Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Wearing a Mechanical Watch! 

The not telling your wife about how they work is definitely accurate. I tried explaining it to my wife and she literally fell asleep in front of me

Coming from a quartz only background (G-Socks and ProTreks mainly) I didn't appreciate how robust, reliable, durable and accurate Casio's products really are until I got automatic Seikos which are handsome but must be treated more carefully. Great video for those of us learning not to treat mechanicals like G-Shocks.

You can't overwind an automatic watch. They are designed with a clutch so that the rotor can't damage the mainspring. The clutch works with the winding stem too. You can hear it slip when you get to full PR. Sound advice for hand winding watches though. IMO just shuffling an automatic isn't the best. The rotor is not as efficient as winding the crown. For example it takes from 1200 to 1500 complete rotor turns to get an SW200/ETA2824 to full power. If you just shuffle to where the watch just starts up you are at the very end of the power reserve where the watch is generally the least accurate in keeping time. It is better to give the watch enough winds to get it to the center of the PR and then let the rotor top it up. Obviously not possible on no hand wind Seikos. Better to give those guys a lot of extra shuffles before setting the time and going about your business. I really enjoy your vids!

Thank you. This has convinced me more than ever to stick to Casio/G Shock. It would drive me mad worrying about a mechanical watch.

Mechanical watches are so cool, I have one, I own a pocket watch (probably from my great grandparents, year unknown), I really love seeing all those mechanical parts ticking. This video was helpful as I got to know more about things I shouldn't do with mechanical watches!

Russell I love my mechanical watches whether they are manual or automatic movements. There is something special in hand winding then watching the fruits of your labour via an open crystal caseback. So lately I have become addicted to my Bulova Sea King and its sweeping seconds hand from the high beat quartz movement. I guess I just love all watch movements in one way or another. Like you I grew up in the 1980's with Casio digital watches and they still tickle my funny collectors bone...

Great tips. One thing I do with a screwed in crown…push the crown in, then roll backwards slightly…you’ll feel the crown set in place…the. Screw in like normal. Prevents cross threading and creates a solid seal…great video!

I can add; don't change your GMT hand either between 9 and 3 (on a caller GMT). I broke both the GMT setting function, as well as the date setting function on my Tudor black bay pro dark homage Seiko mod. Luckily I had another NH34 lying around, and was able to replace it, BUT that sucked big time!

All the mechanical ETAs I've owned have resistance from the start unlike Seiko and Miyota. So I wind until they 'feel' like the resistance is really resistant.

Excellent advice Russell and just to expand on the magnets don't forget stereo speakers, Bluetooth speakers, sub woofers, etc. Even the smallest ones have extremely powerful magnets. I found out the hard way. We all know time flies when you're having fun, mine was running 10 minutes for every minute. I got one of those inexpensive demagnetizers, they're very handy in case you have a problem.

Just got my first auto-mechanical after years of G-Shocks (which I still use regularly) so this info is perfect. Love your channel and the fact that you appreciate all decent watches at all price ranges.

MAD: Always good information. Expanding on one of your warnings: AirPod cases are VERY magnetic and potentially very problematic. My AirPod Pro case was pulling paper clips from off my desk! Definitely keep the AirPod case away from any mechanical watch.

3:26 "Seiko shuffle" - I was told by a watchmaker that it is more kind to the movement handwinding it when stopped and never ever shake it until it runs. You say the opposite...🤔

If you think of it, it's actually a good thing about mechanical watches, that you have to care for them. It creates a real interaction between you and your watch, if that makes any sense. I mean you grow attached to your timepiece, as if it was your friend, instead of treating it like a disposable, purely utilitarian tool. Yeah, that day-date adjusting can be a pain sometimes, especially when your job forces you to be active during both day and night, randomly (as is in my case). My Seiko 5 manual warns to not adjust it between 9 PM and 1 AM, although I've noticed, that the day wheel switches completely to a next day around 3 AM. Some manuals state it's between 10 PM and 3 AM, but I think general consensus is 10 PM to 2 AM. I seem to recall though, that there are actually mechanical watches, in case of which you can adjust date at any time, without worrying about damaging anything. Why there's not more of them in production? Mostly, when a particular technology is not featured on a watch, it's because of high cost. Is that the case? Or did I misunderstand something here (I'm definitely not an expert)? And the reason I prefer automatic watches over those purely mechanical, is that you virtually can't overwind them, because of the slip-clutch they have. I mean accidents happen, sometimes you're sleepy ,nervous or tired, your hands may be shaking et. c , so it's pretty brutal to break a nice watch, just because you've put a little bit too much force, when winding...

