How to properly reassemble a manual watch?

In the watchmaker world, mechanical watches are highly appreciated for their unique charm and the artisanal know-how they represent. Unlike quartz watches, they require regular reassembly to operate optimally. Understanding how to go up a manual watch is essential to preserve its proper functioning over the long term. In this article, we explain, step by step, how to reassemble your mechanical watch, while also giving you practical advice to ensure their longevity and precision.

1. Understand the mechanism of a manual watch

First of all, it is important to know that each mechanical watch Works thanks to a motor spring. This spring stores the energy necessary to supply the cogs and operate the needles. The reassembly process is to roll up this spring, which will then gradually free up the energy stored. Unlike quartz watches that use a battery, the mechanical time guards are based on this manual process. Thus, it is crucial to reassemble your watch regularly, generally every 1 to 5 days, depending on the model and the power reserve of your watch.

2. The steps to go up a manual watch

Now that you have a better understanding of the functioning of a vintage manual watch or not, let's see the steps to follow to go up:

Step 1: Remove the watch from your wrist. It may seem trivial, but it is always better to remove your watch before reassembling it. Indeed, this makes it possible to avoid any pressure on the crown, which could damage the mechanism.

Step 2: Locate the crown. The crown is a small circular room generally located on the right side of the watch. It is used both to adjust the time and to go up the movement of the watch.

Step 3: If necessary, unscrew the crown. Some watches, especially diving watches, are equipped with a screwed crown to guarantee waterproofing. In this case, you just have to unscrew the crown by turning it in the opposite direction of the needles of a watch until it is completely unscrewed.

Step 4: Go up the watch. Then turn the crown in the direction of the needles of a watch. You will feel a slight resistance as the spring stretches. Continue to turn gently until it feels stronger resistance, which indicates that the spring is completely raised.

Step 5: Review the crown (if necessary). If your watch has a screwed crown, do not forget to reveal it properly after reassembly. This ensures the waterproofing of the watch.

3. Tips to maintain a manual remotting watch

To ensure a long service life for your manual watch, it is essential to reassemble it properly, but also to follow some good maintenance practices:

• Go up it regularly: Even if you don't wear your watch every day, remember to go up regularly. This prevents oils inside the mechanism from freeing, which could cause malfunctions.
• Never force the crown: If you feel too strong a resistance during reassembly, stop immediately. Forcing the crown can damage the motor spring or other internal components of the watch.
• Have your watch revise regularly: To maintain its precision, it is recommended to have a mechanical watch revised every 3 to 5 years. A professional watchmaker can check the condition of the parts and carry out an appropriate lubrication to preserve the proper functioning of the mechanism.
• Store it correctly: When you do not wear your watch, keep it in a dry place and out of extreme temperatures. This will notify the oxidation and damage linked to humidity.
• Avoid shocks: Mechanical watches are more sensitive to shocks than quartz watches. Avoid exposing them to impacts that could deregulate the mechanism or damage the case.
• Avoid vibrations: A manual watch is assembled with many visits, it is important to reduce the vibrations as much as possible cannot damage the movement. We therefore recommend that you do not cycle, or even move in two wheels when you wear your manual watch.

Conclusion

In summary, reassemble and regularly maintain a manual watch is essential to guarantee its precision and sustainability. By following the simple steps that we have detailed in this article and taking care of your watch every day, you can be sure that it will accompany you for many years. Regular reassembly, a revision by a qualified watchmaker and adequate storage are essential factors to take into account. In addition, if you respect these practices, you will extend the life of your watch while ensuring its proper functioning.

Also discover our exclusive selection of Vintage mechanical watches available at the house of Atelier Victor. For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp.