A well-treated automatic watch can run beautifully for decades. Mechanical movements reward gentle habits and punish a few common mistakes — forcing the crown underwater, leaving the watch on a speaker, or ignoring the gaskets. These ten habits cover almost everything that matters.
Daily handling
1. Wind it correctly
If the watch has stopped, unscrew the crown (where it is a screw-down type) and wind 20–30 gentle half-turns until you feel resistance build — never force past it. Worn daily, the rotor keeps it wound automatically.
2. Set the time with care
Avoid setting the date during the late-evening/early-morning window (roughly 9 pm to 3 am) when the date mechanism is engaged; set the time outside that window before changing the date. Push and screw the crown fully back in afterwards.
3. Keep the crown sealed
Always screw the crown down fully on a sports or dive watch. A crown that is even slightly loose is the most common way water gets in.
Water and the elements
4. Respect the rating
A water-resistance number is tested under static pressure, not forever. Avoid hot showers and saunas — heat degrades gaskets — and do not press buttons or turn the crown underwater unless the manual explicitly says you may.
5. Treat gaskets as consumable
Seals age even if the watch is never wet. If you swim regularly, have the water resistance checked and gaskets refreshed at service intervals.
6. Rinse after salt or chlorine
After the sea or a pool, rinse the watch and bracelet in fresh water and dry it to stop salt and chemicals attacking the steel and seals.
Movement and accuracy
7. Keep it away from strong magnets
Speakers, phone speakers, fridge doors, laptop magnets and some chargers can magnetise a movement, causing it to run fast. If the rate changes suddenly, a simple demagnetisation usually fixes it.
8. Learn its normal rate
A few seconds a day is normal for an automatic. Note how yours runs when fully wound; a sudden, sustained change is the signal to have it checked rather than normalising it yourself.
Cleaning and storage
9. Clean gently and store smartly
Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Store in a box or watch roll away from sunlight and magnets; a watch winder is optional and mainly convenient if you rotate several automatics.
10. Service on schedule, not just on failure
A full service every few years — fresh lubrication, seals and regulation — prevents wear before it becomes expensive. Between services, keep it wound and dry. These habits matter for any mechanical watch, from a daily Rolex-style piece to a Tag Heuer-style sports watch.
Quick care checklist
- Crown fully screwed down after setting
- No hot water, saunas or crown use underwater
- Rinse after salt water
- Avoid speakers and strong magnets
- Soft-cloth clean, dry storage
- Periodic pressure test and service
Frequently asked questions
How long can an automatic last without service?
It may run for years, but lubricants degrade; periodic servicing prevents accelerated wear and protects accuracy.
Will a watch winder overwind my watch?
No — modern movements disengage the winding mechanism once the spring is full; winders mainly keep rotated watches ready to wear.
Is it safe to swim with any automatic watch?
Only within its rating with the crown secured and seals in good condition; avoid hot water regardless of the rating.
My watch suddenly runs fast — what now?
Magnetisation is the usual cause; keep it away from magnets and ask for a demagnetisation and rate check.
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