How To Wind an Omega Watch (without damaging it) in 2024
In this article we will discuss how to wind your Omega watch including some of the dos and don'ts. But first we will need to know...
Is it an automatic or manual watch?
Usually it will be obvious as to whether your Omega watch has a manual or automatic type movement. Let’s be honest 99% of the readers will have bought their watch and researched it prior to doing so, let alone listened to the sales pitch from the retailer! However, let us assume that you didn’t actually buy the watch yourself, maybe inherited it. It came with no box, manual or papers to identify the movement. A less likely scenario but it offers us the opportunity to start at the bottom!
How do mechanical watches work?
Mechanical watches are powered by the release of energy from a coiled spring in the movement. This energy is used to turn a series of gears which ultimately rotates the hands on the dial of your watch. But how does the spring get charged? Simply put, with a manual watch, you turn the winding crown, this builds tension in the spring. With an automatic watch the winding is performed by a pendulous rotor which performs the winding for you as you wear the watch on a daily basis. The wrist movements during everyday life rocks the rotor to and fro which puts tension into the spring. A fabulous invention that in theory should negate the need for manual winding, providing the watch is worn regularly.
Auto or manual?
Back to the question above; is it manual or automatic? Some watches have ‘display’ case backs. This means that they have a window on the back, normally sapphire crystal, that shows off the movement within. If you can see a rotor that rocks, then you know that you have an automatic. If there is no rotor, then you have a manual.
But my watch doesn’t have a window! Ok, some rotors can be heard through the case, this isn’t a given but if your environment is dead quiet, then you may just be able to hear the rotor moving if you hold it to your ear and gently rock the watch. It is worth noting that if the rotor is quite loud or makes a grating noise, then it should be sent for a service.
If there is no window and I can’t hear the rotor?! You could wear the watch continuously for a week without winding it. If it stops after a couple of days, you know you have a manual. If it is still going after perhaps 4 or 5 days, then it is more likely* to be an automatic.
Co-Axial
But if it says Co-Axial on the dial - doesn’t that mean that it is an automatic? No, the co-axial designation refers to an innovation (from 1999) that reduces friction within the movement’s components affording better efficiency, reducing wear and the use of less lubrication. Many Co-Axial movements are automatic, but not all.
(*more likely, not definitely!)
How to wind an Automatic Omega watch
The winding process is straightforward in itself. However, as with all brands, Omega produces many model variations and these all come with different complications - features of a watch such as date, chronograph, moonphase, GMT - which might require different setting methods.
Another thing to consider before winding is whether your Omega has a screw down crown. As far as Omega are concerned, screw down crowns are normally fitted to diving style watches - so the Seamaster models. The screw down function offers a more robust level of security against water ingress when submerged at depths. This extra feature might not be considered necessary on non diving watches such as the Speedmaster, Constellation and De Ville ranges.
If your watch does not have a screw down crown, then it is ready to wind in the normal wearing position (winding crown pressed against the case), this is known as ‘position 1’. Simply turn the crown clockwise and you might hear the gears turning inside. Perhaps 25 or so full turns should give a full wind to an automatic watch. You cannot over wind an automatic watch, so you should not meet any resistance.
If your Omega has a screw down crown, then simply turn the crown counterclockwise for a few turns and the crown should pop out to the first position. You may now turn the crown clockwise to wind the watch. Once wound sufficiently, you can set the time, date and any other complications. When you have set the watch as required, then gently press the crown towards the case and turn the crown clockwise to screw it back down. When you meet resistance, the crown is secure and should provide complete protection against water.
Can I use a watch winder with an Automatic Omega watch?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, if you don't wear your Omega daily, then it may not have the movement required to keep it ticking. You may have more than one watch and due to 'rotation' of your timepieces, the others may stop. This is when a watch winder will become your best friend and investment! At 1010 Boutique, we stock the UK's widest range of watch winders that range from entry level to high end. For such a premium brand as Omega we (and Omega) recommend using the Masterbox by SwissKubik. The Masterbox is 100% made in Switzerland and is considered by most to be the finest watch winder available. You can read more about it here. Should the Masterbox be a touch expensive then you might want to consider the Saturn by Modalo or the Perpetua III by Rapport.
How to wind a Manual Omega watch
Generally speaking, although I am sure there will be exceptions, manual Omega watches don’t have screw down crowns. The crown in it’s normal wearing position pressed against the case can be rotated clockwise to wind the movement. You should be able to hear the gears turning. You will feel resistance growing as you wind the watch and should not be forced as this will damage your watch. Omega movements vary in power reserve, which means that some watches will accept more winding than others. However, the important thing to remember is that when you meet resistance, stop winding.
Can you overwind an Omega watch?
Yes and no! As mentioned above, you should not be able to overwind an Automatic Omega watch. Modern automatic movements are fitted with a mechanism that allows any excess energy to be discarded with no detrimental impact to the movement.
This said, a manual Omega watch can be over wound and damaged if you keep winding once you feel resistance. The pressure on the spring and gears could cause serious damage and result in the watch requiring service and repair.
Why isn’t my watch winding?
There could be a few reasons why your watch is not winding. It could be something as simple as you have not got the winding crown in the correct position to wind the movement. If checked and the watch is still not winding then it points towards an issue within the movement. If this is the case then it likely requires a service to inspect and rectify the issue.
How often should you service your Omega watch?
Different calibres will require different service intervals but Omega recommends that their watches are serviced between every 5 and 8 years. Obviously, should you encounter anything not functioning as it should, then seek advice immediately from your Omega authorised retailer or a reputable watchmaker.
*for complete instructions on how to wind and care for your Omega watch, we recommend that you consult the user manual that was supplied with your watch or visit the Omega websites for information on their services, warranty and looking after your timepiece.
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