How Do Automatic Watches Work: The Complete Guide
Curious how an automatic watch works without a battery? Learn winding and using your self-winding timepiece in this guide.
Why Automatic Watches Stop – And How To Fix It
Your complete troubleshooting guide to why your Swiss automatic watch stops or loses time, and what you can do to keep it running smoothly.
May 2025
What Causes Automatic Watches To Stop
Automatic watches are marvels of mechanical engineering, but even the finest Swiss Made timepieces can stop if they aren’t worn or maintained correctly. If your watch stops at night or seems to be losing time, it doesn’t mean something’s broken. In most cases, there’s a simple reason behind the pause. This guide helps you understand the most common causes and what steps to take next.
What You'll Learn
What Causes Automatic Watches To Stop
Automatic watches are marvels of mechanical engineering, but even the finest Swiss Made timepieces can stop if they aren’t worn or maintained correctly. If your watch stops at night or seems to be losing time, it doesn’t mean something’s broken. In most cases, there’s a simple reason behind the pause. This guide helps you understand the most common causes and what steps to take next.
What You'll Learn
1. Top Reasons Your Automatic Watch May Stop
1. Top Reasons Your Automatic Watch May Stop
If your automatic watch has stopped, don’t panic — it’s usually a simple fix. Automatic watches rely on motion to stay powered, so a pause in activity or a minor issue can cause them to stop running. Below are the most common reasons and how to address them:
a) Not Enough Wrist Movement: Automatic watches are powered by a rotor that winds the mainspring through your natural motion. If you aren’t moving enough — say during sedentary work or sleep — the rotor may not generate enough power.
b) Low Power Reserve: Most automatic watches have a power reserve between 38–50 hours. If you haven’t worn it long enough or wound it manually, the reserve could simply run out.
c) Watch Not Fully Wound: Even if worn, an automatic watch may still need a few manual winds to fully charge the mainspring — especially when first worn after sitting idle.
d) Magnetism or Shock Damage: Exposure to magnets or drops can disrupt the internal mechanics, affecting timekeeping or stopping movement entirely.
e) Lack of Maintenance: Like a car engine, your watch needs regular servicing to keep all its components working smoothly.
Pro Tip: If your watch is part of a rotation, give it a few manual winds daily to keep the movement active.
a) Not Enough Wrist Movement: Automatic watches are powered by a rotor that winds the mainspring through your natural motion. If you aren’t moving enough — say during sedentary work or sleep — the rotor may not generate enough power.
b) Low Power Reserve: Most automatic watches have a power reserve between 38–50 hours. If you haven’t worn it long enough or wound it manually, the reserve could simply run out.
c) Watch Not Fully Wound: Even if worn, an automatic watch may still need a few manual winds to fully charge the mainspring — especially when first worn after sitting idle.
d) Magnetism or Shock Damage: Exposure to magnets or drops can disrupt the internal mechanics, affecting timekeeping or stopping movement entirely.
e) Lack of Maintenance: Like a car engine, your watch needs regular servicing to keep all its components working smoothly.
Pro Tip: If your watch is part of a rotation, give it a few manual winds daily to keep the movement active.
If your automatic watch has stopped, don’t panic — it’s usually a simple fix. Automatic watches rely on motion to stay powered, so a pause in activity or a minor issue can cause them to stop running. Below are the most common reasons and how to address them:
a) Not Enough Wrist Movement: Automatic watches are powered by a rotor that winds the mainspring through your natural motion. If you aren’t moving enough — say during sedentary work or sleep — the rotor may not generate enough power.
b) Low Power Reserve: Most automatic watches have a power reserve between 38–50 hours. If you haven’t worn it long enough or wound it manually, the reserve could simply run out.
c) Watch Not Fully Wound: Even if worn, an automatic watch may still need a few manual winds to fully charge the mainspring — especially when first worn after sitting idle.
d) Magnetism or Shock Damage: Exposure to magnets or drops can disrupt the internal mechanics, affecting timekeeping or stopping movement entirely.
e) Lack of Maintenance: Like a car engine, your watch needs regular servicing to keep all its components working smoothly.
