Can you over wind a mechanical watch?

Question

My dad used to have a mech. watch and we are both nervous types and he told me he wore his out by "Over winding" it. Can you over-wind mechanical watches anymore these days? No brand name on mine. Or instructions for that matter. Anything helps.

Answer 1

Yes.  You can damage the spring or even break it if it's wound too tight.  It's not that easy to do though, by accident.  I think watch springs were more delicate in the old days, so people got it in their heads that you have to wind very gently.

Of course any watch with a spring in it these days is probably an antique, so you'd want to be extra careful.  8^)

Answer 2

Yes.  I have an antique pocket watch.  I broke the spring.  The watch maker told me to only wind it once a day at the same time, upon waking or going to bed.  He also said 12 revolutions would be sufficient.  The number of winds may be different for yours.