Having an automatic watch is the appreciation of traditions and sophistication in a timepiece. These inventions are self-moving and are powered in accordance with the movement of your wrist. As compared to quartz watches, which run on batteries, automatic watches require the wearer to wear them so that it stays powered by the kinetic energy reserve. When they go unused, they idle and can even stop completely. This is where a watch winder becomes quite useful.
Watch winders exist as specialized devices that maintain automatic watches in running motion when owners are not wearing them. The device replicates natural wrist movement to keep your watch safely powered and prepared for wearing. It copies the movements of your wrist so that the watch stays wound and ready to be worn. If you happen to own several watches, then this tool is going to prove to be a lifesaver. It also does away with the need to set the time and date from time to time especially for complicated machines with perpetual calendar or lunar calendar cycles.
However, despite the positive utility of the watch winder in helping to preserve and perhaps even to prolong the life of the prized possessions, mishandling the product can prove detrimental to the exquisite masterpieces. When using the watch winder, there are some basic mistakes that are common and should be avoided. The following are some of the common mistakes made by users of watch winders and how they can be avoided. That is why it is advisable to go to an authorized Watch service center so that your watch lasts long.
Common Mistakes with Watch Winders
Most people may not take the right approach when using the watch winder, and this is dangerous since it harms the watch they are winding. Some common mistakes include overwinding, selecting the wrong type of winder and lack of maintenance. These lead to inaccuracies and shortening of the life span of your watch, or even require more expensive repairs.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Your Watch’s Specific Winding Needs
Not all watches can be the same and people may have different preferences when one comes to choosing among the many brands available in the market. The calibers of automatic watches, manual-wind watches, and quartz models are different in their operation. It should be recognized that failure in comprehending these differences can result in over reliance on the winder or client handling.
How to Determine Your Watch’s Winding Requirements
- Consult the Manual: The manufacturer’s guide is your best source for understanding the watch’s technical specifications.
- Research Online: Forums and watch communities often provide detailed insights.
- Seek Expert Advice: Professionals will be in a position to advise you on how best to take care of the particular make of watch you own.
Your watch quality and lifespan depend heavily on the approach you use for its particular model.
Mistake #2: Overwinding Your Watch
Overwinding is when the mainspring of the watch is wound passed the limit, putting immense pressure on the gears and other internal parts of the watch. While most automatic watches feature winding protection systems, problems can still arise when using the wrong winder settings.
How to Avoid Overwinding
- Select a Compatible Winder: Select a winder that has the correct winding direction and turns per day or TPD of the watch.
- Use Programmable Settings: In order to prevent unwanted movement of the winder some of them can be controlled with programmable settings.
- Monitor Usage: It is also recommended to observe the watch’s behavior for some time to prevent overwinding the mechanism with the winder.
Your watch function will stay intact while its precision remains when you observe its operational boundaries.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Type of Winder
Choosing a winder could be disadvantageous if the factors are not thought through based on the watches that you own. If not properly matched, the winder can either wind the bobbin in the wrong direction or at TPD that will result in poor performance or overwinding.
Understanding the Types of Winders
- Single-Watch Winders: These are the most basic winders which are designed to accommodate a single watch, which is fit for new watch winder users and collectors with few watches.
- Multi-Watch Winders: Also known as multi-winder is bigger in size and can hold many watches at the same time and have varying rotation for each watch.
- Advanced Winders: These are the more sophisticated models of winders which may include features such as programmable cycles, LED displays, and low noise motors.
Tips for Choosing the Right Winder
- Find out which way to wind your watch—clockwise, counterclockwise, or both.
- It is therefore advised that the buyer chooses a winder with customizable speed for different watches.
- Consider additional features, such as storage compartments or display cases.
A good winding is not only practical but aesthetic in a watch collection and contains both the aesthetic and the functional.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Winder Maintenance
There is also the concern that if a winder is left unused for a long time, it may accumulate dust and dust particles which are not good for the motor and therefore the watch.
Steps for Proper Winder Maintenance
- Unplug Before Cleaning: In as much as you may be cleaning the device, do not power it when connected to the electrical supply to avoid mishaps.
- Remove Dust: You should gently dust the item with a soft cloth or brush if it has exterior parts. For internal components, then compressed air or vacuuming can help in the process of removing debris.
- Dry Thoroughly: Always make sure the winder is thoroughly dried before reassembly.
Daily maintenance also helps to extend the life span of the winder as well as protect your watch from further damages resulting from a faulty apparatus.
Mistake #5: Using Incorrect Winder Settings
Every automatic watch has specific parameters regarding the number of rotations per day and the direction of the rotation. You have to make sure that you do not overwind your winder or underwind it because both cause harm to the watch.
How to Adjust Winder Settings
- Follow the Manual: Get the user manual of the watch and follow the instructions when winding it.
- Test and Refine: Set the option and manage the settings to identify the right settings of the watch.
- Use Pre-Set Programs: A number of modern winders are equipped with pre-set programs that are designed specifically for most commonly used watch models.
It is important to spare some time to properly set your winder so that your watches can measure time accurately and are always available for use.
Mistake #6: Leaving Watches on the Winder for Too Long
Many owners prefer to leave their watches on winder for days, thinking it better in terms of the watch’s operation. However, it can put pressure on the movement which is not always beneficial since it creates some friction on the components.
How to Avoid This
- Take turns wearing the watches and give them some time off from the winder.
- Do not use the winder for the watches that you do not often wear or use.
Mistake #7: Choosing a Low-Quality Winder
Many cheap winders may appear convenient due to their price but they are not accurate and could harm your watches. Some drawbacks are low motor quality and insufficient possibility of color options.
Tips for Choosing Quality Winders
- Invest in a reputable brand.
- Some aspects you might want to consider include adjustable settings and level of noise produced.
- Check out the various reviews and seek advice from experts if necessary before buying.
Conclusion
The watch winding devices are useful to the owners of automatic watches but the most important thing is that the device has to be used and maintained correctly. Knowing your watch’s requirements, choosing a proper winder, never over-winding, and maintaining the winder properly will also prevent your watches from getting spoiled. For all your watch servicesand needs, Kapoor Watch Co. stands as a dedicated luxury watch specialist for all you need in watch maintenance.
Hence, this brief guide will outline seven common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure the protection of the value, accuracy, and durability of the automatic timepiece.
