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Hello everyone, today I will talk about the basic use and maintenance of mechanical watches. Mechanical watches, with their precision craftsmanship and handed down value, have always occupied a core position in the high-end watch market. A high-quality mechanical watch is not only a time measurement tool, but also a craft that carries ingenuity. However, data shows that 68% of mechanical watch failures are caused by improper daily use (Source: Swiss Watch Industry Federation 2023 Report). This article will systematically analyze the operation specifications and maintenance system of mechanical watches to help you extend the life of your beloved watch and maintain accurate timekeeping.
1. Basic operation guide of mechanical watches: 5 key steps
1. Power reserve management
· Automatic mechanical watch: Wear it for 8 hours a day to maintain 36-48 hours of power (depending on the movement model)
· Manual winding: Turn the crown clockwise 25-30 times until the resistance is obvious, avoid over-winding to damage the spring
· Power exhaustion warning: Wind the watch immediately when the second hand jumps intermittently or the date jump stops
2. Time calibration specifications
· Non-antimagnetic watch: Avoid strong magnetic field environments such as mobile phones and speakers
· Calendar adjustment: Operate during non-restricted periods (6 am-10 pm) to avoid gear damage
. Time zone adjustment: Areas on both sides of the International Date Line need to be adjusted step by step
3. Waterproof system awareness
· 30 meters waterproof: Only splash water in daily life, no washing and wearing
· 50 meters waterproof: Can swim daily, the seal needs to be tested every six months
· Diving watch (300 meters +): After use, rinse with clean water to remove salt residue
4. Anti-magnetic and shock-proof principles
. Anti-magnetic standards: Better than ISO 764 standard antimagnetic watch can withstand 80,000 A/m magnetic field
· Daily protection: Keep the phone 30cm away and avoid placing it next to the speaker
· Shockproof test: The movement that passes the MIL-STD-810G standard can withstand 50G impact
5. Environmental adaptability
· Extreme temperature: Avoid contact with hot springs (60C+) or minus 10℃ environment
· Humidity control: Long-term storage requires desiccant to keep humidity <50%
· Chemical protection: Wipe with a soft cloth immediately after contact with perfume and detergent
2. In-depth maintenance system: 7 key points
1. Case maintenance process
.Weekly cleaning: Use a special microfiber cloth to wipe, and alcohol solvents are prohibited
· Strap maintenance: Metal chain straps are soaked in white vinegar to remove rust every month, and leather straps are kept away from sweat
· Mirror treatment: Scratches require professional polishing, and scratch-resistant mineral glass is used daily
2. Power system maintenance
· Automatic rotor lubrication: Add special lubricants every 3-5 years (Swan is recommended) 7001)
. Mainspring maintenance: models with power reserve exceeding 72 hours need to check the mainspring tension regularly
· Clutch device: send for repair immediately if winding/timing jam occurs
3. Escapement maintenance
· Hairspring calibration: time error caused by temperature change >±15 seconds/day needs to be repaired
· Balance wheel maintenance: high-frequency balance wheel (above 28,800vph) needs to be fully inspected every 5 years
· Jewel bearing: check the mounting firmness of ruby bearing every 2 years
4. Waterproof system inspection
·Airtight test: professional equipment inspection needs to reach 150% of the nominal pressure
· Sealing ring replacement: rubber parts must be replaced every 2 years (shortened to 1 year for diving watches)
· Helium exhaust valve maintenance: saturated diving watches need to be exhausted every 50 hours of use
5. In-depth maintenance of the movement
· Comprehensive Disassembly and cleaning: The recommended maintenance cycle for full disassembly is 5-8 years (shortened for complex function watches)
· Polishing process: Decorative surfaces such as Geneva patterns are partially refurbished every 10 years
Anti-glare treatment: Sapphire crystal mirror coating is repaired every 3 years
6. Environmental protection plan
· Storage equipment: Use professional watch box + silica gel desiccant (humidity indicator card monitoring)
. Light-proof measures: Long-term storage requires covering with blackout cloth to prevent aging of luminous coating
Shockproof bracket: Use original shockproof packaging during transportation to avoid severe vibration
7. Professional maintenance options
· Official after-sales: Give priority to brand direct sales centers (spare parts supplied by the original factory)
· Independent watchmakers: It is recommended to choose certification agencies such as FOAC for complex function watches
Maintenance cycle: Basic models are fully maintained for 5 years, and complex function watches are specially maintained for 3 years
3. Common misunderstandings: 7 taboos in the use of mechanical watches
1. Waterproof cognition misunderstanding: 30 meters waterproof ≠ can be worn for swimming (in actual measurement, most 30 meters watches are only splash-proof in daily life)
2. Magnetic protection blind spot: smartphone speakers > 10cm away may still cause permanent magnetism
3. Power overload risk: forced winding more than 30 turns may damage the automatic rotor bearing
4. Magnetic field demagnetization misunderstanding: improper use of demagnetizer will cause hairspring deformation
5. Core disassembly risk: non-professional disassembly may cause gemstones to fall off
6. Incorrect use of cleaning agents: cleaning agents containing ammonia will corrode metal straps
7. Hazards of sudden temperature changes: Failure to adapt to the change between winter and summer can easily lead to sludge condensation
Conclusion: Maintenance philosophy of mechanical watches
Real mechanical watch maintenance is not only a technical operation, but also a respect for watchmaking craftsmanship. Mastering scientific maintenance methods, your mechanical watch can not only transcend the long river of time, but also be passed down from generation to generation. Remember: every mechanical watch is a living mechanical art, which requires the owner to communicate with wisdom and patience. When you gently stroke the case and feel the rhythm of the movement, the mechanical beauty that has been passed down for a hundred years is the true meaning of mechanical watch maintenance.
