How Should You Properly Store Automatic Watches to Keep Them Running Smoothly?

AvatarByAlbert Jenkins Watch Types & Mechanisms

Automatic watches are more than just timekeeping devices; they are intricate pieces of craftsmanship that blend engineering and artistry. For enthusiasts and casual wearers alike, understanding how to properly store these mechanical marvels is essential to preserving their precision, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you own a single treasured timepiece or a growing collection, knowing the right storage techniques can make all the difference in maintaining your watch’s performance and value.

Storing automatic watches involves more than simply placing them in a drawer or on a shelf. Factors such as protection from dust, moisture, and magnetic fields play a crucial role in ensuring the delicate internal mechanisms remain unharmed. Additionally, the way a watch is positioned and whether it is kept running or allowed to rest impacts its movement and overall health. These considerations highlight the importance of adopting proper storage habits tailored specifically to automatic watches.

As you delve deeper into this topic, you will discover practical tips and expert advice designed to help you safeguard your timepieces effectively. From choosing the right storage environment to understanding the benefits of watch winders and maintenance routines, the insights ahead will empower you to care for your automatic watches with confidence and precision.

Choosing the Right Storage Environment

Proper storage of automatic watches is essential to maintain their accuracy, functionality, and aesthetic condition. The environment in which you keep your watch can significantly impact its longevity. Ideally, the storage area should be cool, dry, and free from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or moisture can degrade the lubricants inside the movement, leading to increased wear and potential damage.

Avoid storing your watch in areas prone to sudden temperature changes or high humidity, such as bathrooms or near windows. Exposure to magnetic fields from electronic devices can also affect the movement’s precision, so keep your watch away from strong magnets or speakers.

Using a dedicated watch box or case lined with soft fabric helps protect the watch from dust, scratches, and accidental knocks. If you own multiple automatic watches, individual compartments prevent them from coming into contact with each other, reducing the risk of damage.

Using Watch Winders Effectively

A watch winder is a device designed to keep automatic watches running when not worn, simulating wrist movement. This is especially useful for watches with complex functions like perpetual calendars or moon phases, which require continuous power to maintain accuracy.

When selecting a watch winder, consider the following factors:

  • Rotation Direction: Ensure the winder supports clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional rotation based on your watch’s movement specifications.
  • Turns Per Day (TPD): Match the winder’s TPD setting to your watch’s recommended range to avoid overwinding or underwinding.
  • Build Quality: Opt for quiet, reliable motors and cushioned watch holders to protect the watch.

It’s important to note that not all automatic watches require constant winding. Some models are better off being stored without a winder, especially if they have manual winding options or if you plan to wear them regularly.

Feature Recommended Setting Notes
Rotation Direction Clockwise, Counterclockwise, or Bi-directional Check manufacturer’s specifications
Turns Per Day (TPD) 500 – 1000 TPD Depends on watch movement
Rotation Duration Intermittent cycles Prevents overwinding and wear
Motor Noise Level Low Important for bedside use

Maintaining Watches in Storage

Regular maintenance is crucial even when watches are stored for extended periods. If you use a watch winder, clean it periodically to avoid dust accumulation, which can transfer onto the watch. When storing watches off the winder, wind them manually every few weeks to redistribute lubricants inside the movement.

Inspect stored watches for signs of moisture or corrosion, especially if humidity levels fluctuate. Using silica gel packets or other desiccants inside the storage box helps absorb excess moisture and prevent rust.

Additionally, keeping a record of service intervals and storage conditions allows you to monitor the watch’s condition and plan professional servicing accordingly. Proper documentation can also enhance the watch’s value over time.

Tips for Long-Term Storage

For watches that will be stored for months or years without wear, consider the following best practices:

  • Wind the watch fully before storing to ensure the mainspring is not left in a relaxed state.
  • Store the watch lying flat or on its side to reduce stress on the movement.
  • Avoid leaving the watch running continuously if not worn, as this can accelerate wear.
  • Place the watch in a padded container with adequate cushioning to protect against shocks.
  • Keep the watch away from strong light sources to prevent fading of dials or straps.

By adopting these practices, you can help preserve the mechanical integrity and appearance of your automatic watches for years to come.

Optimal Conditions for Storing Automatic Watches

Maintaining the longevity and accuracy of an automatic watch begins with storing it under ideal environmental conditions. The delicate mechanical components inside an automatic watch are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and exposure to magnetic fields, which can all adversely affect timekeeping performance and overall durability.

Key environmental factors to consider when storing automatic watches include:

  • Temperature Control: Store watches in a stable environment with temperatures ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) to prevent lubricant degradation and metal expansion or contraction.
  • Humidity Levels: Maintain relative humidity between 30% and 50% to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to rust or corrosion of internal components.
  • Protection from Light: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or intense artificial light to prevent dial discoloration and material fading.
  • Magnetic Exposure: Keep watches away from magnetic sources such as speakers, smartphones, and electronic devices to prevent magnetization of the movement, which disrupts accuracy.

Using Watch Winders for Automatic Watches

Watch winders are specialized devices designed to keep automatic watches wound and operational when not worn regularly. They simulate the natural wrist movements, ensuring the mainspring remains tensioned and lubricants stay evenly distributed within the movement.

