For a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, you should typically wind it by rotating the crown counter-clockwise (downward) approximately 8 times in its normal, pushed-in position to initiate the movement and build an initial power reserve.
How Many Times Should I Wind a NH35 Movement?
The NH35 is a popular and robust automatic watch movement known for its reliability and hand-winding capability. While primarily designed to be wound automatically by the motion of your arm, there are specific instances when manual winding is beneficial.
Initial Winding for a Stalled Watch
When your watch with an NH35 movement has completely stopped or hasn't been worn for an extended period, a brief manual winding session is necessary to get it started and establish an initial power reserve. This ensures the watch runs accurately before the automatic winding mechanism takes over.
The Winding Process Explained
To manually wind your NH35 movement, follow these simple steps:
- Crown Position: Ensure the crown is in its normal, fully pushed-in position (Position 0). Do not pull it out to set the time or date.
- Rotation: Gently rotate the crown counter-clockwise (downward). You might feel a slight resistance and hear a faint clicking sound as the mainspring is wound.
- Number of Rotations: Perform approximately 8 full rotations of the crown. This is usually sufficient to give the movement enough power to start ticking consistently.
- Initial Shake: After winding, give the watch a slight shake for a few seconds. This helps distribute the energy within the movement and primes the rotor for automatic winding.
Automatic Winding through Wear
Once the watch is started, the NH35 movement is designed to keep itself wound through the natural motion of your wrist. By simply wearing the watch on your wrist, the mainspring is wound automatically as a result of the natural movement of your arm. The rotor inside the watch spins with your arm's motion, constantly winding the mainspring and maintaining the power reserve.
Key Aspects of NH35 Winding
| Winding Method | Purpose | Instructions | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | To start a stopped watch or build initial power. | Rotate the crown counter-clockwise (downward) 8 times in the normal position, then gently shake. | When the watch has stopped. |
| Automatic | To maintain power reserve during wear. | Simply wear the watch on your wrist; your arm's natural motion winds the movement. | Daily wear for continuous operation. |
Understanding the NH35 Power Reserve
The NH35 movement typically boasts a power reserve of around 41 hours. This means that once fully wound, the watch can continue to operate for approximately 41 hours without needing to be worn or manually wound again. Manual winding helps to quickly get to this reserve, especially after the watch has completely run out of power.
Best Practices for Your NH35 Watch
- Regular Wear: The most effective way to keep your NH35 watch running is to wear it regularly. This ensures the automatic winding system is always engaged.
- Avoid Over-Winding: The NH35, like most modern automatic movements, features a slipping clutch mechanism that prevents over-winding. Once the mainspring is fully wound, the clutch will slip, preventing damage. Therefore, performing the recommended 8 rotations is safe and sufficient.
- Watch Winders: If you have multiple automatic watches or frequently go without wearing your NH35, a watch winder can keep it perpetually wound and ready to wear, reducing the need for manual winding.