1. Basic operation guide of mechanical watches: 5 key steps
1. Power reserve management
· Automatic mechanical watch: Wear it for 8 hours a day to maintain 36-48 hours of power (depending on the movement model)
· Manual winding: Turn the crown clockwise 25-30 times until the resistance is obvious, avoid over-winding to damage the spring
· Power exhaustion warning: Wind the watch immediately when the second hand jumps intermittently or the date jump stops
2. Time calibration specifications
· Non-antimagnetic watch: Avoid strong magnetic field environments such as mobile phones and speakers
· Calendar adjustment: Operate during non-restricted periods (6 am-10 pm) to avoid gear damage
. Time zone adjustment: Areas on both sides of the International Date Line need to be adjusted step by step
3. Waterproof system awareness
· 30 meters waterproof: Only splash water in daily life, no washing and wearing
· 50 meters waterproof: Can swim daily, the seal needs to be tested every six months
· Diving watch (300 meters +): After use, rinse with clean water to remove salt residue
4. Anti-magnetic and shock-proof principles
. Anti-magnetic standards: Better than ISO 764 standard antimagnetic watch can withstand 80,000 A/m magnetic field
· Daily protection: Keep the phone 30cm away and avoid placing it next to the speaker
· Shockproof test: The movement that passes the MIL-STD-810G standard can withstand 50G impact
5. Environmental adaptability
· Extreme temperature: Avoid contact with hot springs (60C+) or minus 10℃ environment
· Humidity control: Long-term storage requires desiccant to keep humidity <50%
· Chemical protection: Wipe with a soft cloth immediately after contact with perfume and detergent
2. In-depth maintenance system: 7 key points
1. Case maintenance process
.Weekly cleaning: Use a special microfiber cloth to wipe, and alcohol solvents are prohibited
· Strap maintenance: Metal chain straps are soaked in white vinegar to remove rust every month, and leather straps are kept away from sweat
· Mirror treatment: Scratches require professional polishing, and scratch-resistant mineral glass is used daily
2. Power system maintenance
· Automatic rotor lubrication: Add special lubricants every 3-5 years (Swan is recommended) 7001)
. Mainspring maintenance: models with power reserve exceeding 72 hours need to check the mainspring tension regularly
· Clutch device: send for repair immediately if winding/timing jam occurs
3. Escapement maintenance
· Hairspring calibration: time error caused by temperature change >±15 seconds/day needs to be repaired
· Balance wheel maintenance: high-frequency balance wheel (above 28,800vph) needs to be fully inspected every 5 years
· Jewel bearing: check the mounting firmness of ruby bearing every 2 years
4. Waterproof system inspection
·Airtight test: professional equipment inspection needs to reach 150% of the nominal pressure
· Sealing ring replacement: rubber parts must be replaced every 2 years (shortened to 1 year for diving watches)
· Helium exhaust valve maintenance: saturated diving watches need to be exhausted every 50 hours of use
5. In-depth maintenance of the movement
· Comprehensive Disassembly and cleaning: The recommended maintenance cycle for full disassembly is 5-8 years (shortened for complex function watches)
· Polishing process: Decorative surfaces such as Geneva patterns are partially refurbished every 10 years
Anti-glare treatment: Sapphire crystal mirror coating is repaired every 3 years
6. Environmental protection plan
· Storage equipment: Use professional watch box + silica gel desiccant (humidity indicator card monitoring)
. Light-proof measures: Long-term storage requires covering with blackout cloth to prevent aging of luminous coating
Shockproof bracket: Use original shockproof packaging during transportation to avoid severe vibration
7. Professional maintenance options
· Official after-sales: Give priority to brand direct sales centers (spare parts supplied by the original factory)
· Independent watchmakers: It is recommended to choose certification agencies such as FOAC for complex function watches
Maintenance cycle: Basic models are fully maintained for 5 years, and complex function watches are specially maintained for 3 years
3. Common misunderstandings: 7 taboos in the use of mechanical watches
1. Waterproof cognition misunderstanding: 30 meters waterproof ≠ can be worn for swimming (in actual measurement, most 30 meters watches are only splash-proof in daily life)
2. Magnetic protection blind spot: smartphone speakers > 10cm away may still cause permanent magnetism
3. Power overload risk: forced winding more than 30 turns may damage the automatic rotor bearing
4. Magnetic field demagnetization misunderstanding: improper use of demagnetizer will cause hairspring deformation
5. Core disassembly risk: non-professional disassembly may cause gemstones to fall off
6. Incorrect use of cleaning agents: cleaning agents containing ammonia will corrode metal straps
7. Hazards of sudden temperature changes: Failure to adapt to the change between winter and summer can easily lead to sludge condensation
Conclusion: Maintenance philosophy of mechanical watches
Real mechanical watch maintenance is not only a technical operation, but also a respect for watchmaking craftsmanship. Mastering scientific maintenance methods, your mechanical watch can not only transcend the long river of time, but also be passed down from generation to generation. Remember: every mechanical watch is a living mechanical art, which requires the owner to communicate with wisdom and patience. When you gently stroke the case and feel the rhythm of the movement, the mechanical beauty that has been passed down for a hundred years is the true meaning of mechanical watch maintenance.