You've just bought a beautiful Seiko automatic watch, but you don't know how to adjust and operate it properly ? Don't panic, it's easier than it looks! In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how to make the first settings on an automatic watch.
How do I run an automatic watch?
Time setting
Is your brand new watch not working? No need to panicit's perfectly normal! If you're used to battery-operated watches - When you first unpack your watch, you may be surprised to learn that it's a "quartz" watch. In fact, automatic watches work differently. They don't depend on a battery, but on wrist movements to wind up.

Manual winding
To start an automatic watch with manual windingFirst, wind the crown by turning it clockwise 20 turns.
The manual winding is a watchmaking complication very useful & even necessary for many. It allows the watch mechanism to be wound by hand, complementing the natural movement of your wrist. Not all automatic watches have this option. When an automatic watch has no manual windingYou have to wear it to keep it on time, as it depends solely on your movements to wind itself.
Power reserve
Closely linked to this is the power reserve. There power reserve corresponds to the time the watch will continue to operate without being worn, once it has been fully wound. In other words, it's the length of time the watch retains its energy after being removed from the wrist.
There power reserve varies from watch to watch. Most automatic watches offer a power reserve 24 to 48 hours, although some top-of-the-range watches can last several days without requiring winding. For Seiko 5 Arabic Dial with movement Seiko 4R36 or 7S26The power reserve is around 41 hours.
If your watch remains stationary beyond its power reserveIt will stop and have to be reassembled, either manually (if able), or by wearing it again to reactivate the automatic mechanism.

The manual winding is particularly useful if your watch has stopped after a period of inactivity. By winding it manually, you can restart it without having to wear it. In contrast, automatic watches without this feature need to be worn or placed in a watch winder to be restarted.
Date setting
If your watch has a date settingyou can also adjust this parameter. For set datePull the crown out to an intermediate position (usually between positions 1 and 2). Turn the crown until the correct date is displayed. If you turn the crown clockwise, the date digits will advance. Conversely, turning the crown counter-clockwise will advance the days of the week.
Some watches, like some Seikodisplay the days of the week in addition to dates. These days are displayed in different languages such as Arabic, English, Japanese and many more. This allows further customization to suit your language preferences.
Once the date and days of the week are correctly set, push the crown back to position 1 to return to normal operation.

Don't change the time on your automatic watch at night
Be sure not to set the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.This could damage the watch's internal mechanism. Why this precaution?
During this period, the internal mechanism of the watch is preparing the automatic date change. Forcing the date setting during these hours could damage the watch's delicate internal components, as the cogs are already engaged in the change process. In other words, there's a risk of forcing or misaligning the movement parts, which could result in damage to the watch. malfunctions or costly repairs.
Why has my automatic watch lost its autonomy (power reserve)?
There may be several reasons why your automatic watch has lost autonomy (power reserve). Here are some of the most common causes:
- Insufficient movement
Automatic watches are wound by the movement of your wrist. If you don't wear your watch long enough, or if your movements are too limited, the watch may not wind up completely, reducing its power reserve. Try wearing your watch more often or making more varied movements to ensure complete winding.
- Lubrication problem
The internal mechanisms of automatic watches require proper lubrication to work properly. Over time, the oils used can dry out or degrade, increasing friction between components and reducing winding efficiency. If your watch has not been cared for or worn for many years, it may be time to have it serviced by a watchmaker.
- Accumulation of dirt and dust
Dirt, dust and other particles can accumulate inside the watch and interfere with the proper functioning of the components. A cleaning watch components may be necessary to restore the autonomy of your timepiece.

- Component wear
Like all complex mechanisms, automatic watches are subject to wear and tear. Springs, gears and other internal parts can wear out over time, reducing winding efficiency and thus power reserve. A watchmaker will be able to identify and replace worn parts.
- Problem with the rotor
The rotor is the moving part inside the watch that turns with the movement of your wrist to wind the main spring. If the rotor is damaged or misalignedIn this case, the spring may not wind up correctly, reducing the power reserve.
- Extreme temperatures
Automatic watches can be affected by extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures can affect lubricants and internal components, reducing power reserve.
What to do?
If you notice a significant reduction in your watch's battery life, we recommend that you :
- Wear your watch more often to ensure complete reassembly.
- Have your watch serviced by a professional watchmaker every 3 to 5 years for proper cleaning and lubrication.
- Protect your watch from extreme conditions and dirt.
If problems persist despite these precautions, it is advisable to consult a watchmaker for a repair. diagnosis and repair.
When should I have my Seiko automatic watch serviced?
Please allow approximately 5 years of normal use before repairing your Seiko automatic watch. This interval allows the movement to be properly cleaned and lubricated. Warning signs : loss of tightness, jammed hands, continuous loss of precision or difficulty reassembling the movement. This overhaul will ensure many more years of trouble-free operation.
Can I clean the outside of my automatic watch myself?
Yes, it is possible, but please follow these steps carefully and have a professional accompany you:
- Try on the case, glass and bracelet with a clean, soft cotton cloth. In most cases, this is sufficient for daily cleaning.
- You can lightly dampen the cloth with warm, soapy water to remove any grease or embedded dirt. But be careful not to immerse the watch in water or let moisture get inside.
- Use a cotton swab soaked in soapy water to gently clean the interstices of your bracelet.
- For leather watchbandsInstead, use a soft, damp cloth and some special leather soap.
- Dry all parts with a clean, dry cloth.
- Avoid using solvents or chemicals which could damage the seal.
Never try to open the case yourself to remove any parts. clean inside entrust this delicate task to a professional watchmaker.