If you own more than one mechanical watch you may wonder what to do with the ones you are not wearing. The problem becomes even worse when you have a bigger collection. Some watches might not get worn for a while, so what should you do, keep them wound, or let them run out of power and just sit there.
The truth is that there is no right answer. Even if you ask a number of watch makers, they are all split about what to do. However, everyone agrees that no matter what you do, the watch will need serviced regardless after the same amount of time as the oils inside will always need replaced. It doesn’t matter if the watch has been running or not.
Leave The Watch Unwound
The main theory behind leaving the watch unwound is to prevent the movement from wearing down.
If we think about what is happening inside a watch when it is running this makes sense. There are all sorts of gears and cogs moving inside and they are often touching each other. Simply put, the more they move and interact with each other, the more they will wear down.
Watches are lubricated with oils to prevent this happening and while it helps a lot, it doesn’t prevent it 100%.
If a watch isn’t running, it’s not going to be wearing itself down which can help extend the life of the watch.
The main argument you will hear for this approach is that “you don’t leave you car running 24/7 and its fine.” A car is also a mechanical device with plenty moving parts that can wear down over time, so the comparison makes sense.
This is also a fairly easily approach to take with your watches. You just leave them sat in your watch box until you need them and then wind them up as and when you need them.
Keeping The Watch Wound
The opposite approach is of course to keep your watch wound at all times.
The main theory is that the oils inside the watch will dry out faster if the watch isn’t moving. The longer you leave a watch unwound, the more dangerous it is. A watch that has dry oils can get damaged very easily. Keeping the watch wound keeps the oils moving, meaning they don’t dry out.
The main argument you hear with this theory is also about a car. “You don’t leave a car sat for months”. This argument is also true. If you leave a car for an extended period of time it can seize up and not start. A watch is a mechanical device and it is designed to be moving, so allow it to do so.
Keeping your watches wound can be hard to maintain. Unless you are wearing the watch, you will need to wind it up very day. If you have a large collection this can be very frustrating and time consuming to do.
Watch Complications
For watches with complications, keeping them wound can be better. While having to change through the dates on a calendar can be annoying, it’s not the end of the world if you have to set that regularly.
However, for complications like a perpetual calendar, this can be a nightmare. These complications are very hard to set and are actually very delicate parts of the watch. If you have a watch like this it is best to keep them wound.
If you keep them wound they will accurately keep the date correct for many years. This is why most people with a watch like this use a watch winder, which helps to keep it running when they are not using it.
The Oils Will Dry Out
It doesn’t matter what you do, the oils will eventually dry out and you will need to service the watch to have them replaced.
Having the watch running or stopped will not affect this, which is why there is no right answer about what to do. If you carry on using the watch after this point it can dangerous. The watch will not be lubricated properly and it is much easier for parts to break as they are now effectively grinding on each other.
Once your watch has reached a certain age, or you know from its performance that it needs a service, it’s probably best to leave it unwound until you get it done. You really do not want to be using a watch that has dried oil inside as you run a real risk of causing damage.
What Should You Do?
I think it is best to sit somewhere in the middle. You don’t need your watches running 24/7 but you should also not let them sit unwound for an extended period of time.
I would suggest that you let them run out of power if you are not using them regularly. However, I would still give them a wind every now and again, maybe every few weeks, or at least once a month.
Again if we look at the car arguments, you will find most car owners do the same. If you are not really using it, you still power it up from time to time to just make sure it hasn’t seized up.
If you have a lot of watches this is also going to be easier than winding them all every day. It can be nice to come and look at your whole collection every few weeks and check everything is running well and swap what you are wearing for something you haven’t used in a while.
The most important thing to remember is that when a watch needs a service, bring it in. Regardless if you’ve worn it every day or only once a year you need to get it serviced.
Once the oils need changed, they need changed.
(You can read more about – How To Get A Vostok Watch Repaired or Serviced)
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you leave your watch running all the time or leave them unwound. So long as you are giving them a little power every now and again they should be fine.
Personally I just let mine run out and then wind them up when I want to use it. I rotate my watches quite often, so no one watch will ever be sat unwound for an extended period of time.
Watches are made to be worn, so wear them and enjoy them as often as you can.
(You can read more about – What Is The Best Position For A Watch You Are Not Wearing?)
Ian is the main writer at Horology Dream and is a lover all things watch related.
He has been a watch collector for over a decade and brings his knowledge and experience to this site to help you on your own watch collecting journey.
You can connect with him on Social media and talk anything watches or read more about him on his Author Page.
