Watches are a great way to keep track of time and style. However, when you overwind your watch, it can result in an array of problems such as not keeping accurate time, damaging the movement, and even breaking the mainspring.
If you’re wondering how to fix an overwound watch, then this blog post is for you. In this beginner’s guide, we will discuss the steps you can take to fix your overwound watch and keep it ticking correctly.
Can You Fix an Overwound Watch?
An overwound watch can be a frustrating experience. You wind your watch too tightly in the morning while trying to prepare for the day, and now it doesn’t seem to be working quite right. Perhaps it’s not ticking at all, or maybe it’s ticking a little too quickly. Either way, something is not quite right.
But is there any hope for your beloved timepiece? The simple answer is yes, you can fix an overwound watch. However, it is important to understand the cause of the problem before attempting any repairs. With some guidance and patience, you can get your watch back in working order and return on time.
Why Should You Fix an Overwound Watch?
When fixing an overwound watch, some people might ask, “Why bother?” However, the answer is simple. Not only will repairing your timepiece save you from having to constantly wind it, but it will also extend the life of your watch. Overwinding puts a lot of stress on the internal components and can cause irreversible damage over time.
Additionally, constantly winding your watch can be a hassle and take away from the enjoyment of wearing it. By having your overwound watch repaired, you will be restoring its functionality and ensuring that it lasts for years to come. So, don’t hesitate to take your timepiece to a trusted watch repair professional to fix any overwinding issues.
How to Fix an Overwound Watch – A Beginner’s Guide
Step 1: Stop Winding
The first step in fixing an overwound watch is to stop winding it. If you keep winding, you can cause more damage to the movement. So, stop winding the watch immediately and remove it from your wrist. After this, you can inspect the watch to determine the extent of the damage.
Step 2: Inspect the Watch
Carefully inspect your watch after you’ve removed it from your wrist. You can take a look at the watch’s crown, which is the knob used to set the time and wind it. Also, check to make sure the watch’s hands are not stuck or moveable. If they are, you’ll need to address this before fixing the overwound watch.
Step 3: Use a Watch Winder / Shake the Watch
If the watch’s crown is not faulty, you can use a watch winder. A watch winder is a device that mimics the movement of your wrist and can loosen up the mainspring. Shake the watch gently, or you can try using a “tap and shake” method by holding the watch’s strap with one hand and gently tapping it with your other hand. In some cases, merely shaking the watch for a few minutes can be enough to fix an overwound watch.
Step 4: Take to a Watchmaker
If the watch is still not keeping accurate time or appears to be stuck, then it’s time to take it to a professional watchmaker. A watchmaker will inspect the watch and determine what repairs are needed.
They may suggest cleaning and oiling the watch movement or replacing the mainspring if it’s been damaged. Remember, if you don’t have experience working with watch movements, then attempting to fix an overwound watch on your own can cause further damage to the watch.
Step 5: Avoid Winding Too Tight
Once your watch has been fixed, you must be mindful of how you wind it in the future. Overwinding can occur when you continue winding a watch after you feel resistance. Instead, stop winding once you start to feel tension, and never force the crown if it doesn’t turn easily.
Step 6: Keep Your Watch Clean
Keeping your watch clean is essential in ensuring its longevity and accurate timekeeping. Dirt and debris can build up on the crown, making turning more difficult. Wipe your watch regularly with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
Step 7: Prevent Overwinding in the Future
Preventing overwinding in the future is simple. All you need to do is stop winding the watch when you feel resistance. You can do this by winding it gently and slowly, ensuring it doesn’t get stuck or become difficult to turn. Additionally, do not overwind the watch by winding it more than 30 times past the resistance point. These tips will help prevent your watch from becoming overwound and ensure it keeps accurate time.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to fix an overwound watch. Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with fixing the watch yourself, it’s always best to take it to a professional watchmaker for repairs. Now, go out and enjoy your properly functioning timepiece!
5 Considerations Things When You Need to Fix an Overwound Watch
1. Identify the Problem
The first step in fixing an overwound watch is to identify the problem. It’s important to determine if the watch is simply overwound or if other issues must be addressed. If the watch has been running for a long time and suddenly stopped, it could be due to a worn-out mainspring or a broken gear train. If the watch has never worked properly, it could be due to improper assembly or a bad mainspring.
2. Disassemble the Watch
Once you have identified the problem, you must disassemble the watch to access its internal components. This can be done with special tools like tweezers, screwdrivers, and pliers. It’s important to take your time when disassembling the watch so you don’t damage any parts.
3. Inspect All Components
Once you have disassembled the watch, you should inspect its components for signs of wear and tear. Look for broken springs, gears, or other parts that may need to be replaced to fix your overwound watch. If any parts are damaged beyond repair, they must be replaced before reassembling the watch.
4. Reassemble the Watch
Once all of the necessary repairs have been made, it’s time to reassemble your overwound watch. This process requires patience and attention as each part needs to be put back together in exactly the same way it was taken apart for it to work properly again. Make sure that all screws and nuts are tightened securely before testing your newly reassembled watch.
5. Test Your Watch
The final step is testing your newly repaired overwound watch by winding it up and setting it to run on a flat surface with no external influences such as vibration or shock that might affect its accuracy or performance. If everything goes according to plan, then congratulations! You have successfully fixed an overwound watch!
Benefits of Fixing an Overwound Watch
Watches are more than just time-telling devices; they are often regarded as a symbol of class and elegance. However, an overwound watch can be frustrating. The watch may stop working altogether, leaving you with a useless accessory that doesn’t just keep time anymore. The good news is that fixing an overwound watch can benefit your timepiece in more ways than one.
Firstly, it can restore the watch’s accuracy, ensuring you always have the exact time. Secondly, it can rejuvenate the watch’s lifespan by keeping its components in good condition for long-term use. Fixing an overwound watch can also save you from the cost of replacing your watch entirely. So, take your beloved timepiece to a watch repair expert and get it running like new again.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Fix an Overwound Watch
When trying to fix an overwound watch, it’s important to tread carefully. Rushing into the process without knowledge of the timepiece’s inner workings can lead to disastrous consequences. One of the most common mistakes people make is attempting to force the watch to wind further.
This can cause the spring to break, rendering the watch completely useless. Another mistake is dismantling the watch without the proper tools and knowledge, risking damage to the delicate gears and mechanics inside.
When fixing an overwound watch, it’s best to seek out a professional watchmaker who can diagnose and remedy the issue with the necessary expertise. In the end, taking the time to seek expert help is the smartest choice when preserving your cherished timepiece’s value and functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fixing an overwound watch requires patience and attention to detail. Always remember to stop winding the watch immediately, inspect the watch, and try a watch winder before taking the watch to a professional watchmaker. Preventing overwinding in the future is key to keeping your watch healthy.
By following these simple steps and being mindful of how you wind your watch, you can avoid a damaged movement and ensure it lasts for years to come. Thanks for reading our post about how to fix an overwound watch.