How to Wind and Set an Automatic (or Mechanical) Wristwatch - Watch and Learn #12

Back to Basics! In today's video, we will discuss how to wind and set automatic or mechanical watches, and how to set the day and date. Winding and setting a watch starts with knowing if you have an automatic or a mechanical hand wind watch. From there, learning how to deploy the crown, then set the time is covered, as well as the day and date if equipped with a calendar mechanism.
Lastly, we will discuss how to wind your watch for optimal use, then get into some more interesting details, like demonstrating how you can wind an automatic watch forever and the spring will never overwind.
This video is aimed at the novice just starting out, but we are fairly certain even the seasoned collector will learn a thing or two.
For links to products shown in today's video, please visit our website at www.longislandwatch.com and the links below:
www.longislandwatch.com/Graf_...
www.longislandwatch.com/Rougo...
*** - at 6:45 you will see a note about not setting the day or date between the hours of 9pm to 3am. This was an oversight and should have been discussed in the video. During this timeframe, the date change mechanism is engaging, and if you force change the day or date you can end up damaging the date change mechanism, resulting in repair. Thus, never change the day or date on any watch from 9pm to 3am.
Snippit from another Watch and Learn: • Watch and Learn #1: Ge...

[@andrewlineberger7544]

Thank You Sir!!! Im 50 years old and jus started learning about mechanical watches..Thank you for the wealth of knowledge!!! Much Love from Denver NC!!

[@jayanthkumar7964]

Mark does so much for the community! Thanks, Mark!

[@javiermurcia5053]

Very educative, indeed! Thank you I always set the time to 6 o' clock, either am or pm(At that moment there is no way for me to know it) avoiding the "danger zone"(9:00pm to 3:00am). Then I set the day and date one position before the current day and date. Right after that, I pull out the crown and rotate it setting the time until I see the day and date change to the current day and date and that is the moment I become aware the watch is set to Am. Finally I set the time to my current time zone according my atomic watch. Sorry about my english.

[@islandwatch]

Perfect, and so is your English!

[@JohnThomas-su5bw]

I do the same thing.

[@rickyny78]

Thank you Javier, very well explained.

[@cqubes2452]

Thank you very much @Javier Murcia for the clear instructions on how you set your automatic date/time watch. Do you wind the watch before you begin? If so, would shaking or, if available, manual wind via rotating the crown be recommended?

[@RampartPh]

i do this too except i start the process at the 6:30 position irregardless if it's am or pm

[@davidschwager1153]

Many thanks for the education. A gift of a 1950s Bulova early this year got me interested in watches and I have been studying them since, largely through KZbin videos like yours. I placed an order with you for my first automatic watch (a Seiko SKX007) and am looking forward to wearing it and learning more.

[@paulwinkfield6560]

Thanks for this video! I've collected watches for 50 years, when I was 13yrs old, on my paper route there was an old watchmaker who had a shop on my route,purchased a Tissot manual wind answered my questions, he also said if not broke, don't fix! But I heard from other watch repair guys, collectors the 10 yr rule, CLA...

[@RecicledCanadian]

I have mechanical background and I agree 100% with you "If is not broken DO NOT try to fix it". Very good , informative video, I have learned a lot. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Toronto.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@peterbdavies]

I agree. Just sent in my Rolex Oyster Datejust for its first service. Had it on my wrist for 30 years! Started losing a minute a day so time for a service.

[@HarryUnchained]

@@peterbdavies wow, did you need to replace anything inside the movement? most of us don't even wear the same watch for a month let alone 30 years.

[@peterbdavies]

@@HarryUnchained It was an 18th birthday present so it was natural to keep wearing it. Once it started losing time that was when I was able to indulge my love of watches and buy quite a few. Now my Rolex is serviced it keeps perfect time but I hardly ever wear it. I have no idea whether anything inside had to be replaced, Rolex didn't say. I would imagine the main issue was lubrication. I reckon it's good for another 30 years now! :-)

[@robc8468]

i agree mostly but do prompt and regular oil changes on your car.

