One of the great joys of owning an automatic watch is that it is powered by you. As long as you wear it, the natural motion of your wrist keeps the mainspring wound and the hands ticking. But what happens when you take it off for a few days, or when you switch to another watch in your collection?
Properly storing your automatic watch when it is not in use is simple, but it is important for maintaining its health and longevity. This guide will walk you through the best practices.
The main question: Should you keep it running or let it stop?
This is the central debate among watch enthusiasts, and there are two valid schools of thought.
1. Let it stop (The "Resting" Approach)
This is the simplest and most common method. An automatic watch has a power reserve, which is the amount of time it will continue to run after you take it off. This typically ranges from 38 to 80 hours. Once this reserve is depleted, the watch will simply and harmlessly stop.
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How to do it: Just place your watch in a safe, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong magnetic fields. A watch box, a soft pouch, or a drawer are all excellent options. When you are ready to wear it again, you will need to wind it by hand and reset the time and date.
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The benefit: This approach reduces the constant wear and tear on the mechanical components. Just like a car engine, the parts inside a watch are subject to friction and wear over time. By letting the watch rest, you are extending the time between required services. This is the most practical method if you have multiple watches that you rotate regularly.
2. Keep it running (The "Watch Winder" Approach)
A watch winder is an electronic box that holds your watch and rotates it gently to simulate the motion of your wrist. This keeps the mainspring constantly wound and the watch running, even when you are not wearing it.
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How to do it: You place your watch in the winder and set it to the correct rotation settings for your specific watch model (this information is usually available from the manufacturer).
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The benefit: The main advantage is convenience. Your watch is always running, so the time and date are always correct. You can just pick it up and put it on without having to reset it. This is especially useful for watches with complex complications, like a perpetual calendar, which can be complicated to reset once they have stopped.
Which method is right for you?
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Let it stop if:
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You have one or two watches that you wear regularly.
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You do not mind taking 30 seconds to wind and set your watch before you wear it.
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You want to maximize the time between expensive services.
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Use a watch winder if:
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You have a watch with complex complications (e.g., perpetual calendar, annual calendar, moonphase) that are a hassle to reset.
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You value the convenience of having your watch always ready to wear.
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You have a large collection and want to keep your favorite pieces running.
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Important storage tips, no matter which method you choose
Whether you let your watch stop or use a winder, a few universal rules apply.
1. Avoid strong magnetic fields.
This is a crucial rule. Keep your watch away from speakers, laptops, tablets, and magnetic phone cases. A strong magnetic field can magnetize the delicate hairspring in the movement, which can cause the watch to run extremely fast and will require a visit to a watchmaker to be demagnetized.
2. Store it in a dry, temperature-controlled place.
Extreme heat, cold, and humidity are bad for the longevity of the rubber gaskets that ensure your watch's water resistance. A bedroom drawer or a watch box is a much better place than a humid bathroom or a hot car glove compartment.
3. Lay it flat or on its side.
When placing your watch on a surface, it is best to lay it flat on its case back or on its side, with the crown facing up. Avoid placing it face down to prevent any risk of scratching the glass.
Conclusion: A simple routine
Storing an automatic watch is not complicated. For the vast majority of owners, the best and simplest method is to just let it stop naturally in a safe place. When you are ready to wear it again, a quick wind and reset is all it takes to bring it back to life. A watch winder is a useful luxury, but it is not a necessity for most watches. By following these simple practices, you can ensure your timepiece remains in great condition for years to come.