How to keep the accuracy of a mechanical watch?

Wearing a mechanical watch can be a statement of style and elegance. However, to keep the accuracy of a mechanical watch, it requires proper care and maintenance. By following some simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your mechanical watch remains accurate for years to come.

Understanding the Mechanism

Mechanical watches are powered by a complex system of gears and springs, rather than a battery. This mechanism is what makes a mechanical watch so fascinating, but it also means that it requires regular attention to keep it running accurately. Understanding the intricate workings of your watch can help you appreciate the craftsmanship and also provide valuable insights into how to keep it accurate.

One of the key components of a mechanical watch is the balance wheel, which oscillates back and forth at a constant rate. This oscillation is what regulates the timekeeping of the watch. Over time, the balance wheel can be affected by factors such as magnetic fields, temperature changes, and physical shocks, all of which can lead to a loss of accuracy.

Keeping It Wound

Unlike quartz watches, which are powered by a battery, mechanical watches rely on a mainspring as their energy source. This mainspring needs to be wound regularly to keep the watch running. Most mechanical watches have a power reserve of around 40 hours, so if you wear your watch every day, simply wearing it should keep it sufficiently wound. However, if you have multiple watches in your collection or you don't wear your watch every day, it's important to wind it manually to ensure that it stays accurate.

There are two types of mechanical watches: manual and automatic. Manual watches require regular winding by turning the crown, usually once a day. Automatic watches, on the other hand, are equipped with a rotor that generates energy from the movement of your wrist, which automatically winds the mainspring. If you have an automatic watch and don't wear it every day, consider using a watch winder to keep it wound and accurate.

Avoiding Magnetic Fields

One of the biggest enemies of a mechanical watch's accuracy is exposure to magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can disrupt the delicate balance of the components inside a watch, leading to timekeeping errors. Common sources of magnetic fields include smartphones, tablets, computers, and magnetic clasps on purses or briefcases. To keep your mechanical watch accurate, it's important to minimize its exposure to these magnetic fields.

If you suspect that your watch has been exposed to a magnetic field, take it to a professional watchmaker to have it demagnetized. Some modern watches are equipped with anti-magnetic materials to protect the movement from magnetic interference, so consider investing in a watch with this feature if you frequently encounter magnetic fields in your daily life.

Regulating the Movement

To keep a mechanical watch accurate, it may need occasional adjustments to its movement. This process, known as regulating, involves small changes to the balance wheel or hairspring to ensure that the watch keeps time as accurately as possible. Regulating a watch is a delicate procedure that should be performed by a skilled watchmaker, as it requires specialized tools and expertise.

If you notice that your watch is consistently running fast or slow, it may be time to have it regulated. Most watchmakers recommend having a mechanical watch regulated every five to seven years to maintain its accuracy. Some high-end watches are equipped with a regulator mechanism that allows you to make small adjustments yourself, but it's still advisable to seek professional help for more significant changes.

Protecting It from Shocks

Mechanical watches are precision instruments, and they can be sensitive to physical shocks and impacts. Dropping a mechanical watch or subjecting it to sudden jolts can disrupt the delicate components inside, leading to accuracy problems. To protect your watch from shocks, be mindful of how you handle it and store it when it's not being worn.

If you lead an active lifestyle or work in a physically demanding environment, consider investing in a sports watch or a watch with enhanced shock protection. These watches are designed to withstand more rigorous use and are better suited to activities such as sports, outdoor adventures, or manual labor.

In summary, keeping the accuracy of a mechanical watch requires regular maintenance and attention to detail. Understanding the intricacies of its mechanism, keeping it wound, avoiding magnetic fields, regulating the movement, and protecting it from shocks are all essential for preserving the accuracy of your mechanical watch. By following these tips, you can ensure that your mechanical watch remains a reliable timekeeping companion for years to come.