How to Care for an Automatic Watch

Short answer: wear it often, keep it away from strong magnets, screw the crown down before it gets near water, wipe it clean once a week and have it serviced every five to seven years. That covers almost everything an automatic watch needs.

Keep it wound

An automatic winds itself as you move. If it has stopped, give the crown 20–30 clockwise turns in position 0 before setting the time. This fills the mainspring so the watch starts with a full power reserve (around 41 hours on a Seiko NH35).

Watch the crown

Most water damage comes from a crown left unscrewed. After setting the time or date, push the crown in and screw it down until it is snug. Never pull or turn the crown while the watch is wet.

Avoid magnets and shocks

Phone speakers, laptop lids, magnetic bag clasps and tablet covers can magnetise the hairspring, which makes the watch run very fast. If it suddenly gains minutes a day, a watchmaker can demagnetise it in seconds. Take the watch off for golf, tennis or heavy tool work.

Clean it weekly

• Wipe the case and crystal with a soft microfibre cloth.
• With the crown screwed down, rinse a 100m-rated watch under lukewarm tap water and use a soft toothbrush on the bracelet.
• Rinse with fresh water after swimming in the sea or a chlorinated pool.
• Dry it fully before putting it away.

Don't set the date at the wrong time

On Seiko NH35 and NH34 movements, avoid changing the date while the hour hand is in the bottom half of the dial, roughly between 9pm and 3am. The date gears are engaged then and forcing them can cause damage. Move the hands to the bottom half of the dial first, then set the date.

Service on a sensible schedule

Oils thicken over time. Plan a service every five to seven years, or sooner if accuracy drops sharply or the power reserve shortens.

How to wind an automatic watch →

How long does an automatic watch last? →