[@gabbenabbe]

This is so awesome and very educational! Love the WnL-series! Keep up the good work! :)

[@utahn00b]

Thanks a LOT for this video. Really, really clear and interesting.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for checking it out.

[@rokfam]

Thank you very much for this. I just got my Seagull Diver - Barents Sea (green face, limited version 300m ST2130) - and when I heard the smooth hand winding sound, I thought something was wrong - you have clarified it for me. It's my very first automatic, having admired them as a youngster, but never owning one myself. Finally, I have one very decent piece of my own. Your videos led me to make the purchase. Thank you and best regards to you and your viewers

[@enzowarren9832]

I just ordered my first hand-wound watch, so thank you for this. This was quite helpful. I got a limited-production Timex Marlin (the blackout one) which is a reissue of a 1960s dress watch. I don’t like the maintenance requirement of mechanical watches, but this watch is the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen, so I had to get it. Looking forward to it’s delivery!

[@icycreed79]

Love the videos!!! The knowledge you leave is pretty much like the automatics... timeless

[@heshumajid8899]

Many thanks for this fully informative rich content tutorial video on how to wind and set a mechanical watch. I learned a lot from it. Keep your amazing videos up plz.

[@rongriffiths6545]

Glad I watched this again, its so informative and reassuring to know what I am doing is the right way. Great presentation and brilliant demonstration

[@tommyoo771]

Thank you so much long island watch. Before i did not appreciate the design of a skeleton watch and now after watching your video, i came to realise the purpose of such design and now accumulating a love for it.

[@jasgsxr2726]

Thanks Mark love the way you present your video's and the information is invaluable to me. My grandfather is a mechanic and has the same philosophy, if its not broke dont fix it, something that has always stayed with me.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@Johnny-xy7en]

Thank you for a very in depth comments on winding a watch. I have never heard anyone say you should wind a watch while wearing it during the day to keep the winding spring taut. Watches are made to run that way. Now that you have said it, that's why my watchmakers always wind my watch fully before giving it to me. Thank you

[@daylehenshel4176]

Wow. I'm a watch-guy's daughter and have been around watches my entire life, and I learned things here I never knew. Thanks for the fascinating lessons. I came for a lesson on how to get my dad's old automatic Bulova Caravelle man's day/night 24h international timezone watch moving better, and how to jump start the selfwinding action. I wore this all last summer, and it has a tendency to take a long time to get in gear and keep accurate time. What I did learn was that I could actually wind it to get it started (lots faster than shaking/twisting). Perhaps it does need a visit to a watchmaker/repair place, since it's just not getting gear at all right now, but thanks for your video.

[@midninteranger4315]

thanks Mark please keep the videos coming so much info it's great for watch lovers like me...

[@wrektum]

Great video! I have that same Swatch and it is a real diamond in the rough. Inexpensive and it just runs!

[@jamesmcnary4939]

I completely agree with you about servicing. From what I’ve leaned it’s like an engine rebuild. The entire thing is taken apart and cleaned and broken parts are replaced. Then it’s re-lubricated. On both a car and a watch I think you’ll know when this needs to be done.

[@mansell863]

Answered the questions I've been wondering about winding for a while.

[@henrylombard1965]

Just loving this series.

[@josephkurniawan8231]

Good sir, you just earned another subscriber! I just got into watch and this video is so informative. Thanks!

[@skullcrusher4262]

Man , you're truly amazing with watches

[@markpercival2619]

Always great stuff Marc, and so clearly presented. Thanks.

[@islandwatch]

I appreciate it.

[@rogervu3248]

great video, I can see how enthusiatic you are and that makes me love your video!

