For a self-winding watch to
work correctly, the mainspring must build up a sufficient power reserve. Many
people do not know that a self-winding watch needs to be wound manually before
it will run automatically. This is called the initiation process. Without the
initiation process, the timepiece will not operate correctly or on a constant
basis.
In order to initiate the
power reserve, the watch has to be wound manually. Turn the winding crown, in
a clockwise direction for abut 30 to 40 revolutions. This start up wind is usually
enough for most automatic watches.
After the initiation process
has been completed, the watch will automatically wind itself by means of an
oscillating weight (rotor) that shifts when the watch is moved from being worn.
A self-winding watch needs
to be worn for a minimum of eight (8) hours a day to maximize the power reserve.
If this can not be done, or if the timepiece has not been worn or moved for
more than 15 – 20 hours, the initiation process needs to be repeated.
