At some point, we all dream of a high-end mechanical watch, and that's totally understandable. Both automatic and hand-wound watches are often associated with luxury, prestige, recognition and elegance. But, before you buy an automatic watch, it's essential to know how to take care of it properly, beyond just regular cleaning and maintenance. This guide will give you essential tips on how to store and care for your automatic watch the right way.

The basic use of an automatic watch

Caring for and keeping your watch hygienic involves a variety of steps. First and foremost, it's essential to know how to wear your watch correctly. Additionally, regular cleaning and disinfecting of the different parts are crucial, as well as maintaining and replacing any worn components of the case and movement. However, there's more to consider, especially when dealing with automatic watches that rely on a rotating rotor driven by the movement of your wrist.

How to care for an automatic watch?

When investing in watches, everyone desires their timepiece to perform at its best, with precise accuracy, and for a prolonged period. Ideally, the watch should maintain its attractive appearance for many years, as if it were just freshly purchased. That's why it's crucial to provide daily care for both mechanical and quartz watches. This care should not only be given while wearing the watch on the wrist but also when storing and shelving it.

The way you position and store your automatic watch also plays a significant role in its longevity, movement quality, repair frequency and the occurrence of potential issues over time. How to reduce the risk of damage to the automatic movement and prevent undesirable side effects of improper storage?

What causes damage to automatic watches?

You certainly know that an automatic movement comprises small and delicate parts that are susceptible to various external factors. While many watch brands are incorporating advanced protective systems in their devices, there's still a possibility of encountering issues. Falls, excessive shocks, abrupt temperature changes, exposure to magnetic fields and other factors can significantly affect the quality and timekeeping precision of an automatic watch. 

You can find out how to clean your watch, when to replace parts for it and what to do if it becomes magnetised in the following two articles!

However, we believe that prevention is always better than cure, so when storing automatic watches, avoid:

An automatic watch – in what position to store it?

When putting away your automatic watch for an extended period, it's essential to consider where and in what position to store it. The best practice is to store it in a slightly rounded position, resembling how it sits on your wrist. Using a special cushion designed to retain the original shape is an excellent choice for this purpose. Additionally, placing the automatic watch back into its original box, the one in which it was purchased, is also recommended.

If you no longer have the original box, don’t panic. This is when collector's boxes and watch cases come to the rescue. These boxes not only help keep your watches and jewellery safe but also bring order to your accessories. Wolf offers a wide range of exclusive storage boxes in various options, including different sizes, colours and additional storage spaces. 

The question is: can you store an automatic watch in a different position? This is a tricky question because there is no one right answer. While it won't cause immediate damage if you place the watch flat for the whole night or for a few hours during the day, it's not the ideal position for long-term storage.

Don’t place watches, not just automatic watches, with the dial down, as they can easily become scratched and the surface tarnished. Secondly, avoid placing the watch on its side with the crown facing down. This position makes it more susceptible to being knocked over or damaged. The crown can also be broken. What's more, if the device is laid flat or upright for a longer period of time, the movement can become out of order and, as a result, the watch might slow down or speed up, showing the wrong time.

Leaving an automatic watch unworn – what’s worth keeping in mind?

Keep in mind that a watch with automatic movement requires regular motion. So, it's essential to wear it regularly. Even if you store it safely and put it away properly, just wearing it on your wrist every few days and giving it a little motion will prevent the power reserve from running out completely and the watch from stopping.

Why is it advisable to wear an automatic watch? Because the motion of the wearer keeps them running. Regular use ensures that the oils inside the case, which are crucial for the safe and smooth functioning of the automatic movement, won't dry out and cause significant damage. 

When you can’t wear your automatic watch(es), such as when you're on holiday, you can use a watch winder, a device designed to simulate the motion of an automatic watch being worn on a wrist. 

Firstly, remember to keep the watch wound as long as possible. When storing the watch, avoid pulling out the crown unnecessarily or stopping the movement. Instead, let it continue running. Secondly, consider buying a watch winder made of high-quality materials.

A watch winder – proper storage of an automatic watch

Rotomaty to specjalne urządzenia, które zapewnią dłuższą żywotność zegarków automatycznych. Zostały wyposażone w mechanizmy, które imitują naturalny ruch nadgarstka. Umieszczony w specjalnym bębnie zegarek równomiernie obraca się, zachowując sprawność i ciągłość pracy mechanizmu, bez konieczności jego regularnego zakładania na rękę.

Watch winders are special devices that will ensure that automatic watches last longer. They are equipped with mechanisms that simulate the natural movement of the wrist. By placing the watch inside a specially designed drum, the winder rotates the watch evenly, ensuring the efficiency and continuous operation of its movement. This eliminates the need to wear the watch regularly on the wrist to keep it running.

Professional watch repair service for automatic watches

You already know how to care for your automatic watch and how to store it. Don't forget about regular maintenance. Keep your watch in good condition for as long as possible. You can also have your watch inspected and serviced by an expert watchmaker to ensure that all components are in optimal condition.