Many wristwatches require batteries or have rechargeable batteries. Automatic watches have a clear advantage. They store the kinetic energy of hand and arm movements in a tension spring. This can then be used to drive the mechanical clockwork. But even such an automatic watch can stand still. This is a common problem along with the watch fogging up on the inside. Here you will find the most common reasons and suitable solutions.
Automatic watch stops: These are the reasons
Automatic watches are practical because they basically always work. You don't have to worry about new batteries or recharging the battery. Depending on the model, you can also leave them for 20 to 50 hours before you have to move them again. However, even these clocks can suddenly stop. There can be different reasons. Of course, the power reserve can simply be used up. The watch spring is then no longer tensioned and you have to move the automatic watch again to bring the spring back into the correct position. If you don't want to wear the watch for a long time, we recommend storing it in a watch winder. But there are also other causes.
One of the most common causes is loose bolts. The screws have loosened slightly downwards due to vibrations. This can happen if you leave your watch on while playing sports like mountain biking or golf. In such cases, you should also have the screws checked regularly. But even everyday hand movements can sometimes lead to a loose screw.
In everyday use, dirt and dust can find their way into the watch case. In the long run, dirt can block the movement. Then you should have your watch cleaned and serviced by qualified personnel.
One of the most important parts of an automatic watch is the mainspring. Under certain circumstances, this spring can break suddenly. Above all, the natural aging of the material makes the spring less resilient. In all watches with such a spring there is a lock that prevents excessive tension. However, the mainspring can become less resilient over time. If the spring then breaks, the automatic watch stops.
Another part that can break is the automatic elevator. This ensures that the watch is wound up by the movements. Various components can break here. For example, the rotor axis can break due to a violent impact.
Those are the solutions
Depending on the cause, different solutions are possible for the repair of an automatic watch. The expert should simply tighten loose screws again. This work is not too extensive and you can expect repair costs between 15 and 30 euros. Then a water resistance test is often included.
Dirt should be removed by a specialist. This dismantles the movement into its individual parts and cleans them. A special lubricating oil also cares for the movement. With a complicated movement, cleaning is more complex than with simple variants. Therefore, cleaning takes longer and costs more. Experts refer to this cleaning as revision. You pay about 150 euros for an automatic watch. The revision of simpler movements usually costs less, while more complex models cost up to 300 euros. The cost can also depend on the brand.
You have to have a broken mainspring replaced. You should also check if the spring has damaged anything else in the watch when it broke. Depending on the replacement spring used, you pay a price of 60 euros or more for the repair. However, a good spring can make further problems less likely in the future.
If the automatic elevator is defective, the duration and price of the repair depends on the exact cause. Especially with older watches, the repair can also be difficult because the spare parts are no longer available. Or they are very expensive.
Insider tips: This way your watch stays intact for a long time
Basically, good care is the best precaution against stopping the automatic watch. Many experts recommend an annual water resistance check. In addition, a regular audit can uncover problems in advance. But even with the best care, it cannot be ruled out that something will happen. As a first measure, you should then remove the automatic watch and expose it to as little vibration as possible. This will prevent further damage. After that, it's best to take it to a watchmaker and have it professionally repaired.
So that you don't have to bear the costs, you can check in advance whether Watch Insurance is an option for you. Get a precise overview of the contract terms so that you can calculate whether the offer is worthwhile for you. Repair cost insurance may also make sense. You can insure electronic watches and smartwatches with electrical equipment insurance.
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