Pro Tip: If your watch is part of a rotation, give it a few manual winds daily to keep the movement active.
a) Not Enough Wrist Movement: Automatic watches are powered by a rotor that winds the mainspring through your natural motion. If you aren’t moving enough — say during sedentary work or sleep — the rotor may not generate enough power.
b) Low Power Reserve: Most automatic watches have a power reserve between 38–50 hours. If you haven’t worn it long enough or wound it manually, the reserve could simply run out.
c) Watch Not Fully Wound: Even if worn, an automatic watch may still need a few manual winds to fully charge the mainspring — especially when first worn after sitting idle.
d) Magnetism or Shock Damage: Exposure to magnets or drops can disrupt the internal mechanics, affecting timekeeping or stopping movement entirely.
e) Lack of Maintenance: Like a car engine, your watch needs regular servicing to keep all its components working smoothly.
Pro Tip: If your watch is part of a rotation, give it a few manual winds daily to keep the movement active.
2. Nighttime Pauses: Explained
2. Nighttime Pauses: Explained
Does your automatic watch stop at night? This is one of the most common concerns, and it’s usually not a defect. Here’s why it happens:
• Minimal Movement During Sleep: While you're resting, your wrist doesn’t move much, so the rotor doesn’t wind the watch enough to stay running.
• Power Reserve Was Already Low: If your watch wasn’t fully charged before bedtime, the remaining reserve may run out overnight.
What To Do: Give your watch a manual wind (20–30 clockwise turns) before bed — especially if you had a low-activity day.
• Minimal Movement During Sleep: While you're resting, your wrist doesn’t move much, so the rotor doesn’t wind the watch enough to stay running.
• Power Reserve Was Already Low: If your watch wasn’t fully charged before bedtime, the remaining reserve may run out overnight.
What To Do: Give your watch a manual wind (20–30 clockwise turns) before bed — especially if you had a low-activity day.
Does your automatic watch stop at night? This is one of the most common concerns, and it’s usually not a defect. Here’s why it happens:
• Minimal Movement During Sleep: While you're resting, your wrist doesn’t move much, so the rotor doesn’t wind the watch enough to stay running.
• Power Reserve Was Already Low: If your watch wasn’t fully charged before bedtime, the remaining reserve may run out overnight.
What To Do: Give your watch a manual wind (20–30 clockwise turns) before bed — especially if you had a low-activity day.
• Minimal Movement During Sleep: While you're resting, your wrist doesn’t move much, so the rotor doesn’t wind the watch enough to stay running.
• Power Reserve Was Already Low: If your watch wasn’t fully charged before bedtime, the remaining reserve may run out overnight.
What To Do: Give your watch a manual wind (20–30 clockwise turns) before bed — especially if you had a low-activity day.
3. How to Prevent Power Reserve Drain
3. How to Prevent Power Reserve Drain
Keeping your automatic watch running consistently is all about maintaining its energy source in the movement. Whether you wear it daily or rotate between timepieces, these simple habits can help prevent your watch from losing power and stopping unexpectedly:
✓ Wear It 8–10 Hours a Day: This provides enough wrist movement to maintain power.
✓ Manual Wind as Needed: Especially if you’re rotating watches or don’t wear one daily.
✓ Avoid “Desk Diving”: If you sit at a desk all day, your wrist may not move enough. Top off the charge manually in the morning.
✓ Use a Watch Winder: Great for collectors or anyone with multiple timepieces, a winder keeps your automatic watch in motion when you’re not wearing it.
✓ Wear It 8–10 Hours a Day: This provides enough wrist movement to maintain power.
✓ Manual Wind as Needed: Especially if you’re rotating watches or don’t wear one daily.
✓ Avoid “Desk Diving”: If you sit at a desk all day, your wrist may not move enough. Top off the charge manually in the morning.
✓ Use a Watch Winder: Great for collectors or anyone with multiple timepieces, a winder keeps your automatic watch in motion when you’re not wearing it.