[@coffeeisgood102]

Good video. Many people are used to Quartz and have no idea of the difference between those and a mechanical. I would add that even tho a watch can be wound on the wrist, it should be removed before winding. This is because when on the wrist there is an upward pressure on the stem which puts stress on it as the thumb and finger maneuver between the wrist and the crown. I have that same Rougios, they are a great watch.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for sharing that great advice. Makes total sense.

[@markanthonyking]

Very informative, being new to the automatic watch, I’m learning.

[@paulodr33]

Thanks for this one. Keep up the excellent work.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@runrin_]

took 12 videos to officially make a sale. its like you can have a one on one chat with every viewer as if they'd walked into your small local shop. learned a lot, and developed trust. such a quality salesperson. not even trying to sell me, just trying to pique my interest. if i could give you a million more sales i would. next purchase will definitely be thru you as well. thanks thanks thanks thanks!

[@DemCrumblies]

One of the most helpful videos of there, or is appreciated Mark.

[@marcoleriusbautistacordova1496]

Thank you for your videos, I liked also the Crystal explanation that you made!! C: Thanks!

[@kirkdarling4120]

@Mark, thank you for all your informative and educational videos. They are so very valuable.

[@JJ-lx6sb]

What a great video! Just put on my first hand winder and l wanted to learn more how they work. Your demos were very helpful, thank you.

[@SirBeauJangles]

Very, very informative. Just the job - thanks Mark.

[@tyroneshoelaces9742]

Thanks Marc. I greatly appreciate the way you describe things. You talk in a way that makes it simple for me, as a newbie watch enthusiast, to understand. I have learned a bunch in the month that I have been checking out your vids.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@EddyWoon]

Your comment "if it's not broken, don't fix it" was also used by my engineering lecturers back in my university days. I too prescribe to that same thinking regarding my automatic watches.

[@islandwatch]

Glad I'm not alone!

[@majno44]

I also do that to my car, no oil changes until it starts behaving strangely! Wish me luck

[@yobbos1]

great vid! I watch all of them and will continue to do so as long as you make them. :)

[@islandwatch]

Thanks, then you will have something to watch always!

[@JG......]

Epic presentation, I learned a lot. Thanks Mark.

[@davidviner4932]

Thank you Mark, I watch all of your videos and I'm very impressed. I just bought a new automatic watch today, my old Raymond Weil stopped working and it's great to understand how automatic watches work, to be honest I simply shook the watch a few times and have worn it since without winding, it's still ticking away and keeping good time. It was funny that the sales associate thought it might need a new battery when he took it out the box

[@islandwatch]

LOL

[@huebui8470]

I always enjoy watching your videos Marc. Thanks.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@rgama78]

Love that we can actually see examples of what you're talking about, learned a lot, thanks!

[@37gcona65]

You are a brilliant teacher. I am 61 and disabled RN, bored out of my mind. I used to repair my cars and learn to fix just about anything. I recently inherited some very old watches. I want to teach myself with reading and watching videos like yours how to repair and restore some very nice old watches. I need to by the correct tools first. Some I probably have. Do you have any videos that show how to clean the watch face without damaging it? Thanks so much.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks so much. Do you mean the dial? Or the crystal? Dials are tough to clean; can use Rodico putty.

[@37gcona65]

Thanks for your reply. I would like to try to clean the dial of the watch and the acrylic crystal. I have a Vintage mens Longines 18K rectangular. It says"Cuervo y Sorbrinos Unicos Importadores on the watch face. 4276484 is stamped on the back of the watch, inside the back there is a 5 and 86 with a circle around it and then F then another number 947N. This watch works and has an acrylic crystal. I want to clean the watch and try to sell it to a collector. Or wear it myself. I have a mens Gruen Precision Rectangular Watch, number 1111220 and it is 14 K White Gold. engraved on the sides. Really beautiful, it is not working but the crown winds backwards but not forward. And I have a ladies Baume Mercierr 14K with diamonds around the outside and a braided band that is 14K, Quartz so I need to change the battery. And a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Official Certified Cronometer 801108 6100. The second hand if off the part that holds it in and the only way to get the back off is with a tool that I have yet to see on any video. there are tiny grooves around the entire back of the watch. I cannot figure out how to open it. Do you know any collectors of vintage watches that you could refer me to. I want to buy some watch tools and try to clean them.Any products for cleaning I would greatly appreciate your advice. Gina

[@luctardif8444]

Very good video, few people explain it that good. Thanks.

