Your Rolex is a tough watch, but even most tough guys need a little help sometimes. Most Rolexes are self-winding, using your daily movements to keep the time ticking. But what if you haven't worn your watch in a while, or you're going to a fancy event where you won't be moving your arms much? That's where manual winding comes in. Hence, here's how to wind a Rolex watch easily.
Related to: How to Tell if a Rolex is Real: 5 Unexpectedly Simple Sign
Why Wind Your Rolex?
First off, why wind a Rolex at all? More than keeping the watch ticking, winding your Rolex is important to maintain its delicate internal machinery. Think of it as an oil change for a better-performance engine – a preventive measure that safeguards both accuracy and longevity. Additionally, there are several occasions when winding your Rolex watch is necessary, such as:
- Restarting a Stalled Engine: If your Rolex hasn't been worn for a few days, the internal spring (called the mainspring) loses its power and the watch stops. A few winds get the mainspring working again and your watch ticking.
- Staying Accurate: Regular winding can help keep your Rolex accurate, especially if you don't wear it every day. Think of it like a tune-up for your watch.
- Travel Timekeeper: Frequent flyers or those taking long trips might want to wind their Rolex before departure to avoid a mid-air timekeeping crisis.
Read also: The Ultimate Rolex Forum: What is it?
How to Wind Your Rolex (Screw-Down Crown)
Most modern Rolexes have a screw-down crown to protect the inside from water. Here's the correct way to wind your Rolex:
- Unscrew the Crown: Find the small knob at 3 o'clock on the side of your watch. Turn it counter-clockwise (like you're loosening a lid) until it pops out a bit. This is the crown.
- Pull Out the Crown: With the crown unscrewed, gently pull it out one notch (it might click). This puts the watch in winding mode.
- Turn the Crown: Spin the crown clockwise (like tightening a screw) until you feel a slight resistance. This means the mainspring is fully wound. Pro tip: Aim for 20-25 winds (with 40 being max) for a good power reserve.
- Push the Crown In: Once wound, carefully push the crown back into the first notch (it might click again).
- Screw the Crown Back In: Finally, turn the crown clockwise (like tightening a lid) until it screws back down all the way. This keeps water out of your watch.
Vintage Rolexes (No Screw-Down Crown)
Some older Rolex models may lack a screw-down crown mechanism, a feature commonly found in newer iterations. Despite this distinction, the process of adjusting the timepiece remains straightforward. Users simply need to pull it out gently to its furthest position and then turn it clockwise until they encounter resistance.
This method ensures that the crown is securely in place, allowing for precise time adjustment without the added step of screwing it down.
Warning Signs: Stop Winding!
Even though Rolexes are tough, overwinding can damage the parts inside. Twisting the crown too much can wear down the tiny rubber rings (called gaskets) inside that keep water out. Even a super tough Rolex can leak if these gaskets break, so protecting them is important, especially if you wear your watch swimming.
Rolex knows you'll need to unscrew the crown sometimes to wind your watch or set the time. That's okay! But if you find yourself unscrewing it every day, try to be careful. Think of the crown like the lock on your phone case – use it when you need to, but don't open and close it all the time.
After all, too much winding can wear down the tiny parts inside and lead to costly repairs. A report from the Swiss Watch Expo says a standard watch service can cost between $600 and $1200. It’s not only about money, but also the time gap you are apart with that precious watch. So, here's when to stop:
- Getting Stiff: As the mainspring gets full, turning the crown will feel a little harder. This is your cue to stop winding.
- Strange Noises: If you hear any clicking or grinding sounds while winding, stop right away and take your Rolex to a watchmaker. A watchmaker is like a doctor for your watch!
Watch Winders: An Automatic Option
For folks with a bunch of Rolexes, or those who just don't want to mess with winding every day, it can be a hassle. That's why watch lovers in places like Dubai and New York use watch winders. These are basically fancy boxes with motors that gently turn your watch all day long, keeping it wound automatically.
Skip the hassle of repairs and daily winding, let’s look into watch winders. Do see how they can keep your Rolex happy and healthy. Here is an example of the largest watch winders that I found:
YACHTLINE™ Series 16
YACHTLINE™ Series 16
This exquisite watch winder combines superior craftsmanship, precise rotation settings, optimal protection, silent operation, ample storage, and an elegant design
Discover NowBest Deals
Introducing the Yachtline Series 16 watch winder. Crafted with 16 parts to mimic your wrist movement, it will keep your Rolexes in pristine condition. Quiet operation, stylish design, and effortless use – the Yachtline Series 16 is the perfect solution for your Rolex collection.
- Dimensions: W. 9" x L. 17" x H. 20.5"
- Weight: 30 lbs/13.6 kg
- Power Supply: 5V2A
- Rotation Direction: Alternating, left, right
- Rotations Per Day: Individual Programmable Rotor (Range: 600 to 2100 TPD)
- Material: Wood/MDF
- Exterior Finish: Piano Black
- Interior Finish: Velour
- Engine: Japanese Mabuchi® Rotor Engine (10 dB)
Taking Care of Your Rolex
By learning how to wind your Rolex and following these tips, you can keep your watch running smoothly for years to come. Remember, a Rolex is an investment, so taking care of it is important. Keep exploring our blog for more info on watches! There's a whole world of watch knowledge waiting to be discovered.