Keeping your automatic watch running consistently is all about maintaining its energy source in the movement. Whether you wear it daily or rotate between timepieces, these simple habits can help prevent your watch from losing power and stopping unexpectedly:
✓ Wear It 8–10 Hours a Day: This provides enough wrist movement to maintain power.
✓ Manual Wind as Needed: Especially if you’re rotating watches or don’t wear one daily.
✓ Avoid “Desk Diving”: If you sit at a desk all day, your wrist may not move enough. Top off the charge manually in the morning.
✓ Use a Watch Winder: Great for collectors or anyone with multiple timepieces, a winder keeps your automatic watch in motion when you’re not wearing it.
✓ Wear It 8–10 Hours a Day: This provides enough wrist movement to maintain power.
✓ Manual Wind as Needed: Especially if you’re rotating watches or don’t wear one daily.
✓ Avoid “Desk Diving”: If you sit at a desk all day, your wrist may not move enough. Top off the charge manually in the morning.
✓ Use a Watch Winder: Great for collectors or anyone with multiple timepieces, a winder keeps your automatic watch in motion when you’re not wearing it.
4. How Accurate Should an Automatic Watch Be
4. How Accurate Should an Automatic Watch Be
Even when functioning properly, automatic watches naturally experience slight time variations due to their mechanical nature.
Typical Accuracy Range:
• ±5 to ±20 seconds per day is standard for most high-quality Swiss automatic movements.
• COSC-certified chronometers offer even tighter tolerances at -4/+6 seconds per day, thanks to stricter testing standards.
Environmental factors like temperature, wrist movement, and position can all affect accuracy. If your watch is gaining or losing more than a minute per day, it may need a manual wind or a professional check-up to ensure everything’s in working order.
Pro Tip: Always set your watch using a precise reference (like your phone’s time) and track performance over a few days to get a true sense of its accuracy.
• COSC-certified chronometers offer even tighter tolerances at -4/+6 seconds per day, thanks to stricter testing standards.
Environmental factors like temperature, wrist movement, and position can all affect accuracy. If your watch is gaining or losing more than a minute per day, it may need a manual wind or a professional check-up to ensure everything’s in working order.
Pro Tip: Always set your watch using a precise reference (like your phone’s time) and track performance over a few days to get a true sense of its accuracy.
Even when functioning properly, automatic watches naturally experience slight time variations due to their mechanical nature.
Typical Accuracy Range:
• ±5 to ±20 seconds per day is standard for most high-quality Swiss automatic movements.
• COSC-certified chronometers offer even tighter tolerances at -4/+6 seconds per day, thanks to stricter testing standards.
Environmental factors like temperature, wrist movement, and position can all affect accuracy. If your watch is gaining or losing more than a minute per day, it may need a manual wind or a professional check-up to ensure everything’s in working order.
Pro Tip: Always set your watch using a precise reference (like your phone’s time) and track performance over a few days to get a true sense of its accuracy.
• COSC-certified chronometers offer even tighter tolerances at -4/+6 seconds per day, thanks to stricter testing standards.
Environmental factors like temperature, wrist movement, and position can all affect accuracy. If your watch is gaining or losing more than a minute per day, it may need a manual wind or a professional check-up to ensure everything’s in working order.
Pro Tip: Always set your watch using a precise reference (like your phone’s time) and track performance over a few days to get a true sense of its accuracy.
5. When It’s Time for Servicing
5. When It’s Time for Servicing
If your watch is stopping frequently, losing significant time, or acting irregularly despite proper winding, servicing may be necessary.
Look For These Signs:
• Significant time loss or gain (+/- several minutes daily)
• Watch stops even with daily wear
• Stiff crown or rotor movement
• Watch hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years
• Watch stops even with daily wear
• Stiff crown or rotor movement
• Watch hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years
What Servicing Includes:
A full clean, lubrication, timing adjustment, pressure testing, and sometimes part replacements — especially if damage or wear is found.
If your watch is stopping frequently, losing significant time, or acting irregularly despite proper winding, servicing may be necessary.
