Automatic watches are a marvel of engineering. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most finicky things you can own. A small bump, a gust of wind, or a misplaced hand can cause them to stop working. This blog post will show you how to fix automatic watch when it stops ticking. We’ll also go over some common problems with automatic watches and how to prevent them from happening. By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to keep your automatic watch running smoothly.
Summary: Automatic watches are often plagued with problems, but there is a way to fix them. First, take off the watch band and remove the back. Next, clean the watch movement and all of the gears. Finally, re-install the watch band and back.
Can Automatic Watch Be Fixed?
The short answer is yes, and automatic watches can be fixed. However, it’s important to understand that not all problems can be fixed. In some cases, the only solution is to replace the watch. With that said, let’s take a look at how to fix an automatic watch. If your watch has stopped ticking, the first thing you should do is check the battery. If the battery is dead, simply replace it, and your watch should start working again. If the battery isn’t the problem, the next step is to check the watch’s movement.
What Causes an Automatic Watch to Stop?
1. Dead Battery
As mentioned above, the most common reason an automatic watch will stop working is a dead battery. If your watch has been sitting in a drawer for a while, the battery is likely the culprit.
2. Dirty Movement
If you wear your watch in dusty or dirty environments, over time the dirt and debris will cause the watch to run less accurately. You can clean the movement by unscrewing the back of the watch and using a soft brush to remove the dirt and debris. You can also buy a watch cleaning kit that includes tools and solutions specifically designed for cleaning watch movements.
3. Broken Parts
An automatic watch will sometimes stop working because of a broken part. The most common parts that break are the following:
- Mainspring
- Gear train
- Escapement
- Balance wheel
If one of these parts breaks, the watch will need to be repaired by a watchmaker.
4. Incorrectly Set Hands
If the hands on your automatic watch are not set correctly, the watch will stop working. This is because the watch relies on the movement of the hands to wind itself. Therefore, if the hands are not moving, the watch will not be able to wind itself and eventually stop working.
5. Magnetism
If your automatic watch is suddenly stopping, it may be due to magnetism. If the watch has been exposed to a strong magnet, it can demagnetize the balance wheel and cause the watch to stop. The most common way that watches become exposed to magnets is by being worn around electrical equipment like computers, laptops, or speakers.
6. Impact Damage
Automatic watches have delicate movements that can be easily damaged if the watch is dropped or hit. This can cause the watch to stop working, and in some cases the damage may be irreparable.
7. Temperature Changes
Another common problem that can cause an automatic watch to stop is temperature changes. If the watch is exposed to extreme cold or heat, it can cause the lubricants in the movement to thicken or thin, causing the watch to stop. A watch that has been exposed to extreme cold may start up again when it warms up, while a watch that was exposed to extreme heat may require service to repair any damage that occurred.
Step by Step How to Fix Automatic Watch
1. Check the Battery
The first thing you should do if your automatic watch has stopped is to check the battery. If the battery is dead, replace it, and your watch should start working again.
2. Check the Movement
If the battery is fine, the next step is to check the watch’s movement. An automatic watch relies on a spinning weight to keep it ticking. Over time, this weight can become jammed, preventing it from spinning correctly. To fix this, you must disassemble the watch and clean the movement. This is a delicate process, so it is best to take your watch to a professional for this repair.
3. Check for Broken Parts
In some cases, you may need to remove the back of the watch to check for any broken or loose parts. To do this, use a small screwdriver to unscrew the back of the watch. If you see any broken parts, try to replace them with new ones. You can find replacement parts at most hardware stores or online.
4. Check the Hands
If the hands of your automatic watch are not moving, they could be frozen due to moisture or debris. In this case, you will need to remove the hands of the watch and clean them. You can do this by using a soft cloth or a toothbrush. Be sure to dry the hands completely before putting them back on the watch.
5. Check for Magnetism
Magnetism is one of the biggest enemies of automatic watches. If your watch is attracted to a magnetism, it can cause the watch to run fast or slow. Simply place your watch next to a magnetic object like a speaker or fridge to check for magnetism. If the watch is attracted to the magnet, magnetism is most likely affected.
You can fix a watch affected by magnetism by either taking it to a professional or placing it in a watch demagnetizer. Watch demagnetizers are devices that emit an electromagnetic field that will remove any magnetism from your watch.