Great Video! Lost my first ever Seiko 5 in the danger zone. This is probably the less known and most dangerous pitfall to a newbi. All the other stuff is kinda avoidable by good common sense. But there is actually one watch you can easily adjust on your wrist without danger - the Vostok Amphibia, because it has a wobbly stem. It's not a bug, it's a safety feature in this case :-) Love my modded Vostoks!

This video was a breath of fresh air ,thank you!!😁

Good information. On another note, I've just received my new Casio AE - 1500WH - 5AVEF (bit of a mouthful). Don't know if you've ever review one. It's big, but really comfortable and fits my average wrist fine. The display is really big and easy to read. Love it!!!

My Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is the only watch I've ever over-wound, and I've done it like three times! What's more, it has the longest power reserve of my whole collection.

#1 i shared with my wife and she cracked up. couldn't be more spot on!😂

Another great one! As watch appreciators we may know this but someone new to the game may not. You make it fun for even folks like us that already know. Great refresher!

All good stuff Russel, I wasn't aware that a certain record by Jean-Michel Jarre from 1981 could knacker my watch. As the balance spring regulates the ticks we don't want a bunch of out of control ticks as they can carry viruses you know. I'll get my coat.

love ur videos, just want to add as a watch snob, screw down crown has nothing to do with water resisitance. its sole purpose is so the crown doesnt come out whilst diving.

Great video as always. Very good information for those who own mechanical watches. I am watching this video and glancing at my watch box with glee…since I don’t own nor plan to ever own a mechanical watch again. They are beautiful and fascinating. They are art on your wrist. They are just not very good at … been a watch.

Wonderful show yet again! I enjoy taking time to bond with my watches. It’s hard to explain to others that don’t care about watches, but who cares…. They’re late everywhere they go anyway.

My wife actually watched this one with me and said: "that's why I prefer my quartz watch. I bet your stupid clockwork watches wouldn't survive the washing machine like mine did". Yes, her Swiss made (ETA quartz) Rotary did a full wash and rinse cycle in the Bosch... and survived! After a week on a sunny windowsill with the back off there were no problems at all, the bracelet was super clean too. That got me thinking, how about a washing machine watch challenge? Various mechanicals, a few Casios thrown into the mix, a bit of non-bio and off we go. Only problem is, which watch collector is mad enough to give it a go???

Very informative Russell my friend, almost reminded me of those 70s infomercials on the BBC on the perils of crossing the road/swimming in lakes/provoking rabid armadillos etc

Feel like I’ve been out for a walk after watching this video. Enjoy the change in scenery! (nearly!) congrats on the 50k!!

My friends dad plays golf with his Submariner every time we play - it makes me so anxious 😂

Awesome as always mate and great tips 👍🏻😊👌

You're a good egg, Mad. Perhaps a little scrambled, but a good egg. I have a few watches, quartz, tuning fork, and mechanical, even an old Accutron or two lying around, but the one I end up wearing the most is my manual wind Zelos Comet. It keeps incredible accuracy for a manual wind watch and has beautiful lume. Quortz Schmortz. ⌚⌚🤪🤪😜😜

Nice tips, still quite new to the hobby.

Learnt a lot from this video thank you ! Top advice Russ

The water resistance part is pretty important. The misconception of WR working as if one could dive 10, 50, 200 meters depending on the watch is still widely common. To put it shortly : it's static pressure that is mentionned on a watch. When you or water moves, that pressure rises tremendously, hence why a 30 meters WR watch is in a danger zone near a kitchen sink.

"If you do do.." I am such a child. That made me chuckle. Great content as always, man!

1:32 - Thanks for the tip about the hour and minute hand are to be below 9 & 3 when setting the date. I never knew that.

