Owning a Longines watch is not only a mark of luxury but also requires proper care and maintenance. One crucial part of this is winding your watch correctly to keep it running accurately. Whether you have an automatic or manual Longines watch, understanding how to wind it properly can prevent damage and prolong its lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to wind a Longines watch, ensuring that your timepiece stays in perfect condition.
Understanding the Type of Your Longines Watch
Before winding your watch, it’s important to know whether you own an automatic (self-winding) or a manual Longines watch. Each type requires a different approach to winding.
Automatic Watches
Automatic Longines watches are powered by the motion of your wrist. They typically do not need to be manually wound unless they have been inactive for an extended period.
Manual Watches
Manual Longines watches, on the other hand, require regular winding to keep running. These watches do not wind themselves and will stop after they run out of power.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winding a Longines Automatic Watch
Even though automatic watches wind themselves with regular use, they still need occasional manual winding if they haven’t been worn for a few days. Here’s how to wind your automatic Longines watch:
Step 1: Position the Crown
The crown is the small knob on the side of your watch. Gently pull the crown out to its first position. This is typically the winding position for most automatic watches.
Step 2: Wind the Watch
Turn the crown clockwise, or forward, using slow and steady motions. For automatic watches, about 20-30 full turns are enough to fully wind the watch. Be careful not to overwind, as automatic watches have a mechanism to prevent overwinding, but it’s still best to proceed gently.
Step 3: Push the Crown Back
Once you’ve wound the watch, push the crown back to its original position. This secures the crown and ensures the watch is properly sealed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winding a Longines Manual Watch
Manual watches require a different process since they depend entirely on manual winding to stay powered.
Step 1: Locate and Pull the Crown
Locate the crown on the side of your watch. For manual watches, gently pull the crown out to the first position. This is where you’ll wind the watch.
Step 2: Wind the Watch Carefully
Turn the crown clockwise, but this time, wind until you feel resistance. Once you feel the resistance, stop winding. Overwinding a manual watch can damage the internal mechanism, so it’s important to stop when you feel the tension.
Step 3: Push the Crown Back In
Once the watch is fully wound, push the crown back into its resting position. This secures the watch and keeps it running until the next winding.
How Often Should You Wind Your Longines Watch?
For Automatic Watches
If you wear your Longines automatic watch daily, there is no need to wind it manually. The motion of your wrist should keep it powered. However, if you haven’t worn the watch in a few days, manually winding it once every few days will ensure it keeps accurate time.
For Manual Watches
Manual Longines watches require winding every 24 to 48 hours, depending on the model. It’s a good habit to wind your manual watch at the same time each day to ensure consistent operation.
Tips for Proper Winding
- Avoid Overwinding: For manual watches, always stop winding when you feel resistance. Overwinding can cause damage to the watch’s internal components.
- Gentle Handling: Be gentle when pulling out and turning the crown. Rough handling can damage the crown or the delicate mechanisms inside.
- Wind Slowly: Rapid winding can put unnecessary strain on the gears. Slow and steady winding is the best way to ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly wind your Longines watch is essential for keeping it in top working condition. Whether you own an automatic or manual model, following these simple steps will ensure your timepiece runs accurately and lasts for many years. Regular care, including gentle or choosing Mozsly watch winder, is key to preserving the beauty and functionality of your Longines watch.
