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The Automatic Watch Owner’s Dilemma
You pull an automatic watch from a drawer, and it’s stopped — should you shake it or wind the crown? This article gives a clear, watchmaker‑backed answer and step‑by‑step safety techniques.
automatic watch
I’ll tell you which method is usually safer, and how to do each method correctly. I’ll also share simple signs that mean “stop” and when a watch winder might be the best hands-off solution. That’s what I’ll give you — fast, friendly, and useful.
Why you can trust me: I’ve owned several automatic watches for years, I’ve learned the hard way. A noisy rotor once had me rushing to a watchmaker. I read manuals (Seiko, Rolex), followed the watchmaker’s advice.
Besides, I tested a useful little unit, —the Mozsly watch winder. I’ll tell you practical, no-nonsense steps so you don’t have to guess.
How do Your Automatic Watch Actually Works
I will keep this simple.
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Rotor — a half-circle weight that spins when you move your wrist.
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Mainspring — A coiled spring that stores energy. As the rotor spins, it rotates gears that coil the mainspring, like a tiny battery.
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Escapement and balance wheel — the tiny parts that make the tick and keep time steady. The mechanism that releases stored energy in small, regular steps so the watch keeps steady time.
Think of the rotor as a hamster on a wheel. Every spin tightens the mainspring a bit. The escapement lets that energy out at a steady rate. That’s how do automatic watches work. So, you have a question: what is winding?
The Winding Magic
When you wear an automatic watch, normal wrist movement spins the rotor. That winds the mainspring without touching the crown. It’s the most natural way to keep the watch running — gentle and steady.
The parts were built for regular motion, not shocks. So wear it, and it will usually do its job. But if your automatic watch stops…
What Happens When an Automatic Watch Stops
Most automatic watches have a power reserve of about 24–72 hours. If you don’t wear one long enough, the mainspring runs down and automatic watch movement stops.
Common reasons an automatic watch stops:
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You didn’t wear it for a few days.
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You were very still for a long time (long flights, desk work).
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Automatic watch movement needs service.
If it stops, add energy in one of three ways:
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Wear it so the rotor spins.
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Manually wind the crown.
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Give a gentle shake — only if the movement doesn’t support hand-winding.
So, we need to find safe ways to keep automatic watch movement running, now that we know there’s a real risk of damage.
The Risks of Automatic Watch Damage
I have cared about keeping my automatic watches for years, and I know you do too. Both shaking and manual winding move the same inner parts, but they stress things differently. Done right, both are safe. Done roughly, both can cause damage.
Watchmakers and sources like WatchTime and Hodinkee warn that rough handling can damage tiny parts such as balance pivots and the escapement, or wear the crown and stem (WatchTime; Hodinkee). So we should pay attention to signs and be gentle.
The Hidden Dangers of Shaking Your Watch
Shaking too hard can hurt delicate parts:
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Balance wheel pivots are tiny and fragile.
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The escapement can be knocked out of beat.
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Aggressive shaking can harm accuracy and cause odd sounds.
Warning signs to Automatic watch for:
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Second-hand jumps or stutters.
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Watch runs fast or slow right after you shake it.
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You hear rattling or grinding.
Simple rule: don’t use your watch as a gym tool. No baseball swings. I learned this the hard way — a rough bump once made my watch run oddly for weeks.
Manual Winding Risks You Should Know
Manual winding is safer for most watches, but not risk-free:
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Repeated rough winding can wear the crown, stem, and keyless works.
- Some older or specific automatic watch movements have weaker crown-related parts.
I know many modern automatic watch movements include a slipping mechanism to avoid over-winding. Still, if you feel grinding or uneven motion while winding, stop and get it checked. After understanding the risks, we need to master some safety skills.
Safe Step-by-Step Guide for Automatic Watches
Here’s how to do both methods safely. Follow these steps and you’ll avoid most problems.
How to Manually Wind an Automatic watch
- If your crown screws down, unscrew it (turn counterclockwise).
- Pull the crown to the first position (not the time-setting position).
- Use your thumb and index finger to wind the crown clockwise in smooth, short motions.
- Do about 20–40 turns as a rough guide for many watches. Stop when resistance gets firm. Please refer to your user manual for specific details.
- If it’s a screw-down crown, screw it back in to seal.
What you should feel:
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Smooth, light resistance builds gradually.
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Stop when resistance becomes firm — don’t force it.
If you hear grinding or feel jerks, stop and see a pro. Trust me — forcing it doesn’t help.
When Shaking a Watch is Acceptable (And How)
Many movements (older Seiko watches are a typical example) don’t allow hand-winding. For those, a short, gentle shake can work.
How to do the “Seiko shake”:
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Hold the watch face-up.
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Gently swing your wrist back and forth for 5–10 seconds. It is general guidance and advice to check the specific movement’s manual.