Basically… it’s antiquated technology … but fun and addicting… but yes Quartz is king … and now smart… but old school long lasting brands will endure

If you use a case to protect your mobile(cell), then it's quite likely to have magnets embedded in the case flap to keep the case closed when the phone is not in use. Although it is very tempting to do so, do not use your phone as a watch stand, as those magnets are quite strong. Also, even if your phone case does not use magnets, still do not use it as a phone stand, especially when the phone is being charged.

Best video that explains how hard to maintain a mechanical watch ❤

Fortunately many newer movements are quite resistant to magnetism. With use of silicon, nivachron, parachrome etc. balance springs are far from old standard steel ones.

That's a lovely MIL-W-46374B you have. Thank you for the video!

I love the click it in the End

Hmm...does #1 apply to cheeky children as well? (Your kid has such a mischievous laugh...she knows what she can get away with!) I usually think I know these dos-and-don'ts like the back of my hand, but #5 & 6 I haven't thought of much at all, so thanks for the reminder!

Good sense advice - thank you.

You can’t over wind a automatic watch. But a hand wind is a different story

why do we wear the watch on the left hand - to avoid damaging it since most of us are using the right hand for stressful operation. Nowadays, the same should apply and we should wear it on the RIGHT hand, as almost everyone is using a laptop nowadays and the "mouse hand" is further from the magnets from the laptop's speakers).

Thanks for this Video! Very important for "Mechanical Beginners", especially Date-Setting, Magnets and Winding (on Non-Automatics) - well done 👍

My first car was an A1100 ( Austin 1100 ) so now i'am gonna have to this Casio A1100 !

So informative. Thank you for this video.

I had to get My SW-200-1 serviced a couple of weeks ago, chewed a gear up messing with it at the wrong time... just before date change.. My mistake totally. :(

GREAT VIDEO!

That 2 liner looks good on your wrist brother!

My mom inherited a pocket-style watch from my grandmother and it is a manual wind type, but very hard to find info on. Looking to help her out, but how do i know how much winding to do on it? I did wind it a bit and never felt resistance.

Thumbnail reminded me of the time that my boss made fun of me for leaving my digital watch in a magnetic parts tray after the strap tab broke, thinking the magnets were going to mess up the electronics. It was a cheap piece of junk, but it kept time just fine, magnets or no.

Back to the magnet deal, the Bluetooth earbud also have magnet so don’t forget

Thanks for the video mate, I can finally say I don't want a mechanical watch.

I always wanted a video like this to explain to me all and I actually understand it thanks for the explanations love your channel helps me a lot to understand the watch world wish you all the best see you soon 👍🏻💪🏻🍻

Enjoyed the video! One thing to note: many autos have over-wind protection these days, but always check first!

the danger zone "never from 9 to 3", though good advice, might not be the set rule. On the right Speedy for example, i believe it is 7 to 2. Not knowing of any watch that engages around 5, that's where i set the hands, I think it's a better practice, and possibly easier to remember... thoughts?

I heard you can still change the date on a watch after midnight but just not using the quick date function. You have to use the hour and minutes hand.

Just ordered myself my first mechanical watch for donkey's years, so thanks for the tips.

I can't help myself to give you a Big Thumb Up! You really deserve it and more. Greets from Romania!

#7 (not verified). I've heard watchmakers saying riding a motorcycle can cause the screws to loosen from vibration. This hasn't happened to me (yet), but thought I would mention it as a possible "do not"

Oops. I’m guilty of all of these. 🥰 love your vids mate.

I heard the wife say….”oh no” about setting the watch on or near an iPad….😂

Used to say it's a good thing I don't collect watches. Now here I am, not complaining though, now I want to get a mechanical watch. Will be getting something from Mr. Paganis House of Design lol

Thanks for the video, I'm still a dummy into watches (btw, which is the seiko in the right 3:53)

Short and sweet. Stellar! (One funny magnet thing: I got a watch box as a gift that used magnets to keep the lid down! Maybe I'm too ocd, but I MacGyvered those things outta there tout suite!)

Another good tip is if you wind your watch, you better do it at a set time per day. Like for example right after you get up. This way the watch will run through the day freshly wound up, more stable & precise :)

7- take off your watch when using percussion massage gun. even ones that say shock resistant and tough will get knocked off regulation and be slow.

