To manually wind a Movado watch, particularly an automatic model that has stopped or hasn't been worn, you must first unlock the crown by turning it counterclockwise approximately six rotations. After the crown is disengaged, you can then manually wind the automatic movement by turning the crown clockwise about 20-30 times until the second hand begins to move.
Winding Your Automatic Movado Watch
Movado offers a range of timepieces, including both quartz and automatic movements. While quartz watches are battery-powered and do not require winding, automatic Movado watches are powered by the natural motion of your wrist. However, if an automatic watch has been unworn for an extended period, or if its power reserve is depleted, it will stop and need to be manually wound to restart its operation.
Step-by-Step Manual Winding for Automatic Models
Follow these steps to manually wind your automatic Movado watch:
- Unlock the Crown: Locate the crown, typically on the right side of the watch case. Gently turn the crown counterclockwise approximately six rotations. This action unscrews the crown from its sealed position, allowing it to be used for winding and setting. This step is crucial for maintaining the watch's water resistance.
- Wind the Movement: Once the crown is unlocked, turn it clockwise about 20-30 times. As you wind, you will feel a slight resistance. Continue winding until the second hand starts moving smoothly. This process builds up the watch's power reserve.
- Secure the Crown: After winding, gently push the crown back into the case and turn it clockwise to screw it back into its locked, sealed position. This ensures the watch's water resistance is maintained and prevents accidental adjustments.
Important Note: Automatic watches have a built-in slipping clutch mechanism that prevents overwinding, so you generally don't need to worry about damaging the movement by turning the crown too many times, though 20-30 turns are usually sufficient to get it running.
Understanding Different Movado Watch Types
The need for winding—and the method—varies significantly based on your Movado watch's movement type.
- Automatic Movado Watches: These watches are self-winding, meaning they gain power from the motion of your wrist. If worn regularly (8-12 hours a day), they typically won't need manual winding. However, if left unworn for a day or two, they may stop and require the manual winding procedure described above.
- Quartz Movado Watches: Powered by a battery, quartz movements are highly accurate and do not require any winding. Their operation is maintained by the battery, which usually needs replacement every 2-5 years.
- Manual-Wind Movado Watches (Less Common): While most modern Movado automatics can be manually wound, older or specific models might be purely manual-wind. These watches require daily winding by turning the crown clockwise until a gentle resistance is felt, indicating it's fully wound. The crown on a purely manual-wind watch typically doesn't need to be "unlocked" by unscrewing.
To confirm your watch's movement type, you can often check the dial (which might say "Automatic"), the case back, or consult your watch's user manual or the Movado Official Website. For general watch care tips, refer to a comprehensive watch care guide.
Quick Guide to Winding Movado Watches
| Watch Type | Winding Required? | How to Wind | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | Yes (if stopped/low power) | Unlock crown (counterclockwise), then wind clockwise 20-30 turns. | Unscrew, Wind, Rescrew |
| Quartz | No | Battery replacement needed periodically. | No Winding |
| Manual-Wind | Yes (daily) | Turn crown clockwise until gentle resistance. | Wind Daily |
Following the correct winding procedure ensures your Movado timepiece functions accurately and maintains its longevity. Always refer to your watch's specific instructions if available.