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Keep the motion soft — no snapping or slamming.
When NOT to shake:
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Vintage or fragile watches.
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Watches that already make odd noises.
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If your watch supports hand-winding, prefer the crown.
Reading Automatic Watch Feedback
After winding or shaking, check the watch:
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Does the second hand move? Good.
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Does it tick smoothly? Good.
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Any grinding, jumping, or wrong time? Stop and troubleshoot.
If it won’t start after safe winding, don’t force more turns. It likely needs a service. After reviewing the two methods above, we have a comparative result.
Head-to-Head Comparison — The Verdict
You want a short, straightforward answer. Here it is.
Efficiency and Safety Showdown
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Manual winding — controlled, predictable, and usually gives a stronger, longer charge. Safer for most watches.
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Shaking — quick and sometimes works, but less reliable and riskier if done roughly.
Manual winding fits most automatic watches, especially those built to be hand-wound.
Which Automatic Watch’s Method When
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Daily wear: neither — wear it.
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Occasional wear: manual wind before you put it on.
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Emergency: gentle shake only if the movement doesn’t allow hand-winding.
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Vintage or unknown movement: careful winding or a pro.
In order to protect automatic watches, after understanding the two comparisons above, we should also listen to the opinions of experts.
What the Experts Actually Recommend
Let’s hear from makers and pros.
Automatic Watch’s Manufacturer Guidelines
Manufacturers advise following the manual. Many brands prefer natural wrist motion as the main power source and recommend manual winding only as needed (see Seiko and Rolex manuals).
Professional Watchmaker Insights
Watchmakers often tell me: Don’t keep forcing a watch to full wind all the time. Repeated winding can stress keyless works in some automatic watch movements. If you hear odd noises or see significant timing errors, get professional service.
Regular servicing every 3–7 years keeps things healthy. In addition, I found a solution that is both sustainable and effective in the long run.
The Good and Long-term Usable Solution
If you own a few automatic watches, a watch winder can save time and worry.
How Watch Winders Eliminate the Problem
A watch winder gently rotates the automatic watch so the rotor keeps the mainspring charged. Good winders mimic natural motion and offer turns-per-day (TPD) settings. They reduce how often you touch the crown and help keep seals and lubricants from drying out.
A wonderful practical choice
I had tried plenty of watch winders before a friend suggested the Mozsly watch winder. This one finally got it right — In my experience, it was quiet and proper.
Mozsly watch winder
What stood out:
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Quiet Japanese motor.
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AC and battery options.
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Multiple TPD settings.
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Solid build and daisy-chain capability.
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Three-year warranty period
Setup was easy: place your automatic watch on the pillow, pick TPD, and let it run. It won’t replace servicing, but it cuts down on how often I have to wind or risk shaking. If you want hands-off convenience, it’s a practical pick.
When a Watch Winder Makes Financial Sense
A watch winder is worth it if:
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You own several automatic watches.
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You rotate pieces and wear some rarely.
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You dislike the wind every time.
If you have one daily watch, a watch winder may be more than you need.
Action Plan Aboout Automatic Watch — The Definitive Answer
Here’s a short plan you can use right now.
The Final Verdict: Manual Winding Wins
For most automatic watches, manual winding is safer and more effective. Gentle shaking is only OK when an automatic watch movement doesn’t support hand-winding — and even then, keep it very gentle.
I prefer winding because it feels safe and predictable. It gives me peace of mind. You’ll probably feel the same once you try the proper technique.
Your Automatic Watch Care Checklist
Do:
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Wind gently with controlled turns.
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Unscrew and re-tighten screw-down crowns properly.
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Consider a winder like the Mozsly watch winder if you have many watches.
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Follow your manufacturer’s manual.
Don’t:
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Aggressively shake or slam the watch.
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Force the crown past resistance.
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Ignore odd noises or significant timing changes.
See a pro if something feels off.
Quick Verdict
Manual winding is safer and more effective than shaking for most automatic watches — but either method is better than letting your watch sit dead when done correctly.
Key Takeaways
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Manual winding is best for safety and efficiency.
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Gentle shaking is OK only for non-hand-wind movements.
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Watch winders (e.g. the Mozsly watch winder) make life easier for collectors.
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Always follow manufacturer guidance.
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Get pro service for strange sounds or erratic timekeeping.
Mozsly watch winder
Further reading
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Manufacturer manuals (Seiko, Rolex).
- WatchTime and Hodinkee articles on automatic watch movement care.
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Conversations with professional watchmakers.
Want help with your specific watch model? Tell me the model recommends including photos or a link to the manual, and state the expected turnaround.
I’ll walk you through safe winding steps. Go on — I’m happy to help. And seriously: no baseball swings with an automatic watch.
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