Mechanical watches become less accurate over time without maintenance because the internal components can wear out, the lubricating oil degrades, and necessary adjustments are not made, leading to a decrease in movement precision.
A mechanical watch relies on tiny and precise parts such as the balance wheel, the mainspring, the escapement, and the gear train. The mainspring accumulates energy when the watch is wound or through wrist movements, then releases this energy slowly to power the rest of the mechanism. The balance wheel, coupled with the hairspring, acts like a metronome that precisely regulates the internal movements. The escapement distributes this energy in a regular and controlled manner, allowing the hands to move at a constant pace. If any of these components wear out or go out of adjustment, even slightly, all this beautiful machinery loses accuracy, and the watch gradually begins to lag or gain time.
Constantly being subjected to demands, the gears and mechanisms of a mechanical watch gradually wear out. These tiny metal pieces, even when made with great precision, experience constant and sometimes intense friction. This regular friction can cause small deformations or microscopic wear of their teeth and shafts. As this wear progresses, the adjustment becomes less perfect, energy exchanges become less efficient, and the watch's accuracy slowly deteriorates. Even very hard surfaces, such as those of synthetic rubies used as internal pivots, wear out slowly. This natural, imperceptible, yet ongoing wear inevitably leads to the watch becoming less accurate if no maintenance is performed.
In a mechanical watch, the small metal parts constantly move against each other. Without sufficient lubrication, these frictions quickly become a real concern. Initially, oil or special greases significantly reduce wear and prevent overheating. But over time, these lubricants age, become thick, or even dry out, which increases internal friction. As a result, the parts move less smoothly, hinder the regular movement of the mechanism, thus decreasing its accuracy. That's why your precious watch gradually becomes less reliable if you do not maintain it regularly.
Environmental conditions strongly influence the accuracy of a mechanical watch. For example, significant fluctuations in temperature slightly expand or contract the internal components, altering their dimensions and thus their precise functioning. Humidity also plays a role because, if it penetrates the case, it causes oxidation or corrosion, affecting the regularity of the movements. And if your watch regularly experiences shocks or vibrations, it can disrupt its gears or disturb the delicate balance of the escapement system. To put it simply: if you want your mechanics to remain accurate, avoid extreme temperatures, prolonged humid environments, and frequent shocks.
Over time, mechanical watches inevitably accumulate some dust and dirt. Even a small amount can be enough to hinder the delicate gears, causing them to rub more, move less efficiently, and the movement becomes less smooth. As a result, the watch gradually loses its accuracy. And it won't fix itself. The more dirt there is, the harder the mechanism has to work to function properly, leading to subtle blockages or slowdowns that affect the regularity of the beat. In the long run, these tiny particles slowly wear down the metal components and accelerate the degradation of the mechanism. That’s why regularly cleaning your mechanical watch is anything but a waste of time.
Even the slightest accumulation of thickened oil or microscopic dust can disrupt the delicate balance of a mechanical movement, resulting in a loss of precision of several seconds per day.
Did you know that a well-maintained mechanical watch can retain its initial accuracy for decades, while a neglected watch may see its precision significantly decrease in less than 5 years?
Before the advent of quartz, the accuracy of watches was affected by Earth's gravity: this is why tourbillon mechanisms were invented in the 18th century to counteract this effect and improve their precision.
Contrary to popular belief, a mechanical watch often performs better when worn regularly rather than left inactive. Being worn regularly helps maintain an even distribution of internal lubrication.
Among the common signs are poorer accuracy (notable delay or advancement), a decreasing power reserve, an unusual sensation when winding, or an abnormally loud or irregular ticking.
Lubrication helps reduce friction between internal components, thereby limiting premature wear and ensuring the precision of the mechanism. Over time, these lubricants degrade or dry out, increasing friction and significantly reducing the efficiency of the internal mechanism.
Temperature variations, humidity, and magnetic fields can influence the viscosity of internal lubricants, the expansion of metals, and the overall functioning of mechanical parts. These factors lead to a subtle yet certain change in the accuracy of a mechanical watch over time.
The majority of modern mechanical watches have mechanisms that prevent overwinding during daily winding. However, rough or incorrect handling, such as forcing or applying excessive pressure while winding, can lead to premature wear or damage to certain internal parts.
Although a mechanical watch can technically function for several years without maintenance, watchmakers generally recommend a complete service every 3 to 5 years. This helps to maintain optimal accuracy and prevent irreversible damage to the internal components.
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