Look For These Signs:
• Significant time loss or gain (+/- several minutes daily)
• Watch stops even with daily wear
• Stiff crown or rotor movement
• Watch hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years
• Watch stops even with daily wear
• Stiff crown or rotor movement
• Watch hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years
What Servicing Includes:
A full clean, lubrication, timing adjustment, pressure testing, and sometimes part replacements — especially if damage or wear is found.
FAQ on Watch Accuracy and Power
Why does my automatic watch stop overnight?
Low wrist movement during sleep can cause the watch to stop if the power reserve runs out. A few manual winds before bed can help.
Is it normal for an automatic watch to lose time?
Slight variations (±5–20 seconds/day) are normal. If you're losing more than a minute a day, it may need winding or servicing.
Do automatic watches need constant wear?
Yes, regular wear or winding is needed to keep them running. If you don’t wear it daily, wind it manually or store it on a winder.
When should I service my watch if it’s losing time?
If it loses more than a minute per day or hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years, it’s time for a full check-up.
What should I do if my automatic watch stops completely?
Try a manual wind (20–30 turns). If that doesn’t help, consult a watchmaker, especially if it’s been exposed to shock or magnets.
Low wrist movement during sleep can cause the watch to stop if the power reserve runs out. A few manual winds before bed can help.
Is it normal for an automatic watch to lose time?
Slight variations (±5–20 seconds/day) are normal. If you're losing more than a minute a day, it may need winding or servicing.
Do automatic watches need constant wear?
Yes, regular wear or winding is needed to keep them running. If you don’t wear it daily, wind it manually or store it on a winder.
When should I service my watch if it’s losing time?
If it loses more than a minute per day or hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years, it’s time for a full check-up.
What should I do if my automatic watch stops completely?
Try a manual wind (20–30 turns). If that doesn’t help, consult a watchmaker, especially if it’s been exposed to shock or magnets.
FAQ on Watch Accuracy and Power
Why does my automatic watch stop overnight?
Low wrist movement during sleep can cause the watch to stop if the power reserve runs out. A few manual winds before bed can help.
Is it normal for an automatic watch to lose time?
Slight variations (±5–20 seconds/day) are normal. If you're losing more than a minute a day, it may need winding or servicing.
Do automatic watches need constant wear?
Yes, regular wear or winding is needed to keep them running. If you don’t wear it daily, wind it manually or store it on a winder.
When should I service my watch if it’s losing time?
If it loses more than a minute per day or hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years, it’s time for a full check-up.
What should I do if my automatic watch stops completely?
Try a manual wind (20–30 turns). If that doesn’t help, consult a watchmaker, especially if it’s been exposed to shock or magnets.
Low wrist movement during sleep can cause the watch to stop if the power reserve runs out. A few manual winds before bed can help.
Is it normal for an automatic watch to lose time?
Slight variations (±5–20 seconds/day) are normal. If you're losing more than a minute a day, it may need winding or servicing.
Do automatic watches need constant wear?
Yes, regular wear or winding is needed to keep them running. If you don’t wear it daily, wind it manually or store it on a winder.
When should I service my watch if it’s losing time?
If it loses more than a minute per day or hasn’t been serviced in 3–5 years, it’s time for a full check-up.
What should I do if my automatic watch stops completely?
Try a manual wind (20–30 turns). If that doesn’t help, consult a watchmaker, especially if it’s been exposed to shock or magnets.
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.
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.
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 with VIEREN.
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 with VIEREN.
MASTERING HOROLOGY
MASTERING HOROLOGY
11. The Future of Automatic Watches
11. The Future of Automatic Watches
The evolution of automatic watches is being shaped not only by legacy brands but also by independent watchmakers who are redefining the industry with modern designs and a strong commitment to sustainability. New up-and-coming brands like VIEREN are bringing fresh perspectives to the craft, focusing on limited editions, high-quality Swiss movements, and eco-conscious materials. By blending tradition with innovation, this new wave of watchmakers ensures that the art of mechanical timekeeping continues to evolve, appealing to today’s discerning collectors and future generations.
