How to tame your automatic watch
Have you just got your hands on an automatic watch and are wondering how to get the best out of it? Rest assured, the MB Watches team will give you the keys to taking care of it and enjoying every second that passes. So, are you ready to master your timepiece like a pro?
What is a mechanical automatic watch?
1. The magic of an automatic watch
Forget batteries! An automatic watch works with the movements of your wrist. If you wear it every day, it recharges effortlessly, thanks to a mechanism that is as fascinating as it is efficient. For the uninitiated, there are two types of mechanical watch: those that have to be wound manually and those that, like your automatic watch, are powered by every movement.
For example, the Alicanto, Phénix and Thunderbird are models with an automatic mechanical movement.
2. The autonomy of an automatic watch: your energy reserve
Your automatic watch has a ‘power reserve’: a sort of natural battery that enables it to continue running, even when not in use. Our watches at MB Watches last around 42 hours without movement. If it stops after a few days, don’t panic! Wind it by turning the crown (which is pressed against the case) clockwise up to about thirty turns, and that’s it.
A little personal tip: when my watch stops, I simply put it back on my wrist. I start my day without winding it or setting the time. After 15 minutes, it will have already stored up enough energy and will be back on its own. All I have to do is set the time and date again.
How to look after your automatic watch
Precision and tolerance of the movement
Your automatic watch may vary by a few seconds each day. Don’t worry, this is normal and is part of the charm of these mechanical watches. The precision of our settings is the big difference compared to other French watch brands. Most brands promise a fault of 20 or even 40 seconds a day. Our models leave the workshop with a fault of 5 seconds (or less) per day.
Has your watch suffered a serious shock? It’s possible that it’s a little out of tune. But that’s what we’re here for.
Precautions to keep your watch in perfect condition
1. Beware of shocks
Your automatic watch is robust but not invincible. Avoid wearing it for violent sports such as tennis or golf. But the best tests are those carried out in real life…
Anecdotes include violent falls from mountain bikes, watches ripped off and trampled on during metal concerts and firefighters going into fires with their watches. And yet their watches are still in perfect condition…
2. Water-resistance: be careful
Your watch is water-resistant, but watch out for products that attack plastics, solvents and certain perfumes. If you dive or swim frequently, you should have your watch checked for water-resistance every two years.
If it’s been several years since your watch has been checked in the workshop and you notice a slight fogging up inside, you should contact us immediately to change the seals.
3. Avoid magnetic sources
Keep your watch away from magnetic fields (telephones, speakers, etc.). Prolonged exposure could disrupt its mechanism, or even stop it altogether. If your watch suddenly jumps ahead for no reason, it is probably magnetised: take it to the workshop to be demagnetised.
4. Change the date, but not just any old time
Have you ever heard of the death zone? The time when you should not correct the date on your mechanical watch!
Among our models concerned, only the Thunderbird should not undergo a date correction between 10pm and 2am.
Our other models are not affected
More information on the death zone:
Here is our blog article
Here is our Youtube video
You are now equipped to enjoy your automatic watch to the full, without stress. The MB Watches team is here to help you keep your precision jewel in perfect condition. Because an automatic watch is a style, a legendary mechanism, and the ideal companion for those who live to the rhythm of their passions.
