Guide
How to Wind an Automatic Watch
An automatic watch will wind itself on the wrist — but knowing how to start it up makes a real difference.
Quick answer: To wind an automatic watch like the Seiko NH35, unscrew the crown to its resting position (position 0) and turn it clockwise 20–30 times. This fully powers a stopped watch. You can't over-wind it — the mainspring slips once full.
Step by step
- Unscrew the crown until it springs free — this is position 0
- Turn the crown clockwise 20–30 times (anticlockwise does nothing on the NH35)
- Pull to position 2 to set the time, then push back in
- Screw the crown back down fully
How often do I need to wind it?
If you wear it daily, never — your wrist keeps it wound. If it has stopped, give it a full wind before setting the time.
Things to avoid
- Don't wind with the crown pulled out
- Don't set the date when the hour hand is in the top half of the dial
- Don't force the crown if it resists
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I over-wind an automatic watch?
No. A slipping clutch stops the mainspring over-winding.
Do watch winders help?
Only for convenience if you rotate several watches.
Why has my automatic stopped?
Usually it hasn't been worn for over 41 hours. Wind it and reset the time.