventually stop without regular movement. This isn’t a defect—it’s simply the nature of automatic watch mechanics.

How Long Will An Automatic Watch Run Without Wearing It?

As mentioned earlier, the running time of an automatic watch without being worn depends on its power reserve. Most automatic watches have a power reserve of 40 to 50 hours, which means they can run for about 2 days without additional winding.

However, some factors can influence the power reserve of an automatic watch:

• Movement type: Different watch movements have varying power reserves. For example, the ETA 2824-2 movement has a power reserve of about 38 hours, while the Rolex 3135 movement can last up to 48 hours.
• Watch age and condition: As watches age, their components may wear out, reducing their efficiency and power reserve. Regular maintenance can help keep the watch in optimal condition.
• Winding efficiency: The efficiency of the automatic winding system can impact the power reserve. Factors such as the size and weight of the rotor and the lubricants used can affect winding efficiency.

It’s important to note that not wearing your automatic watch for extended periods can cause the lubricants to dry out or congeal, which may lead to damage to the movement over time. To prevent this, it’s recommended to wear your watch regularly or store it in a watch winder when not in use.

How Do You Start An Automatic Watch After a Long Time?

If your automatic watch has stopped due to not being worn for an extended period, you can easily restart it by following these steps:

• Pick up the watch and gently shake it sideways for about 30 seconds. This action will activate the rotor and start winding the mainspring.
• If the watch doesn’t start immediately, try winding it manually by turning the crown clockwise about 20 to 30 times. This will provide an initial power reserve to get the watch running.
• Set the correct time and date on your watch.
• Wear the watch for at least 30 minutes to allow it to build up a sufficient power reserve.

Alternatively, you can use a watch winder to start your automatic watch after a long period of inactivity. An auto watch winder is a device that mimics the natural motion of your wrist, keeping the watch wound and ready to wear at any time. Simply place your watch in the winder, set the appropriate rotation direction and speed, and let the device do the work for you.

If your watch still doesn’t start after following these steps, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires professional attention.

How Do You Fix An Automatic Watch That Stops?

If your automatic watch stopped despite regular wear, there could be several reasons behind it:

• Insufficient power reserve: If you haven’t worn your watch for a while or if your daily activities don’t provide enough motion to keep the watch wound, it may stop. The solution is to wind the watch and manually wear it more frequently.
• Mechanical issues: If your watch stops even with regular wear and sufficient winding, there might be a problem with its movement. Issues such as worn-out gears, broken mainspring, or damaged rotor can cause the watch to stop. In such cases, it’s best to take your watch to a professional for repair.
• Magnetization: Exposure to strong magnetic fields can magnetize the watch’s movement, causing it to run erratically or stop. A watchmaker can demagnetize the watch using special equipment.
• Environmental factors: Extreme temperatures, humidity, or shocks can affect the movement and cause the watch to stop. Avoid exposing your watch to such conditions and have it serviced regularly to maintain its performance.

To prevent your automatic watch from stopping, you can invest in an automatic watch winder. A watch winder is a device that keeps your automatic watch wound when not in use by simulating the natural motion of your wrist. It helps maintain the watch’s power reserve and keeps it ready to wear at any time.

What Is The Best Way To Store An Automatic Watch?

When not wearing your automatic watch, it’s crucial to store it properly to ensure its longevity and performance. The best way to store an automatic watch is by using a watch winder. A watch winder is a device that rotates your watch at regular intervals, mimicking the natural motion of your wrist and keeping the mainspring wound.

Using a watch winder offers several benefits:

• Maintains power reserve: A watch winder ensures that your timepiece is always ready to wear and displays the correct time and date by consistently wounding it.
• Prevents lubricant degradation: When an automatic watch is left stationary for extended periods, the lubricants inside the movement can settle or congeal, leading to increased friction and wear on the components. A watch winder keeps the gears moving, preventing lubricant degradation.
• Prolong movement life: Regular use of a watch winder can help extend the life of your watch’s movement by reducing wear and tear caused by manual winding and frequent setting of the time and date.

When choosing a watch winder, consider factors such as the rotation direction (clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional), the number of rotations per day, and the cushion size to ensure compatibility with your specific watch model.

If you own multiple automatic watches, investing in a multi-watch winder can be a convenient solution to keep all your timepieces in top condition.

Conclusion

If your watch stops, you can restart it by giving it a gentle shake, manually winding it, or using a watch winder. However, if the issue persists, it’s best to have it checked by a professional.

To keep your automatic watch running smoothly even when not in use, consider investing in a quality watch winder. A reliable option is the MOZSLY Watch Winder, which offers multiple rotation modes and quiet operation to keep your watch in top condition.

Regular servicing every 3 to 5 years is also crucial to maintain the performance and longevity of your automatic watch. By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy your timepiece for years to come without worrying about unexpected stoppages.