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Your concerns about automatic watches

You own many automatic watches, but when you pick one up after a few weeks, you find it’s stopped. You worried it is broken? It’s not.

automatic watch

I’ve had the same experience. When a trusty watch goes quiet, I’ll also think “Great, I just killed it.” Relax, this short guide is prepared to help automatic watch owners deal with the situation.

I’ll Show You

• What stopping actually means (it’s usually normal),
• A quick 60-second restart that works most of the time,
• When you should actually worry and get help, and
• Whether an auto watch winder is worth your money.

I’ll share short examples later to show this works. If you want reassurance and a fast fix, you’re in the right place.

The Truth: Your Automatic Watch Is Fine (Really!)

Debunking the Myths About Automatic Watches Stopping

Most of the time, a stopped watch is nothing to fear. It’s not broken, it’s just out of power. I’ll explain what happens inside so that worry fades.

What Happens When an Automatic Watch Stops Working?

Inside, there is an automatic watch movement. When it stops running, meaning the mainspring is fully unwound.

Think of a swing: you push it, it moves. When you stop pushing, it slows and stops. The mainspring is the push. When the energy’s gone, the watch stops. That’s it — no mystery.

Definition

Automatic watch movement: It’s a tiny mechanical engine made of gears, a balance wheel, a rotor and a mainspring.

Mainspring: It’s a coiled metal ribbon that stores energy when wound and releases it as it unwinds to power the watch.

Why Modern Automatic Watches Don’t Get Damaged

Modern automatic watches usually include safety parts and better synthetic lubricants.

One key safety part is the slipping clutch, sometimes called a bridle. It prevents the mainspring from being wound past its safe limit and protects the automatic watch movement during winding.

Also, modern synthetic lubricants typically won’t dry up in a few weeks. So sitting still for days or a few weeks won’t usually harm the watch. Long-term neglect is a different story, but short stops are harmless.

It’s usually not a problem if an automatic watch stops running. What should we do to restart it in about a minute?

How to Restart an Automatic Watch in 60 Seconds

Restarting a stopped automatic watch is quick. You don’t need tools or a watchmaker for most cases.

I restart it on a soft, flat surface over a towel to avoid drops, water and hard edges. It takes approximately 30–60 seconds and often saves a trip to the shop. It varies by manufacturer; please consult your user manual.

The Reliable, Simple 3-Step Process

• Wind the crown clockwise, typically about 20–40 turns (check your watch specs and manufacturer’s instructions). Wind gently until you feel modest resistance; don’t force the crown past firm resistance.
• Set the correct time and date. Push the crown back fully when done.
• Give the watch a gentle shake or wear it for a minute, so the rotor spins and starts automatically winding.

Most of the time, the second hand will move as you wind; if it doesn’t, don’t panic and wind a bit more. It might start right away. If not, there could be a real malfunction. 

Definition

Crown: It’s a small knob on the watch case used to wind and set the time.

Rotor (the half-moon weight): It’s the half-circle weight that turns with motion and winds the spring automatically.

Troubleshooting: “Why Won’t Automatic Watches Start?”

If it still won’t start, check these things:

• Is the crown fully pushed in? If not, the movement may be disconnected.
• Did you wind enough? The mainspring needs a specific torque to get moving. Keep winding gently.
• Is the watch very old or wet? Moisture or old sticky oil can stop movement and require a watchmaker.

If these steps don’t help, I’ll have a professional look into it.

Setting Complications Safely

Complications are additional features such as date, day, moon phase, or chronograph. They need to be cared for.

A tip:

Avoid changing the date between about 9 pm and 3 am. That’s when the date mechanism meshes — forcing it can damage gears. For chronographs, follow the brand manual. When unsure, move the time out of the “danger zone” before adjusting.

It restarts easily. But when should you actually be worried?

When Should You Actually Worry About an Automatic Watch?

There are situations to watch for, such as real risks and timelines.