Some of those never do's I also apply to certain quartz watches too 👍🏻

03:27 In this video ... Ahhh the Seiko 7S26C movement that is fitted in my Seiko SNK809-K2 ...It gains around 5 Seconds a Day = 150 Seconds a Month ... Apparently this is good for a Mechanical watch at this price range and I should be "Grateful" that it ONLY gains two and a half Minutes a Month...My Casio G-Shock DW5600BB-1 digital watch which costs LESS money only gains around 2 Seconds a Month...The Casio DW5600BB-1 is therefore 75 TIMES MORE ACCURATE than a Seiko SNK809 K2. Please remind me NEVER to buy another Mechanical watch, Russ. A watch that does not hold good accurate time is a poor/inferior watch... Regardless of how it is "Powered" Thank you for this video, Russ.

What about shaking the watch on your wrists? Can that damage the movement?

"...go on...click it....cli...cli....CLICK IT!!" Always gets me :)

Hello Mr Crazy !. Pour les champs magnétiques l'on est bien protégé par une Omega supportant 15000 gauss !

That Pouge is amazing!!!!! I love to explain the miracle of a mechanical watch to my wife, and my daughters, and… well, they’re the only ones who actually listens 😂

Great video 👍🏼The overwinding part is unfortunately a myth though, it's not possible to overwind a watch, an automatic will technically keep winding forever and a hand wind will hit the brake wall of the barrel meaning you would have to be an absolute jeb to put that much force into it to break the bridal. 💪🏼

My watch eats magnets for breakfast. Only worry about magnets if you’ve got something like a Rolex blue parachrom hairspring. Incidentally the Syloxi hairspring which you highlighted is A magnetic. Sadly only in a handful of Rolex models presently. Jury is still out. I think it will eventually replace the 20yo blue parachrom at somepoint.

Rule one was an unspoken gem. 😬

I am using rolex mechanical watch...every time im working i remove it from my hand...vulnerable from shaking, too much vibrating and hammering

Can I boil it in a pot?

Tips for timepieces, love it.

What was that field watch he showed at the end? It had a sterile dial besides a radioactive symbol (yet looked like no tritium tibes?). Looked really cool.

Pela case gang!

Even if a watch is an auto you should still hand wind it every so often to keep those gears lubricated and running free.

Sh*t, did all 6 of them just one minute ago 🙃!

You forgot number 7. There shouldn't be any activity to take off your watch depending on the watch brand. If you watch 24hours At A Time's video on buying a Rolex Explorer at a authorized Rolex dealer. He tells him there are no activities you should take off your Rolex Explorer. They are built that tough.

Thank you so much mad watch collector for such a knowledgeable video

Sorry mate, but I have to force my wife and 4 kids to listen to me explain how my Automatic watch works and the history of Automatic watches 🤷🏻‍♂️. Not only them but anyone who says nice watch, it’s a reflex 😅.

I personally can't understand why anyone would shower or go swimming while wearing a watch anyway. It would never cross my mind unless I was scuba diving and I can assure you that ain't happening! 😂

What about playing tennis with your watch? I couldn't get a straight answer from the AD about whether it was safe to play tennis with my BB58 when I purchased it. One sales person said it was fine, the other said that the vibrations transferred to the watch, from hitting the ball, might upset or damage the inner workings.

Fantastic, thanks very much.

The mark of a true fanatic. "a cheeky little bonding session with your lovely watch." Not me. I can't do that because all my other little lovelies might get jealous. Thank goodness I'm not a fanatic.

You make mention of wearing your watch in the shower. Is there not a big risk in this because of the hot water and the soap ? I am always afraid of damage to the gaskets in the shower, so I make it a point never to wear mine.

I remember some years ago seeing the older Vostok Komandirskie watches actually were antimagnetic (basically EMP safe from Nuclear bombs) but i never really saw this being done to the later models and i wonder why? Is it too complicated to do?

Your videos have a Benny Hill like quality to them and it's fantastic. 👍

I consider myself a 'chick magnet', should I be worried? 😟. I should also note, my partner tells me I'm totally dillusional.😵‍💫

Some of the new watches have a Non-magnetic silicon balance spring.

Well, even more reasons not to buy a mechanical watch. I just love Quartz! :)

Good video thanks. Would be nice to do the same for quartz, analog or digital.

Hi Russ, quick question for you: how much magnetism is too much? Is it safe to leave my watch on my nightstand next to my clock radio?