How to Wind and Set an Automatic (or Mechanical) Wristwatch - Watch and Learn #12

Back to Basics! In today's video, we will discuss how to wind and set automatic or mechanical watches, and how to set the day and date. Winding and setting a watch starts with knowing if you have an automatic or a mechanical hand wind watch. From there, learning how to deploy the crown, then set the time is covered, as well as the day and date if equipped with a calendar mechanism.

Lastly, we will discuss how to wind your watch for optimal use, then get into some more interesting details, like demonstrating how you can wind an automatic watch forever and the spring will never overwind.

This video is aimed at the novice just starting out, but we are fairly certain even the seasoned collector will learn a thing or two.

*** - at 6:45 you will see a note about not setting the day or date between the hours of 9pm to 3am. This was an oversight and should have been discussed in the video. During this timeframe, the date change mechanism is engaging, and if you force change the day or date you can end up damaging the date change mechanism, resulting in repair. Thus, never change the day or date on any watch from 9pm to 3am.

[andrewlineberger]

Thank You Sir!!!
Im 50 years old and jus started learning about mechanical watches..Thank you for the wealth of knowledge!!! Much Love from Denver NC!!

[javiermurcia]

Very educative, indeed! Thank you

I always set the time to 6 o' clock, either am or pm(At that moment there is no way for me to know it) avoiding the "danger zone"(9:00pm to 3:00am). Then I set the day and date one position before the current day and date. Right after that, I pull out the crown and rotate it setting the time until I see the day and date change to the current day and date and that is the moment I become aware the watch is set to Am. Finally I set the time to my current time zone according my atomic watch.

Sorry about my english.

[paulwinkfield]

Thanks for this video! I've collected watches for 50 years, when I was 13yrs old, on my paper route there was an old watchmaker who had a shop on my route, purchased a Tissot manual wind answered my questions, he also said if not broke, don't fix! But I heard from other watch repair guys, collectors the 10 yr rule, CLA...

[Johnny-xyen]

Thank you for a very in depth comments on winding a watch. I have never heard anyone say you should wind a watch while wearing it during the day to keep the winding spring taut. Watches are made to run that way. Now that you have said it, that's why my watchmakers always wind my watch fully before giving it to me. Thank you

[daylehenshel]

Wow. I'm a watch-guy's daughter and have been around watches my entire life, and I learned things here I never knew. Thanks for the fascinating lessons. I came for a lesson on how to get my dad's old automatic Bulova Caravelle man's day/night 24h international timezone watch moving better, and how to jump start the selfwinding action. I wore this all last summer, and it has a tendency to take a long time to get in gear and keep accurate time. What I did learn was that I could actually wind it to get it started (lots faster than shaking/twisting). Perhaps it does need a visit to a watchmaker/repair place, since it's just not getting gear at all right now, but thanks for your video.

[RecicledCanadian]

I have mechanical background and I agree 100% with you "If is not broken DO NOT try to fix it". Very good, informative video, I have learned a lot. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Toronto.

[coffeeisgood]

Good video. Many people are used to Quartz and have no idea of the difference between those and a mechanical. I would add that even tho a watch can be wound on the wrist, it should be removed before winding. This is because when on the wrist there is an upward pressure on the stem which puts stress on it as the thumb and finger maneuver between the wrist and the crown. I have that same Rougios, they are a great watch.

[jayanthkumar]

Mark does so much for the community! Thanks, Mark!

[gcona]

You are a brilliant teacher. I am 61 and disabled RN, bored out of my mind. I used to repair my cars and learn to fix just about anything. I recently inherited some very old watches. I want to teach myself with reading and watching videos like yours how to repair and restore some very nice old watches. I need to by the correct tools first. Some I probably have. Do you have any videos that show how to clean the watch face without damaging it? Thanks so much.

[Laguna]

what if I do not wear my automatic Rolex frequently. Is it safe on 'clutch' or other internal parts to manually wind each time I actually do wear it? Thank you!

[runrin_]

took 12 videos to officially make a sale. its like you can have a one on one chat with every viewer as if they'd walked into your small local shop. learned a lot, and developed trust. such a quality salesperson. not even trying to sell me, just trying to pique my interest. if i could give you a million more sales i would. next purchase will definitely be thru you as well. thanks thanks thanks thanks!

[jamesmcnary]

I completely agree with you about servicing. From what I’ve leaned it’s like an engine rebuild. The entire thing is taken apart and cleaned and broken parts are replaced. Then it’s re-lubricated. On both a car and a watch I think you’ll know when this needs to be done.

[EddyWoon]

Your comment "if it's not broken, don't fix it" was also used by my engineering lecturers back in my university days. I too prescribe to that same thinking regarding my automatic watches.

[donnathomas]

Long time lover of watches, but just getting into horology. I have worked as a nurse since 1978 and in March I left bedside nursing. I wanted a "retirement" type watch and the hospital I work gives out diamond pens for my service, but no watches. I appreciate the basic newbie information in your video and your accent is great!Thanks

[davidschwager]

Many thanks for the education. A gift of a 1950s Bulova early this year got me interested in watches and I have been studying them since, largely through YouTube videos like yours. I placed an order with you for my first automatic watch (a Seiko SKX007) and am looking forward to wearing it and learning more.

[ryanthomas]

Hi @Mark and @longislandwatch,

I just got my very FIRST Seiko 5 and LOVE it! But I did have a question... I am in a wheelchair born with Spina Bifida.

A. How often shall I do the Seiko shake?

B. Will I ruined my watch with my reputations of pushing my wheelchair?

Thank you for all you do!

[rokfam]

Thank you very much for this. I just got my Seagull Diver - Barents Sea (green face, limited version 300m ST2130) - and when I heard the smooth hand winding sound, I thought something was wrong - you have clarified it for me. It's my very first automatic, having admired them as a youngster, but never owning one myself. Finally, I have one very decent piece of my own. Your videos led me to make the purchase. Thank you and best regards to you and your viewers

[rgama]

Love that we can actually see examples of what you're talking about, learned a lot, thanks!

[imranchowdhury]

You are really a gem of guy. For the first time after watching for last 5 years I found saying there is no need to do a servicing unless you have a problem with your watch. In youtube all watch guy will suggest you to go for a servicing in every 5 years. I don't know if they want to make the watchmakers happy. But you are very reasonable and thanks a lot for your nice teaching on mechanical and automatic watches. Many thanks Mark.

[markanthonyking]

Very informative, being new to the automatic watch, I’m learning.