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A Short Story
A simple date change at 11 PM just cost my friend $400 in repairs. He thought changing the date was harmless. It wasn’t. The tiny date gears were engaged, and he forced them. The wheel bent. Repairs are surprisingly expensive.
You Will Know…
This article is for anyone who owns a wonderful automatic watch and wants to avoid such mistakes. I’m going to show you the everyday things that wreck movements, how much those mistakes can cost, and exactly what to do instead.
Automatic Watch
You’ll learn quick fixes, clear warning signs, and simple habits that protect your automatic watch and your wallet.
Tips: All cost ranges or other figures ranges are approximate and may vary by brand and region. Please consult local watchmakers.
I’ve seen these problems firsthand—friends and clients who learned the hard way. I’ll share those stories so you don’t repeat them.
If you want to keep your automatic watch running well and avoid expensive trips to the shop, read on. I care about your automatic watch. I want you to save money and stress.
5 Daily Mistakes That Could Damage Your Automatic Watch
Never Set the Date Between 9 PM and 3 AM
This is the danger zone. Between about 9 PM and 3 AM, the date-change gears are engaged. Forcing the date can jam or break the date wheel.
Why it hurts: the date teeth are half-meshed and fragile.
Typical repair cost: repairing the date mechanism usually ranges from about $200–$400, but costs vary by brand and region.
Safe setting steps:
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Pull the crown to the time-setting position (not the quick-date position).
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Move the hands to roughly 6:00, or follow your model’s manual before changing the date.
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Set the date normally.
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Move your hands to the correct time.
Warning signs: the date won’t click, feels gritty, or the crown slips. If you hear a crunch, stop. Don’t force it. Leave the watch stopped and get help.
Stop Overwinding Your Automatic Watch
The mainspring is the main coiled spring that stores your watch’s energy. If it breaks or its safety feature fails, the gears can be damaged.
Why it hurts: Overwinding can snap the mainspring or wear parts.
Repair cost: about $200–$700+ for mainspring replacement or servicing, depending on the watch and its brand.
Proper technique: when the automatic watch is off your wrist, give the crown 20–30 gentle turns max. Then let your wrist motion do the rest. Most automatic watches have a slipping clutch that protects against real overwinding — but don’t test that boundary.
Warning signs: strong resistance when winding, odd grinding sounds, or the crown suddenly slipping. Stop and see a watchmaker.
Don’t Ignore Crown and Pusher Care
Definitions: The crown is the knob you use to set the time. Pushers are buttons for chronographs. Both help keep water and dust out
Why it matters: Water resistance depends on crowns and gaskets being closed and snug. Cross‑threading occurs when the screw-down crown is forced and damages the threads or seals.
How to be safe:
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Learn your crown type: push/pull vs. screw-down.
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For screw-down crowns: press in, then turn clockwise until it’s snug. Don’t force it once tight.
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Avoid pressing chronograph pushers underwater unless the manual says it’s OK.
Consequences: improper crown use leads to water ingress and costly movement cleaning. That can even void a warranty.
If water gets in: pull the crown, stop the watch, dry the case, and bring it to a watchmaker ASAP.
Avoid These Shock-Inducing Activities
The balance wheel is the tiny oscillator that keeps time. It’s sensitive to hard hits.
High-risk activities:
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Golf swings
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Tennis, boxing, contact sports
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Using power tools or sledgehammers
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Heavy weightlifting
Why: sudden impacts can bend pivots or dislodge parts.
Repair costs: simple shock fixes are about $150–$400; major repairs are about $500+. Costs vary by brand and region.
Alternatives: take the automatic watch off or wear a dedicated sports watch. (True story: I lost a beat on an automatic watch after a hard tennis serve—lesson learned. Big oops.)
Dangerous Environments That Silently Kill Your automatic Watch
Magnetic Fields Are Everywhere (And May Damage Your Automatic Watch)
Magnetization makes the hairspring stick to itself. The result: the automatic watch can run minutes fast or slow per day.
Common magnets: phones, laptop speakers, induction cookers, magnetic purse clasps, and car keys.
Rule of thumb: keep magnets at least 10 cm (4 inches) away.
Detect it: the compass test — place a compass near the automatic watch. Compass movement can indicate magnetism but isn’t definitive; if you suspect magnetization, check accuracy and have a watchmaker demagnetize it.
Fix: Demagnetization by a watchmaker costs about $20–$100, depending on the shop or the brand of the automatic watch (WatchTime; Hodinkee).
source: www.watchtime.com WatchTime guide on demagnetization
Temperature and Chemical Hazards
Extreme temperatures hurt lubrication and parts. Cold slows lubricants. Heat above roughly 140°F (60°C) can thin lubricants and warp seals.
Chemicals to avoid: perfumes, cleaning solvents, and chlorinated pool water. They can degrade gaskets and damage finishes.
Storage tips:
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Keep automatic watches away from heaters and hot cars.
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Use silica gel in boxes to control humidity.
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Don’t spray perfume on your wrist before putting on an automatic watch. I learned the hard way—my watch lost its shine, picked up spots, and smelled odd for a while.
Water Exposure Mistakes That Cost Big
Water-resistance ratings aren’t a license to ignore care. Ratings assume new gaskets and lab conditions.
Real risks:
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Pressing chronograph pushers underwater.
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Hot showers — steam and heat expand air and push water past seals.
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Worn gaskets after years of use.
If water enters: remove the automatic watch, dry the outside, don’t wind or set it, and get professional help fast. Repairs can cost $200–$800, depending on the damage and the brand of the automatic watch.