Automatic Watch Safe Storage Timeline

• Days or weeks: fine.
• Months: usually fine, but oils can slowly shift.
• Long-term: A malfunction may occur.

Notice

Most watchmakers typically recommend servicing automatic watches every 3–5 years to clean and re-lubricate the movement. But intervals vary by brand and usage; consult your manual. 

Most modern automatic watches usually have a power reserve for approximately 40–72 hours (check your watch specs). Regular service prevents long-term issues. It varies by manufacturer; please consult your user manual. 

Special Cases That Need Attention

Some watches need extra care:

• Vintage watches with old lubricants can gum up sooner.
• Perpetual calendars and other complex pieces are tedious to reset, and they’re sensitive.
• If stored for more than 6 months, consider having a watchmaker check it before restarting.
• They avoid high-frequency manual winding.

If you own an antique watch or a highly complex timepiece, be sure to carefully consider whether to consult a watchmaker, whether to wind it manually, or whether to use a watch winder.

Do You Need a Watch Winder? (Probably Not)

You should consider whether an auto watch winder device is right for your lifestyle before making a decision. It’s a device that simulates wrist motion to maintain the power reserve of an automatic watch.

When Watch Winders Make Sense

An auto watch winder can help if:

• You own complicated watches (perpetual calendars, moon phases).
• You have limited mobility, and manual winding is hard.
• You rotate 5+ watches regularly and don’t want to reset them every time.

When to Skip a Watch Winder

If you wear an automatic watch at least eight hours a day while moving, it will usually stay wound. Most casual wearers and people with one or two simple watches can skip the winder and save money.

The Solution

If you decide you need a watch winder, pick a quiet, adjustable model. I tested a practical option, the Mozsly watch winder (personal purchase), which performed well. If you want, I can add two higher-end alternatives for comparison.

Mozsly watch winder

It’s a budget-friendly option with multiple rotation settings and a quiet motor. It’s not glamorous, but they do what they should: keep watches ready to wear. No sales fluff, just a helpful tool when convenience matters.

If you don’t want gadgets, small habits work well too.

Smart Prevention Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t need expensive gear; develop cheap habits that help. Try these simple steps.

Automatic Watch weekly rotation system

Wear each watch once a week, or wind it manually every 1–2 weeks. That keeps oils circulating and the mainspring flexible. It’s free and easy.

Proper Storage Basics of Automatic Watches

Store automatic watches in a cool, dry place away from magnets and strong electronics. Use a watch box or soft pouch to prevent dust and scratches. Small steps reduce small risks.

Quick Decision Guide — Easy points to remember

Bottom line: A stopped watch usually causes no damage. Mainsprings are built to wind and unwind thousands of times.

• Restart takes 1 minute: wind, set, shake.
• Watch winder Yes/No Checklist:
  • Multiple complications? → Yes, consider a winder.
  • One simple watch? → No, wear or wind manually.
  • Rotate 5+ watches? → Maybe — a multi-watch winder helps.

Your action plan: Try manual winding for a month. If it’s annoying, then try a quiet auto watch winder like the Mozsly watch winder.

Mozsly watch winder

Reassurance and Your Next Step

1. Please don’t panic; try to wind it (according to the manufacturer’s instructions or the official website). It’s totally normal for an automatic watch to stop if you haven’t worn it for a while.
2. Check for foreign objects, moisture, impacts, and magnets(such as a speaker). If the reasons are causing the winder not to work, consult a professional.
3. If none of the above methods work, please take it to a watchmaker for inspection and repair.

Take One Small Step Now:

• Try the 60-second restart: wind ~20–40 turns, set time, push the crowd in, wear the or shake.
• If you want help with tricky complications or a printable 60-second restart card, please let me know and I’ll make one for you.
• If you want to know watch winders (including the Mozsly watch winder), ask and I’ll put it together.

I care about saving you time, worry, and repair bills. Please tell me which option helps you most — I’ll make it quick and practical.