You will be aware that watches have developed over the years both in appearance and in the complexity of their mechanism. Our grandfathers often possessed large silver or gold pocket watches. They were wound with a pretty little key. The same key was used, in many, to set the hands as well. Later, a clever mechanism was invented which allowed the owner to wind the watch by turning the button fitted under the bow. This became known as the 'keyless' system and was soon extended to almost all watches. In particular it made the idea of the wristlet watch a reality and is one with which we are all familiar.

When we all had far too many things to do, we found the daily grind of winding our watch intolerable and so, the 'automatic watch' was invented, allowing us a life of ease and contentment!

The automatically wound watch is generally an ordinary mechanical movement with another layer of mechanism designed to operate whenever the position of the watch is altered. The system involves nothing more than a swinging weight whose shape is roughly one half of the circumference of the watch movement, pivoted in the centre, and connected to the spring barrel by a series of small gear wheels. Every time the watch is moved, the revolving weight falls to the lowest point, thus moving all the cogs which wind the mainspring in very small increments. In this way the spring tension is kept fairly constant whilst the watch is worn regularly.

If the watch is not worn for 24 to 36 hours, the spring will run out in the normal way and the watch will stop.

The detail in the previous paragraphs has its basis in several books devoted to the science of the automatic watch. There are many variations in mechanism but, in general, the most important thing to remember is that, although robust, the little cogs have pivot diameters of around 0.15 to 0.3 millimetre and vigorous winding to 'prime' the movement can cause damage. Always prime wind gently.

So many times do I hear remarks such as: "Can you do something with this watch please? There's nothing wrong with it. It's a fantastic watch really. It just won't go anymore. I've had it now for thirty years - never been off my wrist". In many cases this poor, old, grand, fantastic, stopped watch has become as repairable as the old car I had years ago which never needed any kind of maintenance. Please remember that all these tiny pivots need lubrication. If they run dry, they will gradually grind themselves away and no amount of cleaning or oil will replace the metal that has been lost.

Regular servicing, care in operation, and gentleness will prolong the life of any watch. This is probably the most important advice for the owner of any kind of complicated watch such as an automatic, calendar/date watch or chronograph. 

Take great care in pulling out the winder and in the operation of any pusher buttons. Some automatic watches cannot be wound to prime them. These must be either swung gently in a circular/swaying motion or worn for about an hour until they have enough power to run before setting the time.

DISCLAIMER:

Please understand that the balance, its spring, the pallets and the escape wheel and all associated mechanisms are delicate and are best serviced by an experienced horologist who could well be a member of the British Watch and Clock Makers' Guild. The author can accept neither responsibility nor liability for any loss or damage howsoever caused by any person carrying out adjustments to either their own property or that of any other person. These notes are given in good faith and must not be considered to be a definitive exposition of the subject.