A luxury watch is more than just an instrument to tell time. It is a living piece of mechanical art. One of the most important aspects of caring for it is understanding how the power reserve of a luxury watch works, as well as the proper way to wind it so that its performance remains precise. This article will serve as a complete guide on how to wind a watch, from automatic and manual winding to common mistakes that should be avoided.

What is Power Reserve in a Luxury Watch

Power reserve refers to how long a mechanical watch can continue running after the mainspring is fully wound. In general, luxury watches have a standard power reserve of 36-48 hours, though some high-end collections can last up to 5-7 days. The longer the power reserve, the longer the watch can maintain accuracy without being rewound.

For a collector, understanding power reserve is not only about function but also an appreciation of the complexity of luxury watchmaking itself.

How to Wind a Watch with an Automatic Movement

Luxury watches with automatic movements are known for their rotor, which moves along with the motion of your wrist. This rotor naturally winds the mainspring. However, if the watch has not been worn for several days and the power reserve has run out, the best way is to perform manual winding first.

To wind the watch, remove it from your wrist, then turn the crown about 30-40 times clockwise. This is sufficient to wind the mainspring and ensure the movement runs stably again. After that, your daily activities will keep the rotor functioning and the watch powered.

For collectors with multiple pieces, a watch winder can be a practical solution. This device keeps automatic watches running even when not worn, so the power reserve never runs out.

How to Wind a Watch with Manual Winding

Unlike automatic movements, manual winding watches rely entirely on your interaction with the crown. There is no rotor, meaning every bit of energy comes directly from your hand.

The process begins by removing the watch from your wrist to avoid lateral pressure on the stem. Next, turn the crown slowly clockwise. Typically, 20-40 turns are needed to fully wind the mainspring. It is essential to pay attention to resistance: once the crown feels heavy, stop immediately. That is the sign that the mainspring is fully wound.

The discipline of winding a manual watch is part of the ritual that allows collectors to feel closer to their mechanical instruments.

How to Wind Quartz, Solar, and Hybrid Non-Mechanical Watches

Not all luxury watches rely on a mainspring. Watches with quartz movements use batteries, so “winding” means replacing the battery every two to three years. For solar or hybrid models such as Citizen Eco-Drive or Seiko Solar, the process is simpler: just expose the watch to natural or artificial light to recharge the energy cell.

Although different from mechanical watches, quartz watch care remains important. Seals should be checked to prevent water and moisture from damaging the movement, especially for watches with high water resistance ratings.

Power Reserve Indicators as a Visual Guide for Collectors

Some luxury watches are equipped with a power reserve indicator on the dial. This feature allows you to monitor the remaining energy without guesswork. Typically, the indicator is shown as a scale or a small hand that tells you whether the energy is full, decreasing, or nearly empty.

For manual watches, this indicator is particularly practical because it lets you know the right moment to wind. For automatic watches, it provides assurance that the rotor is working as it should.

Common Mistakes in Winding Luxury Watches

Every small detail in horology can have significant consequences. Below are common mistakes made by luxury watch owners:

  • Over-winding a manual watch: Excess pressure can damage the mainspring, thus always stop once the crown feels heavy
  • Winding while wearing the watch: Lateral pressure on the stem can shorten the lifespan of small components, so always remove the watch before winding
  • Neglecting regular use of automatics: If not worn, the watch can stop completely and require resetting of additional functions such as the calendar. For this reason, it should be stored in a watch winder

Avoiding these small mistakes will extend the life of your luxury watch while also preserving its value.

For a connoisseur, winding a luxury watch is more than a technical necessity. It is a ritual that creates a personal bond between the owner and the timepiece. The precision of winding, the attention to the power reserve indicator, and the awareness to maintain the watch properly are all part of the art of ownership.

Caring for the power reserve properly means keeping this heritage alive. Whether you wear a luxury watch with an automatic movement, collect manual winding pieces, or choose quartz and solar technology, each type has its own method of charging and requires special attention. By caring for the power reserve of a luxury watch correctly, you are not only safeguarding accuracy but also preserving the value, aesthetics, and prestige of your collection.

Find luxury watches with the best power reserves and guaranteed 100% authenticity only at Luxehouze. As the destination of choice for collectors, Luxehouze curates premium timepieces from the world’s most renowned brands. It is time to own your dream watch with full confidence in authenticity and quality.