How To Care For Your Luxury Automatic Watch: 10 Essential Tips
Learn how to care for your automatic watch with essential tips to protect its beauty and precision for years to come.
How Long Does an Automatic Watch Last? Lifespan Explained
Everything you need to know to maximize your automatic watch’s lifespan and keep it accurate for years.
June 2025
Understanding the Lifespan of Automatic Watches
Automatic watches are intricate mechanical marvels built to last for decades, if not a lifetime, with proper care. Unlike quartz watches that rely on batteries, automatic timepieces are powered by wrist movement and precise engineering. Knowing how long your watch can last and how to care for it will help preserve its accuracy, beauty, and value for generations to come.
What You'll Learn
1. What Is the Life Expectancy of an Automatic Watch
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound/link]
[link href="#stop"]3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time/link]
[link href="#service"]6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound/link]
[link href="#stop"]3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time/link]
[link href="#service"]6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
Understanding the Lifespan of Automatic Watches
Automatic watches are intricate mechanical marvels built to last for decades, if not a lifetime, with proper care. Unlike quartz watches that rely on batteries, automatic timepieces are powered by wrist movement and precise engineering. Knowing how long your watch can last and how to care for it will help preserve its accuracy, beauty, and value for generations to come.
What You'll Learn
1. What Is the Life Expectancy of an Automatic Watch
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound/link]
[link href="#stop"]3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time/link]
[link href="#service"]6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound/link]
[link href="#stop"]3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time/link]
[link href="#service"]6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
1. What Is the Life Expectancy of an Automatic Watch?
1. What Is the Life Expectancy of an Automatic Watch?
With proper care and regular servicing, an automatic watch can last several decades—even a lifetime. The mechanical movement inside is designed to be durable and repairable, unlike many electronic devices. Some vintage automatic watches made over 50 years ago still run perfectly today, thanks to quality engineering and maintenance. The key to longevity is consistent servicing, protection from shocks, moisture, and magnetism, and responsible daily wear or winding.
For a deep dive on automatic watch movements, explore our article: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide.
With proper care and regular servicing, an automatic watch can last several decades—even a lifetime. The mechanical movement inside is designed to be durable and repairable, unlike many electronic devices. Some vintage automatic watches made over 50 years ago still run perfectly today, thanks to quality engineering and maintenance. The key to longevity is consistent servicing, protection from shocks, moisture, and magnetism, and responsible daily wear or winding.
For a deep dive on automatic watch movements, explore our article: How Do Automatic Watches Work? The Complete Guide.
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound?
2. How Long Does an Automatic Watch Stay Wound?
An automatic watch stays wound as long as it receives movement, typically from wrist motion. Most modern automatics have a power reserve of 38 to 42 hours, meaning after fully winding or wearing the watch, it will continue running for about two days without additional motion. Some models offer extended power reserves of up to 72 hours or more. If left unworn, the watch will eventually stop once the reserve runs out.
An automatic watch stays wound as long as it receives movement, typically from wrist motion. Most modern automatics have a power reserve of 38 to 42 hours, meaning after fully winding or wearing the watch, it will continue running for about two days without additional motion. Some models offer extended power reserves of up to 72 hours or more. If left unworn, the watch will eventually stop once the reserve runs out.
3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working?
3. Do Automatic Watches Ever Stop Working?
Yes, automatic watches can stop working if not worn or wound regularly, or if there is a mechanical issue such as a worn mainspring or magnetized movement. Watches also stop if they run out of power reserve. However, with proper winding and servicing, they are designed to keep running reliably for many years.
Learn how to keep your watch running in our article on: Why Automatic Watches Stop – And How To Fix It.
Yes, automatic watches can stop working if not worn or wound regularly, or if there is a mechanical issue such as a worn mainspring or magnetized movement. Watches also stop if they run out of power reserve. However, with proper winding and servicing, they are designed to keep running reliably for many years.
Learn how to keep your watch running in our article on: Why Automatic Watches Stop – And How To Fix It.
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn?
4. How Often Do Automatic Watches Need to Be Worn?
To keep your watch running continuously, it should be worn daily or at least every couple of days to maintain power from wrist movement. If you don’t wear it daily, manual winding once a week is recommended to keep the movement lubricated and functioning smoothly. If you have multiple watches, consider using a watch winder to keep them powered when not in use.
For everyday maintenance tips, read our guide: How To Care For Your Luxury Automatic Watch: 10 Essential Tips.
To keep your watch running continuously, it should be worn daily or at least every couple of days to maintain power from wrist movement. If you don’t wear it daily, manual winding once a week is recommended to keep the movement lubricated and functioning smoothly. If you have multiple watches, consider using a watch winder to keep them powered when not in use.
For everyday maintenance tips, read our guide: How To Care For Your Luxury Automatic Watch: 10 Essential Tips.
