Do automatic mechanical watches still need to be wound manually?

　　Those familiar withMechanical watchmechanical watches know that they are generally divided into manual-winding and automatic-winding types. Most watches seen today are automatic mechanical watches, and sales staff in watch shops often say that these do not need manual winding because they are automatic. However, why does my watch stop after I have bought it and worn it for a while? Is there a quality issue with the watch? Logically, this is a major brand watch, so it should not happen.

　　An automatic mechanical watch is based on a standard manual-winding mechanical watch with an additional automatic component, which includes an oscillating weight and an automatic wheel. When the watch is worn, the oscillating weight inside rotates due to the movement of the wrist, thereby winding the mainspring. Most automatic mechanical watches still retain the manual-winding function, meaning you can still wind the watch by turning the crown.

　　Generally, purchased mechanical watches are in a stopped state. When sold, the time is set and the mainspring is fully wound. Thereafter, as long as the customer wears the watch for a sufficient amount of time each day, the oscillating weight will continuously provide energy to the mainspring, allowing the automatic mechanical watch to keep time normally. Generally, an automatic mechanical watch should be worn on the wrist for more than 8 hours a day to replenish the mainspring's energy, though this is not absolute. Only by wearing it on the wrist can the mainspring be continuously replenished, preventing the watch from stopping.

　　People who work in offices and sit in front of computers all day have less physical activity, which is why watches often stop. Alternatively, wealthy individuals who own many watches may not be able to wear every one of them, leading to some being left idle. When they eventually decide to wear one, they find it has stopped.

　　This stopping phenomenon is caused by insufficient power and can be remedied by manual winding. When the wearing time is insufficient, it is recommended to swing the watch horizontally for one minute to replenish the power, or you can manually wind it by rotating the crown. For mechanical watches that are not worn for a long time, it is recommended to wind them once a month to prevent the parts from remaining stationary for too long, ensuring the performance of the movement.

　　For some people, winding their beloved watch is an enjoyable experience. Modern life is fast-paced, and it is easy to overlook small details when busy, but an automatic mechanical watch compensates for this.

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