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More than just a timekeeping device, a watch is a meticulously crafted “machine” containing numerous small details. Therefore, repairing a watch is not simple, especially for mechanical watches, as many people don’t understand their complex mechanisms. In this article, TGDĐ will share with you some ways to fix a stopped mechanical watch in just a few simple steps.
1. How Do Mechanical Watches Work?
Handwinding Mechanical Watch
A handwinding mechanical watch operates as follows: When you turn the crown to wind the mainspring, the mainspring stores energy. The gears then transfer this energy to the escapement. The escapement distributes the energy to the balance wheel.
The balance wheel uses this regulated energy to oscillate back and forth at a constant rate. After a set number of oscillations, the gear train connected to the dial moves, transferring energy to the watch hands. The hands then rotate.
Hand-wound mechanical watches have been around since the 16th century.
Automatic Mechanical Watch
An automatic mechanical watch is primarily powered by the movement of your wrist, causing the rotor to spin, or by winding the crown, which winds the mainspring. Then, the gear train transfers the energy to the escapement. The escapement distributes the energy to the balance wheel.
Similar to a handwinding mechanical watch, the balance wheel uses this regulated energy to oscillate back and forth at a constant rate. After a certain number of beats, the gear train connected to the dial moves, transferring energy to the watch hands, causing the hands to rotate.
The automatic winding mechanism first appeared in the 20th century.
2. Why Do Mechanical Watches Stop?
Depleted Power Reserve
The reason for a depleted power reserve depends on the type of mechanical watch:
- Manually wound watches (crown winding): You need to wind the crown about 20 times daily to power the watch.
- Automatic watches (self-winding): You need to wear the watch regularly, at least 8 hours a day, to maintain its power reserve.
- Combination watches: You need to wear the watch regularly or manually wind it daily to power it.
After fully winding, the power reserve lasts about 36–40 hours, depending on the model. After this time, the watch needs to be re-wound; otherwise, it will stop immediately.
An automatic mechanical watch stopped due to a depleted power reserve.
Magnetized Watch
Exposure to magnetic fields is an often-overlooked cause. Contact with electronic devices or magnetic fields can cause the watch to run inaccurately. Magnetization from appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves can also twist the watch’s mainspring, causing it to stop if the magnetization is strong enough.
A mechanical watch affected by a magnetic field.
Lack of Regular Maintenance and Oil
Lack of regular maintenance and oiling is a common cause of mechanical watch stoppage. Lubricating oil facilitates easier operation; if the oil dries out, the watch will run slow or stop. Prolonged use without oiling can also cause the mechanical watch to stop due to oxidation and oil drying.
A mechanical watch intermittently stopping may be due to lack of regular oiling.
Internal Mechanism Failure
The mainspring powers the watch and transmits energy to the gears. The escapement and regulator maintain consistent speed, ensuring the watch hands operate at the set rate.
Drops and impacts often cause mechanical watch failure.
3. How to Fix a Stopped Mechanical Watch
Handwinding Mechanical Watch
To restart a stopped watch, follow these steps: Leave the crown in its original position (don’t pull it out), then turn the crown clockwise 10–15 times. This will wind the mainspring, and the watch should start working again. Repeat this daily to prevent the watch from stopping.
Regular oiling prevents intermittent watch stoppage.
Automatic Mechanical Watch
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