The evolution of automatic watches is being shaped not only by legacy brands but also by independent watchmakers who are redefining the industry with modern designs and a strong commitment to sustainability. New up-and-coming brands like VIEREN are bringing fresh perspectives to the craft, focusing on limited editions, high-quality Swiss movements, and eco-conscious materials. By blending tradition with innovation, this new wave of watchmakers ensures that the art of mechanical timekeeping continues to evolve, appealing to today’s discerning collectors and future generations.
FAQ on What Automatic Watches Are
What is the point of an automatic watch?
An automatic watch harnesses the power of your wrist motion to wind the watch, offering continuous power without the need for a battery.
Does an automatic watch need a battery?
No, an automatic watch is powered by the movement of your wrist, so it doesn’t require a battery to function.
How do I wind an automatic watch?
You can wind an automatic watch by manually turning the crown in a clockwise direction ~30 times.
Should I wear an automatic watch every day?
While wearing an automatic watch daily helps keep it running smoothly, you can also use a watch winder for infrequent use.
What happens if an automatic watch stops completely?
When your automatic watch stops, simply winding it manually or wearing it again will start it up.
An automatic watch harnesses the power of your wrist motion to wind the watch, offering continuous power without the need for a battery.
Does an automatic watch need a battery?
No, an automatic watch is powered by the movement of your wrist, so it doesn’t require a battery to function.
How do I wind an automatic watch?
You can wind an automatic watch by manually turning the crown in a clockwise direction ~30 times.
Should I wear an automatic watch every day?
While wearing an automatic watch daily helps keep it running smoothly, you can also use a watch winder for infrequent use.
What happens if an automatic watch stops completely?
When your automatic watch stops, simply winding it manually or wearing it again will start it up.
FAQ on What Automatic Watches Are
What is the point of an automatic watch?
An automatic watch harnesses the power of your wrist motion to wind the watch, offering continuous power without the need for a battery.
Does an automatic watch need a battery?
No, an automatic watch is powered by the movement of your wrist, so it doesn’t require a battery to function.
How do I wind an automatic watch?
You can wind an automatic watch by manually turning the crown in a clockwise direction ~30 times.
Should I wear an automatic watch every day?
While wearing an automatic watch daily helps keep it running smoothly, you can also use a watch winder for infrequent use.
What happens if an automatic watch stops completely?
When your automatic watch stops, simply winding it manually or wearing it again will start it up.
An automatic watch harnesses the power of your wrist motion to wind the watch, offering continuous power without the need for a battery.
Does an automatic watch need a battery?
No, an automatic watch is powered by the movement of your wrist, so it doesn’t require a battery to function.
How do I wind an automatic watch?
You can wind an automatic watch by manually turning the crown in a clockwise direction ~30 times.
Should I wear an automatic watch every day?
While wearing an automatic watch daily helps keep it running smoothly, you can also use a watch winder for infrequent use.
What happens if an automatic watch stops completely?
When your automatic watch stops, simply winding it manually or wearing it again will start it up.
SUMMARY
Automatic watches are a true testament to the beauty of horology, blending precision, craftsmanship, and mechanical innovation. Powered by the natural motion of your wrist, these self-winding timepieces embody centuries of watchmaking tradition and enduring design. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to horology, an automatic watch offers a perfect blend of engineering excellence and timeless beauty. Explore VIEREN’s Certified Swiss Made automatic watches and experience the artistry of automatic timekeeping today.
SUMMARY
Automatic watches are a true testament to the beauty of horology, blending precision, craftsmanship, and mechanical innovation. Powered by the natural motion of your wrist, these self-winding timepieces embody centuries of watchmaking tradition and enduring design. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to horology, an automatic watch offers a perfect blend of engineering excellence and timeless beauty. Explore VIEREN’s Certified Swiss Made automatic watches and experience the artistry of automatic timekeeping today.
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 with VIEREN.
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 with VIEREN.
UNLOCK: THE AUTOMATIC WATCHES GUIDE
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MASTERING HOROLOGY
MASTERING HOROLOGY