6. Check for Impact Damage
Automatic watches are delicate precision machines. Even a small amount of impact damage can cause big problems. Inspect your watch for any physical damage, particularly to the gears and moving parts. If you see any damaged parts, it’s best to take your watch to a professional for repair.
7. Check for Temperature Changes
Another reason your Automatic watch may have stopped working is a drastic temperature change. Sudden temperature changes can cause the oils inside your watch to congeal, making it difficult for the gears to move and function properly. If you think this may be the problem, try taking your watch to a warmer or cooler environment and see if that makes a difference.
8. Check the Power Reserve
If your watch has a power reserve, it may be why it has stopped. The power reserve keeps the watch ticking when it’s not worn. Make sure the power reserve is fully wound before you start wearing your watch again. To do this, find the power reserve indicator on the watch and wind the watch until the power reserve is full.
9. Check the Timekeeping
If your automatic watch is still not working, it may need to be serviced by a professional watchmaker. The watch movement will need to be disassembled and repaired if the problem is with the watch movement. This delicate process should only be attempted by a trained professional.
10. Take it to a Professional
If you’ve tried all of the above and your automatic watch isn’t working, it’s time to take it to a professional. A qualified watchmaker can diagnose and repair any problem with your watch.
How Long Do Automatic Watches Last?
Automatic watches are built to last a lifetime with proper care. With regular servicing and maintenance, an automatic watch can last for decades, even centuries. However, like any other machinery, an automatic watch is susceptible to wear and tear and eventually needs to be repaired or replaced.
How Often Should I Service My Automatic Watch?
You are generally recommended to service your automatic watch every 3-5 years. However, if you wear your watch daily, you may need to service it more frequently. Automatic watches contain many moving parts and are susceptible to dirt and debris, so it’s important to keep them clean and serviced. Also, if your watch is not keeping accurate time, or if the hands are not moving smoothly, then it’s time to service your watch. Servicing an automatic watch is a delicate process and should only be done by a qualified watchmaker.
Tips and Warnings on How to Fix Automatic Watch
Tips:
- Check the watch regularly. At least once a week, open up the case and check that the movement is working properly. If you notice any issues, take it to a professional immediately.
- Keep the watch clean. Regularly wipe down the case and strap with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
- Be careful when handling the watch. Avoid dropping it or banging it against hard surfaces.
Warnings:
- Do not attempt to repair the watch unless you are a qualified professional.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean the watch. This can damage the case or strap.
- Do not expose the watch to magnetic fields. This can interfere with the movement and cause the watch to stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Automatic Watches Be Repaired?
Unfortunately, most automatic watches cannot be repaired. This is because the watch’s internal workings are too complex and delicate for a non-qualified technician to fix. In fact, most of the time when an automatic watch starts malfunctioning, it is already too late.
Instead of trying to repair an automated watch yourself, you should consider either buying a new one or getting it fixed by a professional. A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose the issue and replace any necessary parts while also performing other repairs that may not be possible with standard tools. Additionally, they will usually offer warranty coverage for your peace of mind.
What Causes an Automatic Watch to Stop?
Automatic watches typically stop working due to a few different factors, the most common of which is a dirty battery. If your watch’s battery doesn’t have enough power to keep it running, it will eventually stop working altogether. Other causes of automatic watch failure can include water damage, improper care, and worn-out parts. In order to keep your watch running as long as possible, make sure to keep it clean and dry, and replace its batteries regularly.
Do Automatic Watches Need Maintenance?
Yes, automatic watches do need maintenance in order to keep them running at their best. This includes regular lubrication of the watch movement and checking for any signs of wear or tear. If there are problems that need to be addressed, they should be fixed as soon as possible by a professional watchmaker.
Should You Wind an Automatic Watch?
the decision of whether or not to wind an automatic watch depends on a variety of factors. However, some general tips that may help include understanding the function of the watch, how often it should be wound, and whether or not the watch is waterproof.
If you’re not sure whether or not your watch needs to be wound, you can try winding it manually once a week or every other week. If you notice that your watch is losing time rapidly, then it may need to be wound more frequently. However, always ensure that your watch is properly waterproofed before leaving it unsecured in rain or water. Otherwise, it could end up getting damaged.
Conclusion
Automatic watches are a great way to show off your style and impress others with your knowledge of horology. However, they can also be frustrating when they stop working properly. In this post, we’ve outlined some tips on how to fix automatic watch when it starts acting up. If you follow these steps, you should be able to get your watch back on track in no time.
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