[@toddcooper9057]

Your videos are very very good!!! Thank you!

[@darrensmith6999]

Smashing video Mark thank you. 😀

[@repanas6]

Thank you very much for these educating videos!!

[@mynamehaschanged]

Great video, thanks for the advice about the service.

[@ericl755]

perfect vidéo! it changes from others channels. here we Learn something! 👍

[@islandwatch]

That's what we're trying to do; thanks for watching.

[@larryj.1991]

I've just spent the evening viewing about 12 of your videos. Your sense of what is of interest and your focus on the subject on hand made them very educational. I just made my first serious (for me) watch investment, and that made me want to learn more. You've given me a great education, and you have helped to reaffirm that I made a pretty good decision. Thank you. You have also presented yourself as a stand-up guy in whom one could have confidence as being honest and fair.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@jeremyhyland5562]

This helped immensely. Thank you so so much

[@charlesbutler4646]

Very helpful, especially the power reserve comments.

[@startupbusinesscoaching]

Really well done. I learned a lot. Subscribed!

[@nrs6956]

Excellent video. Many thanks.

[@jerrygundecker743]

Thanks, Mark. I really enjoy thise videos, almost as much as I enjoy watches. regards,

[@homermunoz5069]

Excellent explanation Mark. Thank you.

[@iamnickdavis]

Always wondered about this. Thank you

[@arab4sureee]

Great clip! Thank you. I have an IWC Portofino eight day hand wound watch. I was told that winding the watch is best done by winding the crown clockwise and counterclockwise to ensure even force is placed on the crown and to prevent uneven wear. What are your thoughts? Looking at your videos it appears that you wind it one way only.

[@BarnOwl61]

Very educational, thank you very much!

[@kimL9000]

Love all of these watches

[@yakubekartawidjaja]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@kyleweber1994]

Another great video, Marc. That blue-hand skeleton watch is gorgeous. I've been into watches for a couple years now and I definitely learned some new information here.

[@islandwatch]

Great, thanks!

[@remonmicheal8753]

Good job thank you for the information you are an honest person thank you again

[@alexgumenyuk9706]

Great job Mark!!!!

[@markrocks692]

Very interesting. Thanks Marc..

[@Animalkisser]

"If your watch keeps time, don"t service it". Great advice!!!

[@dano8799]

Superb video! Thank you

[@mrck2005]

Love this channel

[@muatao9943]

That was awesome. Thank you!

[@chrisduffy6438]

Thank you for the video. Can’t wait to share with my Dad. I have not been successful describing the differences

[@siddhunkarthik]

Beautiful explanation. I have a citizen automatic watch. I was wondering these many days why I never feel the main spring end sounding completion while I am hand winding by crown. Now, I understand about its mechanism. ( however when I wear it on my wrist, while doing my duties, it winds so nicely on it's own way and does perform so well).

[@lanceuppercut7436]

Excellent video Marc. Very instructional and easily understandable for me also. I now know I can't over wind the Samurai I just bout from you. Cheers👍🏻🙏🏻

[@islandwatch]

Great!

[@keithisfishing]

Great info, nice work

[@donnathomas7302]

Long time lover of watches, but just getting into horology. I have worked as a nurse since 1978 and in March I left bedside nursing. I wanted a "retirement" type watch and the hospital I work gives out diamond pens for my service, but no watches. I appreciate the basic newbie information in your video and your accent is great!Thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@Heeeyyyyyyyy2024]

Thank you so much! Very helpful.

[@stevenw9247]

I like your thought about not having the watch serviced if it's still working.

