If you are wondering how do automatic watches work then here are some basics you need to learn. An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that self winds. It does not require manual winding because it works in natural motion with the wearer’s arm. Therefore, if you do not use them every day, you may need to have a watch winder in order to keep your automatic watch working. If you have the older versions, you may also need to wind them once in awhile to keep them in tough shape and avoid them from diminishing accuracy.
Below are some pointers that will explain how these watches work.
An automatic watch has a rotor that turns into a pivot. It uses a mechanism that is dependent on the wearer’s arm in order to make the mainspring move. The motion of the arms is translated into the rotor which eventually turns the hands through reversers and reducing gears. The fully wound watch can then be used for two days. This allows the watch to keep on moving even in the evening when the watch is not worn by the owner. You can also wind it manually by opening the crown in case your arm’s motion is not enough to supply power or
if it is already old and the movement is failing.
The main problem that is often encountered by self winding watches is the tendency of over winding. Once this happens, the spring breaks and needs to be replaced. If the device is overcharged, it moves faster. The excessive amplitude causes the pin to break by hitting the back of the pallet fork horns. That is why a slipping clutch device is used in the main spring to avoid over winding. The slipping clutch device or the slipping spring was invented to allow synchronized winding of the mainspring barrels. It is attached to the bridle and connected to the inside wall of the barrel which is held by notches or serrations. If the mainspring is not wound fully, the bridle keeps the mainspring in place by using friction and allows the mainspring to be wound further. When it reaches full winding, the bridle is pulled loose from the notches to prevent it from further winding and eventually breaking. It may also cause mainspring creep which stores minimal reserve power. This feature is often called by manufacturer as unbreakable spring because of its ability to control the winding features of the device.
After learning how do automatic watches work, it is also vital that you learn how to care for them in order to get their maximum potential. If you are using a water resistant watch but handles water every day, have it checked every year to make sure that water is not accumulated inside or that the rubber stopper is still functional. Have your watch serviced every three to five years to have them checked and lubricated as necessary. You can also look at the back part of your watch which is usually covered in transparent material in order to see how they work.