Maintain automatic watches and process related signals
Watch Winder Mistakes (The Expensive Controversy)
Cheap Watch Winders Can Destroy Your Automatic Watch, likely.
Low-quality watch winders can:
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Overwind through constant activation.
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Lack proper rotation programs.
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Sealing is a concern that causes magnetization.
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Damage the slipping clutch with constant torque.
Why spend more: a good watch winder ($100–$300) avoids these problems and protects a $2,000+ automatic watch. A cheap watch winder can end up costing more than you saved.
Selection tips:
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Adjustable turns-per-day (TPD)
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Directional settings (CW, CCW, bi-directional)
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Solid shielding or low-magnetic motors
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Timers to mimic wrist movement
When NOT to use a watch winder
Simple time-only automatic watches are easy to wind by hand. Complicated automatic watches (calendars, moon phases) benefit most from watch winders.
I only use a watch winder for my calendar pieces. This is convenient, both for my watch and my wallet.
my watch winder
Maintenance Errors That Slash Your Automatic Watch’s Lifespan
DIY Disasters to Avoid at All Costs
Don’t open the case back at home. Don’t try to clean the movement or use household tools. A slip can scratch parts or let dust in—damage that’s hard to fix.
What you can do safely:
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Clean the case and bracelet with mild soap and a soft brush.
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Wipe the crystal with a microfiber cloth.
What to avoid:
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Opening the case, pressing in the seals, and using compressed air.
I once saw someone try to “fix” a loose hand and bend the dial feet. The repair cost far exceeded the cost of normal service.
Service Timing Mistakes
Service interval: most watchmakers suggest servicing every 3–5 years for regular wear to refresh lubrication and check seals.
Service cost: basic service typically runs $250–$1,000, depending on brand and complexity.
Delays too long, and dried oil increases friction and wear. That can lead to parts needing replacement—far pricier than routine service.
Warning signs service is overdue:
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Gaining/losing more than 30 seconds per day
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Irregular ticking
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Reduced power reserve
Storage Blunders That Add Up
Bad storage can magnetize or corrode automatic watches.
Avoid:
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Storing near speakers or magnets
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Hot attics or freezing basements
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Damp areas without silica gel
Better storage:
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A watch box with foam inserts
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Silica gel packets
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A climate-controlled drawer, if you have it
Smart Alternatives – Do This Instead
Safe Handling and Setting Procedures
A simple routine you can follow:
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Wind gently off-wrist: 20–30 turns.
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Set time: move hands to about (safe zone) 6:00 or follow your model’s manual before changing the date.
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Set date.
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Return hands to the correct time.
Always check your model’s manual. Different automatic watches have different rules.
Professional Service Strategy
Make a timeline:
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Every 3–5 years: full service.
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Every 1–2 years: pressure test if you swim often.
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Keep receipts and service records.
Choosing a watchmaker:
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Look for experience with your brand or movement.
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Ask about parts and warranty at work.
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Compare manufacturer vs. independent costs: Independent shops often charge about $190–$250 for simple jobs; manufacturer services and complex repairs can be about $250–$1,000+.
Cost-Effective Protection Methods
Small, cheap steps that help:
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Use a proper watch box (about $20–$100).
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Keep silica gel packs.
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Learn basic crown operation.
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Keep magnets away.
These small moves can save you hundreds later.
Warning Signs – When to Stop and Seek Help
Accuracy and Performance Red Flags
Watch for:
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Gain/lose >30 seconds per day.
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Irregular ticking or silence
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Sudden stop
Compass test: Place a compass near your automatic watch. If the needle swings strongly, it gets demagnetized. If you see these, stop using your automatic watch and get help.
Physical Warning Signs
Look for:
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Condensation under the crystal
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Crown stuck or loose.
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Unusual grinding sounds
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Scratched, shifted, or detached hands
Action steps:
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Stop wearing it.
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Put it in a warm, dry place.
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Bring it to a watchmaker.
The Never-Do Checklist (Top 10)
The following fees usually vary by brand and region.
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Don’t set the date in the danger zone (9 PM–3 AM). (Cost: about $200–$400)
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Don’t overwind aggressively. (Cost: about $200–$700)
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Don’t ignore crown/pusher care. (Water damage risk)
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Avoid magnetic exposure. (Demag about $20–$100)
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Don’t wear it for high-impact activities. (Shock repairs about $150+)
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Don’t open the case or DIY movement work. (May be permanent)
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Don’t skip service beyond 3–5 years. (Major service is about $250–$1,000+)
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Don’t store near magnets/heat/humidity. (Slow damage)
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Don’t buy cheap watch winders for valuable pieces. (Watch Winder about $100–$300)
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Don’t ignore warning signs. Early fixes are cheaper.
Emergency Response Guide
Suspected magnetization:
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Do a compass test.
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See a watchmaker for demagnetization.
Water exposure:
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Stop winding/setting.
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Dry the case; don’t use heat.
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Bring it to a shop quickly.
Impact damage:
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Stop wearing it.
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Note strange noises or time errors.
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Get a professional assessment.
Next: Add automatic watch service to the calendar.
You came here because you don’t want a small mistake to become a big, expensive repair. Now you know the top mistakes that hurt automatic watches, how much they cost, and what to do instead.
If your automatic watch is acting up right now, stop using it and get it checked. If it looks fine, put a few habits in place: follow the safe setting routine, keep magnets away, and book routine service every 3–5 years.
Want to take one quick step today? Check your manual and set a reminder for basic service. Share this article with a friend who wears an automatic watch — they’ll thank you later when they avoid about a $400 bill.
If you own a wonderful automatic watch, treat it like a tiny machine that needs a little respect. Do that, and it will keep time for years.
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