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Automatic watches are very popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors because they offer the charm of traditional mechanisms without the need for manual winding. However, it is essential to properly adjust your automatic watch to take full advantage of its features and ensure optimal time accuracy.
In this, we will explain how to proceed to adjust your automatic watch effectively.
Understand how an automatic watch works
Before you start setting your automatic watch, it’s important to understand how it works. Unlike quartz watches which use a battery to operate, automatic watches are powered by a complex mechanical system.
The latter is composed in particular of a rotor which turns thanks to the movements of the wrist, thus making it possible to wind the mainspring and to ensure the continuous operation of the watch.
The autonomy of the automatic watch
In general, an automatic watch has an autonomy that can vary between 40 and 60 hours depending on the model and brand. To maintain this independence, it is advisable to wear the watch regularly, so that the rotor can wind the mainspring. Otherwise, you will have to manually wind the watch before wearing it by turning the crown clockwise.
The steps to adjust your automatic watch
To set your automatic watch correctly, it is necessary to follow a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you:
- Check that the watch is on time : Before you start, make sure the watch displays the correct time. If this is not the case, reset it by pulling the crown slightly and turning it in the right direction.
- Determine if your watch has a day/week indicator : Some automatic watches include a day of the week or date of the month indicator. In this case, care should be taken to set this indicator as well. To do this, gently pull out the crown until you hear a click and turn it in the appropriate direction to adjust the day or date.
- Put the watch on your wrist : Once the time and possibly the date are set, put the watch on your wrist and move it gently to allow the rotor to wind the mainspring. This action will guarantee a good autonomy of the watch and will prevent it from stopping during the day.
- Adjust the bracelet size : Finally, adjust the size of the bracelet so that the watch fits well on your wrist. A good fit is essential to ensure comfort and prevent the watch from slipping, which could damage the mechanism.
Tips for maintaining the accuracy of your automatic watch
Adjusting your automatic watch correctly is one thing, but you also have to take care of it to maintain good accuracy over time. Here are some tips to help you preserve your automatic watch:
- Wear it regularly : As mentioned previously, frequent wearing of your automatic watch will ensure good autonomy thanks to the movements of the wrist which wind the mainspring. If you don’t wear it for several days, consider winding it up manually.
- Avoid shocks : Automatic watches are equipped with complex and fragile mechanisms. It is therefore important to avoid violent contact with objects or hard surfaces to minimize the risk of internal damage and loss of precision.
- Protect it from water and humidity : Even if your automatic watch is waterproof, it is advisable to remove it during water activities or when you are exposed to high humidity. Water and humidity can cause condensation inside the watch and damage internal components.
- Store it in a suitable place : When you are not using your watch, store it in a case or box provided for this purpose. This will protect it from dust, humidity and potential shocks.
- Have it reviewed regularly : Finally, to maintain good accuracy and ensure the proper functioning of your automatic watch over the long term, it is recommended that you have it serviced by a watchmaker every 3 to 5 years. This will check in particular the tightness, the level of autonomy and the general condition of the internal mechanisms.
By following these tips, you will be able to properly adjust and maintain your automatic watch. That way, you’ll take full advantage of its functionality and precision while preserving its charm and value over time.
