How to Look After an Automatic Watch

In short: to look after an automatic watch, wear it regularly or wind it by hand, keep it away from strong magnets, make sure the crown is pushed fully in around water, take it off for heavy impact sports, clean it gently, store it somewhere safe and have it serviced every five years or so. Do that and a good automatic will run for decades.

An automatic watch is a small machine with more than a hundred moving parts, and with a little care it will keep running for generations. None of it is complicated. Here is everything you need to know to keep your Legacy, or any automatic watch, in great condition.

How an automatic watch works

An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that winds itself. Inside is a mainspring that stores energy. A weighted half disc called the rotor spins freely as your wrist moves, and each turn tightens the mainspring a little more. The mainspring then releases that energy slowly through the gear train to drive the hands.

On the Legacy you can see this happening through the sapphire caseback. Turn the watch over, move your wrist and watch the rotor spin.

1. Keeping it wound

Wear it most days and an automatic will keep running on its own. The Legacy holds roughly 40 hours of power when fully wound, so it will happily sit on your bedside table overnight.

If it has stopped because you have not worn it for a few days, that is completely normal and does no harm. Give the crown a few gentle turns or move the watch around to get it going, then set the time. Our how to guides show how to set the time on your Legacy.

Do I need a watch winder?

Only if you rotate between several automatics and want them all running and set when you pick them up. A watch winder is a convenience, not a necessity. Letting an automatic stop and starting it again later does not damage it.

2. Avoid strong magnets

Magnetism is the most common reason an automatic suddenly starts running fast. Strong magnets in speakers, laptop lids, tablet covers, phone cases and handbag clasps can magnetise the hairspring, the fine coiled spring that controls the balance wheel. When the coils stick together slightly, the watch gains time.

Avoid resting your watch directly on these items overnight. If your watch starts gaining several minutes a day for no obvious reason, it has probably been magnetised. A watchmaker can demagnetise it in a few seconds, usually for very little cost.

3. Water and the crown

The Legacy is water resistant to 50 metres, which covers hand washing, rain and splashes. A few rules keep the seals working properly:

• Always make sure the crown is pushed fully in.
• Never pull the crown out or adjust the time while the watch is wet.
• Avoid hot showers, spas and saunas. Heat makes the seals expand and contract, and over time that can let moisture in.
• Rinse with fresh water after salt water.
• Leather straps should be kept dry. Switch to silicone for the pool or the beach.

4. Shocks and impacts

Modern movements are built to handle the knocks of daily life, but a hard drop onto tiles or the repeated jolts of some sports can disturb the balance wheel and affect accuracy. Take your watch off for tennis, golf, padel and heavy lifting in the gym.

5. Accuracy: what is normal?

An automatic is a mechanical device, so it will not be as accurate as quartz. Gaining or losing a few seconds a day is normal and expected. Accuracy can also change slightly depending on whether the watch rests face up or crown down overnight, and on how fully wound it is.

If your watch suddenly gains or loses minutes a day, it may be magnetised or due for a service.

6. Cleaning your watch

• Wipe the case and crystal with a soft microfibre cloth.
• Steel and mesh bracelets can be cleaned with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft toothbrush, then dried thoroughly. Make sure the crown is pushed in first.
• Leather straps only need a dry cloth. Let them air out after warm days.
• Avoid chemical cleaners, perfume and sunscreen directly on the case.

7. Storage

Store your watch away from direct sunlight, extreme heat and magnets. A box or a collector's box keeps watches apart so they cannot scratch each other. If storing for a long time, let the watch wind down naturally rather than leaving it in a hot car or drawer next to electronics.

8. Servicing

Mechanical movements use tiny amounts of oil at their pivot points, and over the years that oil thickens and breaks down. A service involves taking the movement apart, cleaning every part, re oiling, regulating the timing and checking the seals.

As a general rule, an automatic watch benefits from a service every five years or so, or sooner if it starts losing accuracy noticeably or the power reserve drops.

Your Legacy is covered by our five year warranty, so if anything is not right in that time, contact us.

Quick care checklist

• Wear it or wind it regularly.
• Keep it off speakers, laptops and magnetic cases.
• Crown in, never adjusted when wet.
• No hot showers or saunas.
• Off for impact sports.
• Soft cloth to clean, box to store.
• Service every five years or so.

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad to let an automatic watch stop?

No. Letting it stop and winding it again later does no harm.

How often should an automatic watch be serviced?

Roughly every five years, or sooner if accuracy or power reserve changes noticeably.

Why is my automatic watch running fast?

The most common cause is magnetism from speakers, laptops or magnetic phone and tablet cases. A watchmaker can demagnetise it quickly.

Can I shower with my automatic watch?

It is best not to. Hot water and steam can wear the seals over time, even on a water resistant watch.

How long does an automatic watch run off the wrist?

The Legacy runs for roughly 40 hours on a full wind.

Read next: what is a skeleton watch?