How to keep your mechanical watch running smoothly for a long time

　　People's daily lives nowadays rely on three essential 'meters': electricity meters, water meters, and gas meters, but there is actually another kind of 'meter' as well—the wristwatch. As more and more people wear watches, a growing number of issues have also emerged. For instance,Mechanical watchhow timekeeping can be sustained over the long term. Today, we will discuss how to keep your mechanical watch running smoothly for extended periods.

Replica Panerai Radiomir series PAM00183 manual-winding mechanical men's watch

　　There is a saying in the industry: mechanical watches are generally broken by being repaired, or ruined by problems arising from being put away. Here, 'put away' refers to leaving the watch idle and un-worn. If it is worn on the wrist, it virtually never breaks (under normal circumstances). This adage reflects the reliable quality of mechanical watches, but it also objectively highlights certain issues.

　　You may often see people on social media saying that mechanical watches need servicing like cars and should be cleaned and oiled every year. This is not entirely wrong, but it is not entirely right either. In the same way, you do not have to follow a 4S dealership's claim that the engine oil must be changed every 5000 kilometres or 3 months; an oil change at around 7500 kilometres is generally sufficient. For a mechanical watch worn regularly, cleaning and oiling once every 3-5 years is more appropriate. Doing so every year is quite unnecessary, just like changing a car's engine oil every 2000 kilometres: it is simply excessive.

Replica Panerai Radiomir series mechanical watch

　　If it is left idle and unworn for a long time, it is recommended to wind the mainspring fully and run it once every 2-4 weeks. Because if left un-worn for an extended period, the watch will gradually deplete its power reserve and wind down, coming to a complete stop. This is much like leaving a car without starting it for a long time; starting it up again afterwards may cause unnecessary mechanical wear and tear. Mechanical watches are in many ways just like cars—once major overhauls begin, one issue after another tends to follow. Therefore, to ensure that a mechanical watch runs smoothly over a long duration, proper mutual maintenance and care measures must be taken.