How to Maintain an Automatic Watch: Daily Wear, Storage & Servicing

Introduction

Owning an automatic watch is more than just telling time—it’s about caring for a small mechanical machine on your wrist.

While automatic watches are built to last, proper maintenance is essential to keep them accurate, reliable, and beautiful for decades. In this guide, you’ll learn how to maintain an automatic watch, from daily wear habits to storage tips and servicing schedules.

If you’re new to automatic watches, start here first:
👉 What Is an Automatic Watch? Pros, Cons & Who Should Buy One

1. Daily Wear: The Simplest Maintenance Habit

The easiest way to maintain an automatic watch is simply to wear it regularly.

Automatic watches rely on wrist movement to stay wound. Wearing your watch daily keeps the mainspring energized and the movement running smoothly.

Daily wear tips:

Wear the watch at least 6–8 hours a day
Avoid extreme shocks or drops
Keep it away from strong magnets (speakers, phone cases, laptops)

Not wearing it often? You may want to understand how an automatic watch works to avoid common mistakes.

2. Should You Manually Wind an Automatic Watch?

Yes—but only when necessary.

If your automatic watch has stopped after sitting unused, gently winding it before wearing helps restore power.

How to wind safely:

Unscrew the crown (if applicable)
Turn it clockwise 20–30 times
Stop when you feel resistance (don’t force it)

Manual winding occasionally is safe, but daily over-winding is unnecessary.

3. Proper Storage When Not Wearing Your Watch

How you store your automatic watch matters more than most people think.

Short-term storage (1–3 days):

Lay it flat on a soft surface
Keep it away from electronics and magnets

Long-term storage:

Store in a watch box or pouch
Keep in a dry, room-temperature environment
Avoid direct sunlight and humidity

Watch winders: Yes or no?

Watch winders can be helpful if you rotate multiple watches, but they are not mandatory. Occasional stopping does not harm an automatic watch.

4. Cleaning Your Automatic Watch

Basic cleaning helps preserve both appearance and performance.

Simple cleaning steps:

Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft microfiber cloth
For metal bracelets, use a slightly damp cloth
Avoid water unless the watch is water-resistant

⚠️ Never open the case yourself—this can introduce dust and moisture.

5. Servicing: How Often Does an Automatic Watch Need It?

Like any mechanical device, automatic watches need professional servicing.

Recommended service interval:

Every 3–5 years for regular wear
Sooner if accuracy drops significantly

A proper service includes:

Cleaning the movement
Replacing worn parts
Re-lubrication
Water-resistance testing

6. Common Automatic Watch Maintenance Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes to extend your watch’s lifespan:

❌ Exposing it to strong magnets
❌ Wearing it during intense sports
❌ Over-winding the crown
❌ Skipping servicing for too long

Many issues like stopping or losing time are preventable with basic care.

Related reading: Why Is My Automatic Watch Stopping? Common Reasons Explained

Final Thoughts

Maintaining an automatic watch doesn’t require constant effort—just consistent care and awareness. With proper daily wear, safe storage, and periodic servicing, an automatic watch can last a lifetime.

If you value craftsmanship and long-term reliability, learning how to care for your watch is part of the enjoyment.

👉 Still deciding if an automatic watch is right for you?
Read our guide: Automatic Watch vs Quartz: Differences, Pros & Which to Choose