What Will Happen If I Keep Watches Running When I Am Not Wearing Them?

Time waits for no-one. If anyone who knows this quote better is a watchmaker. As the digital world steps into everything, lifestyle demands versatility more than ever. Major watchmakers are in a hurry to introduce versatile timepieces to meet our demands.

Also, many critical questions/confusions have arisen over the time surrounding luxury timepieces. Amongst these confusions, the most popular one is whether or not I keep my watches running when they are not in use.

In this article, we have analyzed confusion, as mentioned above, by supporting the expert’s recommended view.

Indeed, you may have a strong desire for watches, or you have already owned several luxury watches. As we presume, you probably wear all these watches chronologically. Since you wear all the watches in rotation, each of your wristwatches has to wait for its turn. And such an interval may involve a significant amount of time.

Perhaps you are wondering whether you need to keep the watches running while you’re not wearing them differently. It is merely better off to give the watches a rest during the interval.

The good news is that we have gathered enough information to eliminate all your confusion. However, there are thoughts in this regard. According to one group, one must keep their watches running all the time as constant functionality keeps the lubricant in good condition and increases the watch’s lifespan.

On the other hand, another group is claiming that continuous functioning can shorten the battery life and other components of a watch.

Yet, we can deduce that the simple answer is “never let them run constantly.” It would help if you didn’t keep your watches running when you don’t wear them. However, there can be a situation where you might need to keep your watch running always.

Here is Our Presumption

Whether you have an automatic watch or a quartz watch, you may experience some detrimental factor if you let the watches running all the time. An automatic watch is a self-winding watch. The wearer’s natural body motions trigger the mechanical movement of the watch. Your body motion automatically rewinds the mainspring of your watch.

The movement inside of an automatic watch is very complicated. Thus, if your automatic watch runs all the time – its longevity can be declined. The watch may wear out over time. Best to our belief, keep your automatic watch deactivate during a long break. Later, shake the watch to activate and set the time and date.

In the case of a quartz movement watch, the loss you will incur is double. Quartz movement runs by electricity. And a replaceable battery is the primary source to supply that electricity. Besides, quartz crystal is the moving part in a quartz watch.

The constant functionality of a quartz watch will result in continuous battery drainage. Also, the moving parts will wear out over a short period.

Here Are The Expert’s Comments

Two great watch expertise, Paul and Jan Ubels, have given their opinion in favor of keeping watches deactivated while they are not in use. Their views are summarized below.

Above all, if you keep your watch running all the time, there is a high possibility that the inside components will wear out faster. When it comes to the lubricants, it won’t dry out more quickly if when the watches are stopped. If the lubricant substance inside your watch is in good condition, hopefully, the lubricant won’t wear soon. Yet, some uncertain situations may result in the grease to be contaminated inside the watch. Lubricants may lose its optimal condition for whatever reason that you’ll never know for sure.

Most importantly, make sure the watch you are using comes with premium quality synthetic oils and greases. Right quality lubricants won’t easily dry out quickly. Usually, the problem of drying out lubricant exists with traditional non-synthetic lubricating substances.

Besides, if your watch runs all the time, it’s going to have much wear and tear by exposure to constant movements. It’s better off to have an undamaged watch that only needs occasional lubricating instead of having a worn-out watch.

Let’s take a simple example - indeed, a reasonable person won’t let their car engine run while it’s not in use. Similarly, the performance and longevity of two cars – one is running for 10-years, and another is running for just 1-years will never be alike. The same rules apply for the watches, too, since a watch involves an intensive and complicated mechanical function.

Watch experts, Tim Grönefeld, and Andrea van Steijn both gave a very different opinion. Both of them have agreed that lubricants inside a watch will dry or wear out eventually after a specific time. It will happen to every watch regardless of their status. Thus, whether you keep your watch active or not for years – the lubricant will dry out once a specific time is elapsed. Besides, you will need to replace the lubricants eventually after 5-or-so years. And it doesn’t matter whether you run them or not for a long time.

Should You Own A Watch Winder?

A watch winder comes in the form of a tabletop box that gently rotates your automatic watch while the watch isn’t in use. The constant rotation creates a motion that wounds the mainspring; in effect, the watch runs.

In most cases, you don’t need a watch winder. However, a perpetual movement watch may drain some of your time to set. Also, regularly setting a complicated watch can cause damage to the setting mechanism. The traditional lubricant inside your watch can become hardened if you own a vintage automatic watch.

In such cases, investing in a high-quality watch winder is a wise decision. Make sure your chosen watch winder doesn’t operate in a worn way. Too fast rotation and too many rotations may result in damage to your watch.

Final Thoughts On This

It is quite clear from the above discussion that it’s perfectly okay to keep your watch deactivated under most circumstances as it increases your watch’s longevity. Besides, most modern watches come with premium lubricants that don’t wear out fast. Yet, for your perpetual vintage watches – you may take advantage of a watch winder. Also, replacing lubricant every 3 to 5 years can add generous benefits.