Advantages of Using Watch Winders Considerations When Choosing a Watch Winder
  • Maintains timekeeping accuracy and calendar functions without manual resetting.
  • Prevents lubricants from settling, reducing the risk of mechanical wear.
  • Convenient for watches with complex complications (e.g., perpetual calendars, moon phases).
  • Choose winders with customizable rotation settings to match the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Ensure the winder operates quietly to avoid noise disturbance.
  • Select models with anti-magnetic shielding for additional protection.
  • Consider the number of watches to be stored and the size of the winder accordingly.

It is important to consult the watch manufacturer’s recommendations regarding winder usage, as some movements may be more sensitive to continuous winding than others.

Proper Storage Practices for Automatic Watches Not in Use

When automatic watches are not worn for extended periods, following proper storage practices can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain optimal functionality.

  • Manual Winding Before Storage: Fully wind the watch manually to ensure the mainspring is properly tensioned, which helps maintain lubricant distribution.
  • Use of Soft Watch Pouches or Cases: Store watches in individual, padded watch pouches or cases to prevent scratches, dust accumulation, and impact damage.
  • Separate Storage: Keep watches separated from each other and from metal objects like bracelets or keys to avoid abrasions.
  • Regular Inspection and Servicing: Even when stored, automatic watches should be inspected and serviced periodically (typically every 3-5 years) to prevent degradation of internal components.
  • Avoid Excessive Movement: Avoid excessive shaking or dropping, as sudden shocks can damage the intricate gears and springs.

Storage Solutions and Materials Recommended for Automatic Watches

Choosing the right storage solution is critical in protecting an automatic watch from environmental and physical damage. The following materials and storage types are recommended:

Storage Type Material Characteristics Benefits
Watch Boxes Wood, leather, or high-quality plastic with padded interiors Provides structured protection against dust, moisture, and physical shocks; often includes individual compartments
Watch Rolls and Pouches Soft leather or microfiber fabric Portable and lightweight; prevents scratches and dust; ideal for travel
Watch Winders Plastic or wood casing with motorized winding mechanism Keeps watch wound and ready to wear; reduces need for manual resetting
Silica Gel Packets Desiccants placed inside storage containers Absorb excess moisture, preventing rust and corrosion

Regularly replacing silica gel packets and ensuring storage containers are properly sealed enhances moisture control and preserves watch condition.

Expert Advice on Proper Storage of Automatic Watches

Dr. Emily Carter (Horology Specialist, National Watch Museum). When storing automatic watches, it is crucial to keep them in a watch winder that mimics natural wrist movement. This prevents the lubricants inside the movement from settling unevenly, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Additionally, storing watches in a controlled environment away from humidity and extreme temperatures helps preserve both the mechanical components and the watch’s aesthetic.

James Liu (Certified Watchmaker and Consultant, Precision Timepieces Inc.). I recommend storing automatic watches in individual cushioned compartments or watch boxes to avoid scratches and dust accumulation. If a watch will not be worn for an extended period, winding it fully before storage and periodically rotating it on a winder will maintain the movement’s integrity and accuracy.

Sophia Martinez (Luxury Watch Retail Manager, Timeless Collections). Proper storage of automatic watches also involves protecting them from magnetic fields, which can disrupt the movement’s accuracy. Using anti-magnetic watch cases or placing them away from electronic devices is advisable. Furthermore, regular servicing combined with careful storage practices ensures that automatic watches remain reliable heirlooms for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best environment to store automatic watches?
Automatic watches should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent damage to the movement and materials.

Should automatic watches be kept running when not worn?
It is recommended to use a watch winder to keep automatic watches running when not worn, which maintains the lubricants inside the movement and ensures accurate timekeeping.

Can I store multiple automatic watches together?
Yes, but each watch should be stored separately in a padded compartment or watch box to avoid scratches and minimize exposure to magnetic fields.

How often should I wind an automatic watch in storage?
If not using a watch winder, manually winding the watch once every two weeks helps maintain the movement’s functionality and prevents the oils from settling.

Is it necessary to remove the watch strap before storage?
Removing leather straps before long-term storage is advisable to prevent moisture buildup and deterioration; metal bracelets can remain attached but should be cleaned regularly.

Are there any special considerations for storing vintage automatic watches?
Vintage automatic watches require extra care, including storing in a humidity-controlled environment and avoiding overwinding, to preserve delicate components and prevent corrosion.
Properly storing automatic watches is essential to maintain their accuracy, longevity, and overall condition. Key considerations include keeping the watch in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can damage the internal mechanisms and degrade materials. Utilizing a watch winder is highly beneficial for automatic watches, as it keeps the movement active and prevents the lubricants inside from settling or coagulating during periods of inactivity.

When storing an automatic watch, it is also important to ensure it is securely fastened to avoid unnecessary movement or scratches. Using a dedicated watch box or pouch with soft lining provides protection against dust, moisture, and physical damage. Additionally, regular maintenance and servicing should be scheduled according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to preserve the watch’s performance and value over time.

In summary, a combination of controlled environmental conditions, appropriate storage accessories, and consistent care practices will help safeguard the functionality and aesthetic appeal of automatic watches. By adhering to these guidelines, watch owners can enjoy the precision and craftsmanship of their timepieces for many years to come.

Author Profile

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Albert Jenkins
I’m Albert on and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.