5 Essential Tips for Buying Your First Mechanical Watch

Hey everyone, this is Dave. Welcome back to Just the Watch. Today, I want to share some insights for those who are new to the hobby of watch collecting. I've been collecting watches for about two years, so I'm still learning, but I'm excited to share five key things everyone should know before buying their first automatic timepiece. If you're considering a mechanical or automatic watch, this video is for you. Let's dive in.

Mechanical watches require regular maintenance, which can be costly. Unlike quartz watches that need only occasional battery changes, mechanical watches need servicing every 5-10 years. This maintenance involves lubricating the internal gears and springs to ensure accurate timekeeping. The cost of servicing can sometimes exceed the watch's original price. For example, my Seiko 5 cost about $100, but servicing it might cost more than that. It's essential to factor in these ongoing costs when purchasing a mechanical watch.

Mechanical watches are not as accurate as modern electronic watches. While your cell phone connects to a server to update the time precisely, mechanical watches can lose several seconds to minutes each day. Even high-end mechanical watches might lose 3-4 seconds daily, while more affordable ones can lose up to 20 seconds. This means you'll need to reset your watch regularly to maintain accurate time, unlike quartz watches which are much more precise.

Mechanical watches are powered by a wound spring. This can be done manually by winding the crown or automatically through the movement of your wrist. Most entry-level mechanical watches have a power reserve of about 40 hours. If you don't wear your watch for a couple of days, it will stop, and you'll need to wind and reset it before wearing it again.

Due to their inaccuracy and the limited power reserve, you'll find yourself adjusting the time and date on your mechanical watch frequently. Unless you use a watch winder, you'll need to reset your watch every time it stops. This can become a daily ritual if you rotate through multiple watches. It's a small task but one that quartz watch owners aren't accustomed to.

Not all mechanical watches have features like hacking and hand-winding. Hacking allows the second hand to stop when you pull the crown out, enabling precise time setting. Hand-winding allows you to wind the watch manually. Entry-level watches might lack these features, which can be inconvenient. For example, my Orient watch requires shaking to start if it stops, as it lacks both hacking and hand-winding. Understanding these features can help you choose a watch that fits your needs and preferences.

These are the five essential things to know before buying your first mechanical watch. If you're considering getting one, I'd love to hear what models you're looking at. Share your thoughts and tips for newcomers in the comments below.