How to care for an automatic watch

How to wind an automatic watch

Worn daily, an automatic winds itself. After a few days in a drawer it stops when the reserve runs out; on the NH35A that is about 41 hours.

1. If your crown screws down, unscrew it first until it pops out. If not, go straight to the next step.
2. With the crown pushed in, turn it gently clockwise 20 to 30 times. It starts after a few turns.
3. Set the time and put it on; your wrist keeps it wound.

You cannot overwind a modern automatic: a slipping mechanism stops the mainspring being over-tightened.

Setting the time

1. Pull the crown fully out; the seconds hand stops (hacking).
2. Advance the hands past 12 once and check whether the date changed: if it did, it is now morning.
3. Set the exact time and wait for your reference clock to reach zero seconds.
4. Push the crown in, and screw it down if it screws.

Tip: overshoot the minute slightly and come back, so the hand sits exactly on the marker.

Setting the date, and when not to

1. Pull the crown to the first click, not all the way.
2. Turn it in the direction that advances the date.
3. Push the crown back in.

The key rule: do not change the date when the watch shows roughly 9 pm to 3 am. The date wheels are engaged for the midnight change and a quickset can damage them. Move the time to about 6 o'clock first, set the date, then set the time.

The date does not know month lengths; after a 30-day month or February, advance it by hand.

Storage

• Dry and shaded: not on a sunny windowsill or in a steamy bathroom.
• Away from magnets: speakers, magnetic bag clasps and tablet covers can magnetise the movement and make it run fast. A watchmaker can demagnetise it in seconds.
• No knocks: not in a drawer with keys; use a box or soft pouch.
• No winder needed: if it stops, just wind and set it.

Cleaning a steel bracelet

1. If possible, remove the bracelet from the watch; if not, keep the case and crown dry.
2. Use a soft toothbrush with a little water and mild soap between the links.
3. Rinse gently and dry thoroughly with microfibre.

We do not publish a water-resistance rating here, so do not submerge the watch or hold it under a tap. Questions? Ask us on WhatsApp.

Caring for a leather strap

• Keep it dry; if it gets wet, air-dry it away from heat.
• Let it breathe; in summer, rest it a day now and then.
• Wipe with a dry cloth; occasionally a little leather cream on smooth leather.
• No perfume; let perfume, hand cream and alcohol dry before you put it on.

Our 20 mm straps have quick-release spring bars for easy swaps. See the size guide.

Watchmaker service

A periodic service means cleaning, oiling and regulation. There is no fixed interval; see a watchmaker when accuracy changes noticeably or the reserve shortens. Every ATÉRET watch is an NH35A automatic, ₪790 to ₪940. Design yours or read what is an automatic watch.

Frequently asked questions

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