What should I do if my mechanical watch stops working? Here’s a detailed guide!

Hello everyone, watches are mainly categorized into two types: quartz and mechanical. Quartz watches are powered by batteries. If a quartz watch stops working, it’s likely because the battery is exhausted. Of course, there are rare cases where water damage can damage the mainboard, but this is less common. Mechanical watches, on the other hand, can have a variety of problems. To better troubleshoot a mechanical watch, we first need to understand how it works. A mechanical watch’s power comes from a mainspring, which, through a series of precise gears and cams, transmits this power to the hands or dial, thereby displaying the time. Therefore, when a mechanical watch stops working, we should first check whether it’s due to a lack of power. Below, Squidward will summarize some common minor mechanical watch malfunctions.

Causes of a Mechanical Watch Stopping Working

1. Mechanical Failure: A mechanical watch may stop working due to a variety of reasons. Due to the sophisticated design of the mechanical watch movement, each component requires extremely high precision. A problem with any component, such as a broken gear, worn bearings, or a damaged pallet fork, can affect the movement’s proper operation. These faults usually require professional repair.

2. Improper Use: A mechanical watch is a highly precise timekeeping instrument and therefore requires proper use and maintenance. If a mechanical watch is subjected to strong impact, exposed to magnetic interference, or exposed to unstable environments for extended periods, internal movement components may be damaged or malfunction. These conditions can affect the proper operation of a mechanical watch. Therefore, proper use and maintenance are crucial to maintaining the accuracy and lifespan of a mechanical watch.

3. Improper Maintenance: To maintain the accuracy and lifespan of a mechanical watch, regular maintenance is essential. This includes cleaning the movement and changing the lubricating oil. If maintenance is neglected over time, dirt and impurities may accumulate within the movement, which not only affects its operation but may also cause it to malfunction or even stall. Therefore, to ensure the proper operation of a mechanical watch, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance.

What to Do If a Mechanical Watch Stops Running

If your mechanical watch stops running, you can take the following measures:
1. Winding: If a mechanical watch stops running, you can try winding it to provide more energy. After winding the watch approximately 50 times, observe whether it is functioning normally. If it is functioning normally, it indicates that the problem is due to insufficient kinetic energy, which can be corrected by winding the watch. Therefore, regular winding of a mechanical watch is an important step in maintaining its proper function.

2. Check the movement: If the watch still does not function properly after winding, remove the back cover and inspect the movement. Check the gears, bearings, pallet fork, and other components for damage or wear. Damage or wear to these components can cause the watch to malfunction. If any damaged or worn components are found, they should be replaced or repaired promptly to ensure the watch’s accuracy and longevity.

3. Maintain the movement: Excessive dirt and impurities inside the movement can affect its proper function. Therefore, if dirt or impurities are found inside the movement, it requires prompt cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning requires a specialized cleaning agent. Disassemble the movement and soak it in the cleaning agent or use an ultrasonic cleaner. After cleaning, the lubricant needs to be replaced to ensure proper movement operation. The lubricant should be selected based on the model and brand of the movement to ensure compatibility and longevity. During maintenance, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed to avoid damage to the movement caused by improper handling.
4. Repair or Replacement of Components: If there are damaged components within the movement, such as broken gears or worn bearings, repair or replacement is necessary. The specific repair method depends on the extent of the damage and the movement model. If the damage is severe and cannot be repaired, the entire movement will need to be replaced. Before returning the watch for repair, it is recommended to consult a professional repair technician or the manufacturer for specific repair options and costs. Additionally, to reduce the risk of movement damage, it is recommended to regularly perform maintenance and servicing on your mechanical watch to protect it from severe vibration and impact.

5. Careful Use and Maintenance: Mechanical watches require proper use and maintenance, avoiding strong impact and magnetic interference. Perform a professional service annually to clean the movement and change the lubricant. If any problems are found with your watch, take it to a professional repair shop promptly.

III. How to Properly Use and Maintain a Mechanical Watch

A mechanical watch is a precision instrument, and its internal movement components are extremely fragile. Therefore, when using a mechanical watch, avoid strong impacts and vibrations to prevent damage to the internal components, which could affect the watch’s accuracy and lifespan. Regular maintenance and servicing are also essential to maintain the movement’s proper function. If you notice any problems with your watch, take it to a professional repair shop immediately for repair.

1. Avoid Magnetic Field Interference: The metal parts within a mechanical watch are easily affected by magnetic fields, causing inaccurate timekeeping or even lag. Therefore, avoid placing a mechanical watch in environments with strong magnetic fields, such as near televisions or mobile phones.

2. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Mechanical watches require regular maintenance to maintain their accuracy. Annual professional maintenance is recommended, including cleaning the internal components and changing the lubricant. Gently wipe the case and dial with a soft cloth to keep them clean and shiny.

3. Pay attention to the storage environment: The storage environment of a mechanical watch has a crucial impact on its lifespan. To ensure long-term operation, it should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment at a suitable temperature. Mechanical watches should also be protected from exposure to humidity, high temperatures, or extreme harsh environments.
4. Regularly calibrate the time: To ensure the accuracy of a mechanical watch, it should be calibrated regularly. Calibration is recommended at least once a month to maintain accuracy. If you notice inaccurate timekeeping on your watch, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional repairman, who can make the necessary adjustments and repairs to restore the watch’s accuracy and performance.

5. Use the right watch strap: Mechanical watch straps have a lifespan. An unsuitable strap or wearing the same strap for extended periods can cause damage or detachment. Therefore, to protect your watch and ensure its proper function, choose the right strap for your individual needs and replace it regularly.

In short, proper use and maintenance of a mechanical watch are crucial to its longevity. In daily life, we should pay attention to details and perform regular maintenance and care to ensure the accuracy and longevity of our watch.