[@sfdanceron1]

Timely, timely, timely. Just got my first winding mechanical watch. Thanks

[@islandwatch]

Perfect, welcome to this wonderful world!

[@itsallrobbish]

Great video, I thought it was a bit noddy (easy) at first, but became more informative by the minute, superb stuff!

[@islandwatch]

I am here to rest your mind and educate, all while not being aware :-)

[@raymondmalone9721]

Best educational video series for watch people on KZbin, keep up the great work👍👍

[@islandwatch]

thanks!

[@ibrahimsaab]

Great informative video.

[@bradypatterson1891]

Your intuitive logic about servicing is exactly the same as mine.

[@karaokefun8029]

Very helpful video. Thks

[@markolaivar9358]

❤️❤️❤️ gosh thanks for the video. Almost broke my watch.

[@elfritoleyelfritoley4907]

Thanks Mark. Very informative.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks.

[@mdfirdausjamel]

Awesome video!

[@mannysingh6618]

very nice video, thanks!

[@myk1200s]

Also appreciate your video series we learn a lot thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks.

[@ShaneLindie]

Very good input for me.

[@slam854]

Your comments about watch service at end of videos was helpful. New Pressage I got from you suggests in the manual to have the watch serviced after 2 years. This will be a timepiece which will not get worn very often. I do have watchwinders, but my thoughts are why wear the mechanism unnecessarily by keeping it running all the time. Important note you made on setting a stopped watch. You first need to observe the day/date complication advance so you know what "time quadrant" you are in. I inherited a pristine Wakmann Panda Chronograph 71.1309.70 with a most complex day/month/date complication. On top of that it has a power reserve of about 32 hrs if you are lucky. Stopped running shortly after I wound it up. Took it to "Official Time" here in Salt Lake. Leo inspected the watch and said it had never been serviced and stopped from a broken date wheel. He said Rolex uses the same part which are in stock. Official Time are Omega and Rolex certified service center. Leo stated he had owned an identical watch in the late 60's and mine was in extraordinary condition. He serviced and regulated the watch.which is in perfect running condition. Keep the videos coming, and Thank You

[@curtisclegg]

Thanks for another great video, Marc! Do smaller and thinner watches like a Max Bill require winding more during the day? I find I have to wind mine 3-4 times during the day or it stops running.

[@jayanthpremachandran5571]

Awesome video! Concise and Very nicely detailed. Might just buy my first automatic from your store for India delivery :)

[@j246802]

Awesome video, thanks.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@awakeningwolf]

outstanding education

[@viktory5385]

Another great video from Marc , I really enjoy watching this series of videos , keep going mate ! Just another idea to consider for the future videos , I think it would be really interesting to see a video on how to regulate automatic watches yourself and if it is at all possible . Because I've often stumbled upon threads where people had their seikos and orients running about +-40 seconds a day and there were a lot of comments that it is possible to get them regulated yourself. I don't know if it is worth the risk to open the case back yourself and if there is any risks at all , if you could make a video about it that would be awesome.

[@islandwatch]

I've thought about this one. It's a double edge sword; great information to give, but then we've got people opening their watches and then you know what that means! Parts everywhere : )

[@bastawisy3000]

Thanks a lot for this amazing video

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BolFelix]

That Graf Zeppelin LZ129 is so nice! Handwind, power-reserve, date, open back and date? nice!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks! Its gorgeous in the hand.

[@icycreed79]

Long Island Watch which do you like better.. the Zeppelin or the Junkers @ those price points??

[@garywick2090]

Nice vid man...just bought a Bulova skeleton watch ...automatic... so yea very good , im better informed now.

[@gregharris128]

Great information. Thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrSupermax1978]

Great video, very informative

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@Hobby-zn7ce]

I've seen a lot of videos but you display exceptional communication and functional expertise. I know this is a few years old but would like to see you address the function of the reserve power indicator and what makes it tick, if you haven't already.