What is the lifespan of a mechanical watch?

　　Mechanical watches can be divided into manually wound and self-winding mechanical watches. Regardless of the type, every mechanical watch has a finite lifespan. Much like mechanical equipment, prolonged use leads to ageing and loss of function, and mechanical watches are no exception. So, just how long is the service life of a mechanical watch, and how can you extend it?

　　The lifespan of a mechanical watch

　　Generally, world-renowned mechanical watches have a minimum lifespan of 10 years. This is a question many mechanical watch enthusiasts want to know. The lifespan of mechanical watches is generally shorter than that of quartz watches. This is determined by the internal operating structures of mechanical and quartz watches. Mechanical watches derive their power primarily from the movement of the escapement and regulator system, whereas quartz watches rely on electrical energy generated by a battery.

　　A mechanical watch consists of a series of interconnected and regular movements involving the balance wheel, pallet fork, and escape wheel. Quartz watches, on the other hand, primarily rely on a quartz movement. Mechanical watches have numerous components, and the wear generated by moving parts during operation will significantly shorten the watch's lifespan, which is why mechanical watches have a shorter lifespan than quartz watches.

　　The average lifespan of a mechanical watch refers to the time until the pivot holes on the mainplate become worn beyond repair. Because the mainplate is made of brass, it is prone to wear. In older 17-jewel watch movements, the barrel arbor hole and centre hole were unjewelled, meaning they bore high loads during operation and wore down easily. Under normal use and with regular cleaning and oiling, such a watch has an average lifespan of around 25 years; 19-jewel and 21-jewel watches, for instance, enjoy an extended lifespan. Clock movements are typically unjewelled, with jewels only fitted to critical components in a few high-end clocks, resulting in a somewhat lower average lifespan.

　　How to prolong the lifespan of a mechanical watch?

　　Mechanical watches are easily exposed to sweat, dust, grime, and other substances during daily wear, making regular servicing and cleaning essential. A well-maintained mechanical watch can last for decades! Here are some maintenance methods for mechanical watches.

　　(1) Fully wind the watch mainspring at regular intervals every 24 hours.

　　(2) When setting the time on a mechanical watch, the hands can be turned either forwards or backwards.

　　(3) If the timekeeping is fast or slow, the regulator index on the back of the watch can be adjusted. Move it towards the '-' direction if the watch is running fast, and towards the '+' direction if it is running slow. Moving it by 1 graduation adjusts the time by 3-5 minutes.

　　(4) To use the alarm, first align the alarm disc time with the alarm arrow, then fully wind the alarm spring. Each full wind allows the alarm to sound once. For a second use, the alarm must be rewound an hour and a half after it has gone off.

　　(5) To silence the alarm, push down the stop button on top-bell alarm clocks, or flick the silencing lever on twin-bell alarm clocks.

　　(6) The watch should be kept clean and should not be placed in damp, dusty, high-temperature, or strong magnetic environments.

　　(7) Avoid severe impacts and vibrations, and protect the watch from acidic and alkaline chemical corrosion.

　　(8) Depending on usage conditions, it is best to have the watch cleaned and oiled every two years or so to extend its lifespan.