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time?
5. Do Automatic Watches Lose Accuracy Over Time?
Slight accuracy variations are normal as watches age and lubricants degrade. Most quality automatic watches keep time within ±5 to 20 seconds per day when freshly serviced. Over time, without servicing, they may lose or gain more time. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your watch accurate.
Slight accuracy variations are normal as watches age and lubricants degrade. Most quality automatic watches keep time within ±5 to 20 seconds per day when freshly serviced. Over time, without servicing, they may lose or gain more time. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your watch accurate.
6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch?
6. Do I Really Need to Service My Automatic Watch?
Yes. Even if your watch seems to be running fine, servicing every 3 to 5 years is essential to clean, lubricate, and inspect the movement for wear. Preventative servicing helps avoid costly repairs, keeps your watch accurate, and preserves its value. Learn more about why servicing matters for automatic watches.
Yes. Even if your watch seems to be running fine, servicing every 3 to 5 years is essential to clean, lubricate, and inspect the movement for wear. Preventative servicing helps avoid costly repairs, keeps your watch accurate, and preserves its value. Learn more about why servicing matters for automatic watches.
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
How long can an automatic watch last?
With regular servicing and proper care, an automatic watch can last for decades—even a lifetime.
Should I wind my automatic watch every day?
Daily winding isn’t mandatory but helps keep power consistent if you don’t wear it regularly.
Do automatic watches lose accuracy over time?
Slight time variations are normal, but regular servicing helps maintain accuracy.
Is it bad to let an automatic watch sit unwound?
Long inactivity can thicken lubricants and increase wear, so regular winding or wearing is best.
Do automatic watches need batteries?
No, automatic watches are mechanical and powered by wrist movement or manual winding.
With regular servicing and proper care, an automatic watch can last for decades—even a lifetime.
Should I wind my automatic watch every day?
Daily winding isn’t mandatory but helps keep power consistent if you don’t wear it regularly.
Do automatic watches lose accuracy over time?
Slight time variations are normal, but regular servicing helps maintain accuracy.
Is it bad to let an automatic watch sit unwound?
Long inactivity can thicken lubricants and increase wear, so regular winding or wearing is best.
Do automatic watches need batteries?
No, automatic watches are mechanical and powered by wrist movement or manual winding.
FAQ on Automatic Watch Lifespan
How long can an automatic watch last?
With regular servicing and proper care, an automatic watch can last for decades—even a lifetime.
Should I wind my automatic watch every day?
Daily winding isn’t mandatory but helps keep power consistent if you don’t wear it regularly.
Do automatic watches lose accuracy over time?
Slight time variations are normal, but regular servicing helps maintain accuracy.
Is it bad to let an automatic watch sit unwound?
Long inactivity can thicken lubricants and increase wear, so regular winding or wearing is best.
Do automatic watches need batteries?
No, automatic watches are mechanical and powered by wrist movement or manual winding.
With regular servicing and proper care, an automatic watch can last for decades—even a lifetime.
Should I wind my automatic watch every day?
Daily winding isn’t mandatory but helps keep power consistent if you don’t wear it regularly.
Do automatic watches lose accuracy over time?
Slight time variations are normal, but regular servicing helps maintain accuracy.
Is it bad to let an automatic watch sit unwound?
Long inactivity can thicken lubricants and increase wear, so regular winding or wearing is best.
Do automatic watches need batteries?
No, automatic watches are mechanical and powered by wrist movement or manual winding.
SUMMARY
If your automatic watch stops or loses time, it’s rarely cause for alarm. In most cases, a simple manual wind or lifestyle adjustment is all it takes. But understanding how your watch works and what to look for is key to long-term care. Whether you're winding it up or preparing for its first service, taking a proactive approach ensures your timepiece runs beautifully for years to come. That’s why at VIEREN, we believe that knowing your watch is part of enjoying it because every automatic movement deserves to be celebrated.
SUMMARY
If your automatic watch stops or loses time, it’s rarely cause for alarm. In most cases, a simple manual wind or lifestyle adjustment is all it takes. But understanding how your watch works and what to look for is key to long-term care. Whether you're winding it up or preparing for its first service, taking a proactive approach ensures your timepiece runs beautifully for years to come. That’s why at VIEREN, we believe that knowing your watch is part of enjoying it because every automatic movement deserves to be celebrated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As Canada’s first female founder of a luxury watch brand, Jess is passionate about horology and dedicated to crafting Swiss Made automatic timepieces that merge modern artistry and precision to inspire a new generation of collectors with confidence and style.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN
As Canada’s first female founder of a luxury watch brand, Jess is passionate about horology and dedicated to crafting Swiss Made automatic timepieces that merge modern artistry and precision to inspire a new generation of collectors with confidence and style.
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