The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Dear forum,

I have a problem that you might laugh at: I got my second watch!

Since both are automatic watches, but neither has a particularly long power reserve, I now always want to put one on in the morning and wind the other. Are there any rules for this? 10x? 20x? If I use this technique to wind the watch too far every day, can I overstrain the mechanism that catches it (unfortunately I don't know what it's called: freewheel?)?

Thank you for your answers , best

regards,
Mattewlaird

Hello,
you can't over wind an automatic.
40-50 winds should be enough to fully wind it.

What bnewbie said - moreover, it's worth adding that if you put the watch to your ear you'll generally hear an extra clicking when it's fully wound (which is the clutch mechanism doing its job to prevent any damage). I always do this to prevent needless winding, though it's more audible on some watches than others.

The mainspring bridle slips against the wall of the barrel when the watch is sufficiently wound for the friction between the bridle and the barrel wall to be overcome. i have seen barrels that were scarred when the watch went without service for prolonged periods. That condition requires more force to make the bridle slip and will eventually cause more problems. Another reason for regular service.

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