How to Care for an Automatic Watch: A Practical Guide

An automatic watch uses movement of your wrist to wind a spring that powers its mechanism. A little routine care helps keep the watch running and looking good, but it cannot prevent ordinary wear or replace professional maintenance. Before handling it, find the manufacturer’s instructions and check whether the model is water-resistant, how it should be wound, and whether it has any special care requirements. If you do not have the manual, the manufacturer may provide one for the model.

What You’ll Need

A clean, soft microfiber cloth
A soft, clean brush for removing loose dirt, if needed
The watch’s manual or manufacturer’s care instructions
For a watch confirmed to be water-resistant: a little lukewarm water and mild soap, if the manufacturer permits wet cleaning

Do not assume that a watch is safe to rinse just because it is labeled water-resistant. Avoid household cleaners, solvents, abrasive cloths, and compressed air. If you are unsure about the case, seals, strap, or water resistance, stick to a dry wipe or ask a watchmaker.

Step-by-Step

Check the manual and condition. Identify the model’s winding instructions, water-resistance guidance, and any service recommendations. Look for a loose crown, cracked crystal, damaged strap, or signs of moisture under the glass. Do not expose a watch with suspected damage to water.
Set it safely. If you need to set the time or date, follow the manual, especially its instructions about when to adjust the date. Some mechanisms can be damaged by changing the date during particular hours. Push or screw the crown back into its normal position afterward, as directed; a screw-down crown should be secured gently, never forced.
Wind it by hand when needed. If the watch has stopped, check whether its crown supports manual winding. With the watch off your wrist, turn the crown in the specified direction and stop if you feel unusual resistance. Do not force the crown or keep winding after the manual’s limit. Some automatic watches do not support hand-winding, so follow the model-specific instructions.
Wear it normally or store it safely. Regular wrist movement usually keeps an automatic watch wound, but activity levels and watch designs differ. When it is off your wrist, place it somewhere dry and secure, away from strong magnetic sources and knocks. A watch winder is optional, not essential; check the maker’s advice before using one.
Wipe it after wearing. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, and perspiration from the case and bracelet. Wipe gently, paying attention to crevices without pulling on the crown or pressing hard on the crystal. A dry wipe is the safest default for an unknown watch.
Clean only when appropriate. If the manual permits water cleaning and the watch is in good condition, lightly dampen a cloth or use a soft brush with mild soapy water on suitable metal surfaces. Keep water away from a leather strap, and do not soak the watch. Rinse only if the instructions allow it, then dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. For uncertain water resistance, use dry cleaning only.
Protect it from hazards. Take the watch off before activities that could cause a hard impact, chemical exposure, or more water contact than its rating allows. Keep it away from magnets in speakers, magnetic closures, and other strong magnetic sources; magnetism can affect timekeeping. Avoid extreme heat and sudden temperature changes.
Check its performance and arrange service. Notice whether it keeps time consistently and whether the crown, crystal, and bracelet remain secure. Mechanical watches can gain or lose time, but a sudden change, repeated stopping, or visible damage deserves attention from a qualified watchmaker or the manufacturer. Use the maker’s service guidance rather than relying on a universal schedule.

Common Mistakes

Assuming water-resistant means waterproof: Water resistance has limits and can decline as seals age or get damaged. Do not swim, shower, or rinse the watch unless its rating and manual specifically allow that use.
Forcing the crown: Resistance may mean the crown is not in the correct position or the watch needs professional attention. Stop rather than turning harder.
Using harsh cleaners: Alcohol, solvents, polishing compounds, and abrasive materials can harm finishes, seals, or straps. Use only cleaning methods approved for the watch.
Winding or setting by guesswork: Crown operation and date-setting restrictions vary. Check the manual, and stop if winding feels rough or the crown will not operate normally.
Expecting perfect accuracy: Mechanical movements can vary in timekeeping. A sudden or substantial change is more useful as a reason to seek an assessment than as a cue to adjust the mechanism yourself.
Using a winder without checking: It is not required for ordinary care, and settings differ by movement. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance rather than assuming a winder is beneficial.

Tips

Keep the care instructions with the watch information so you can check winding and water guidance when needed.
Wipe the watch after sweaty or dusty wear, and clean the strap according to its material. Leather generally needs to stay dry; metal bracelets may require different care.
Store the watch separately from objects that could scratch it, and avoid leaving it in a hot car, damp bathroom, or direct sun.
Have water resistance checked by a watch professional when the manufacturer recommends it, and before relying on an older watch around water.
If the watch stops after being unworn, that can be normal: its stored power may have run down. Follow its manual to restart it.

Troubleshooting

The watch stopped: Check the manual for manual winding or restart instructions. If it does not resume, stops again soon, or the crown behaves abnormally, contact the manufacturer or a watchmaker.
It is losing or gaining time: Keep track of when the change occurs and whether the watch has been near a strong magnet or taken an impact. Avoid opening or regulating it yourself; ask a qualified professional to assess it.
There is condensation beneath the crystal: Treat this as possible moisture inside the case. Stop using the watch and seek professional service promptly; do not try to heat it or open the case.
The crown will not turn or screw down: Do not force it. Check the manual for the correct position and operation. If it still will not move normally, leave it for a watchmaker.
The strap or bracelet is loose: Stop wearing the watch if it may fall off. Have a damaged clasp, pin, or strap repaired or replaced before wearing it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wind an automatic watch?

Many automatic watches wind while worn, so they may not need daily hand-winding. If one stops, follow its manual for how to restart it; winding needs and power reserves vary by model.

Can I leave an automatic watch unworn?

Yes. It will usually stop once its stored power runs down, which does not by itself mean it is damaged. Store it in a dry, safe place and restart it according to the manual when you wear it again.

Can I wear my automatic watch in the shower?

Do not assume you can. Heat, soap, and changing water pressure can pose risks, and water resistance depends on the watch’s rating and condition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do automatic watches need a watch winder?

No. A winder is optional; it can keep a compatible watch running while it is off your wrist, but it is not needed for basic care. Check the manufacturer’s guidance before using one.

How often does an automatic watch need servicing?

There is no single interval that suits every movement or model. Follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations, and seek an assessment if the watch repeatedly stops, keeps time unusually, or shows damage.

Can a magnet affect an automatic watch?

Yes. Strong magnetic fields can interfere with a mechanical movement’s timekeeping. Keep the watch away from strong magnets, and have it checked if its accuracy changes suddenly after exposure.

Further reading: British Horological Institute. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.