Westward Time Works

Mechanical Watch Owner’s Guide

Thank you for choosing a Westward Time Works watch.

Each watch is assembled with care in small batches and designed to offer the experience of a mechanical timepiece without the elevated price of traditional luxury watch brands. Mechanical watches are different from battery-powered quartz watches. They are powered by motion, springs, gears, and careful regulation.

This guide will help you understand how to use, care for, and enjoy your watch.

1. About Your Watch

Your watch is powered by a mechanical movement. Depending on the model, it may be an automatic mechanical movement, a hand-wound mechanical movement, or another movement type noted in the product listing.

A mechanical watch does not use a battery. Instead, it stores energy in a wound mainspring. As the spring slowly releases energy, it powers the movement and keeps time.

For automatic watches, normal wrist movement helps wind the watch throughout the day. Most automatic watches can also be wound manually using the crown.

2. The Crown

The crown is the small knob on the side of the watch case. It is used to wind the watch, set the time, and, on some models, set the date.

Some watches have a standard push-pull crown. Others may have a screw-down crown for added security.

Standard Crown

A standard crown can be gently pulled out to different positions.

Typical crown positions:

Position 0: Crown fully pushed in
Used for normal wear and, on many automatic watches, hand-winding.

Position 1: First pulled position
Used for setting the date, if your watch has a date function.

Position 2: Fully pulled position
Used for setting the time.

Your watch may not have all of these positions, depending on the movement and dial design.

3. Screw-Down Crown, If Equipped

Some models may use a screw-down crown. This type of crown must be unscrewed before winding or setting the watch.

To use a screw-down crown:

1. Gently turn the crown counterclockwise until it releases.

2. Once released, the crown can be used to wind or set the watch.

3. After setting, gently press the crown inward.

4. Turn the crown clockwise while applying light pressure until it is secure.

Do not force the crown. If it does not catch the threads smoothly, back it off and try again. Cross-threading can damage the crown or case tube.

Always make sure the crown is fully secured before wearing the watch.

4. Winding Your Watch

If your watch has stopped, wind it before setting the time.

For most automatic watches:

1. Make sure the crown is in the winding position.

2. Turn the crown clockwise approximately 20 to 30 times.

3. Set the time.

4. Wear the watch normally.

Automatic watches are designed to wind as you move. If the watch is not worn for a day or two, it may stop. This is normal.

Do not overwind a modern automatic movement. However, there is no need to force the crown once winding feels complete or resistance changes.

For hand-wound watches, wind gently until you feel clear resistance. Stop at that point.

5. Setting the Time

To set the time:

1. Pull the crown to the time-setting position.

2. Turn the crown to move the hands to the correct time.

3. Push the crown fully back in when finished.

4. If equipped with a screw-down crown, secure it after setting.

Some mechanical watches have hacking seconds, which means the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out to the time-setting position. This can help with more precise time setting.

Other movements do not stop the seconds hand when setting the time. This is normal for those movements.

6. Setting the Date, If Equipped

If your watch has a date display, it may include a quick-set date position.

To set the date:

1. Pull the crown to the date-setting position.

2. Turn the crown slowly until the correct date appears.

3. Push the crown fully back in when finished.

Important: Do not use the quick-set date function when the watch hands are between approximately 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. During this time, the movement may already be engaging the date-change mechanism. Adjusting the date during this window can damage the movement.

A safe method is to first set the time to around 6:00, then set the date, then set the correct time.

7. Accuracy Expectations

Mechanical watches are tiny machines and will not keep time with the same precision as a quartz or smart watch.

Daily accuracy can vary based on:

• How often the watch is worn

• Wrist movement

• Temperature

• Position when resting

• How fully the watch is wound

• The specific movement inside the watch

A small daily gain or loss is normal for a mechanical watch. If your watch is gaining or losing more time than expected, please contact Westward Time Works.

8. Power Reserve

Power reserve refers to how long the watch will continue running after it is fully wound and not worn.

Most automatic mechanical watches have enough power reserve to run for more than a day when fully wound, though the exact duration varies by movement.

If the watch stops after sitting unused, simply wind it, set the time, and wear it again.

9. Water Resistance

Unless specifically stated otherwise, your watch should be treated as water resistant for everyday incidental contact only.

Avoid:

• Swimming

• Showering

• Hot tubs

• Saunas

• Diving

• Running water directly over the crown

• Operating the crown while the watch is wet

Water resistance can be affected by age, impact, worn seals, crown position, and service history.

Even if a watch is listed as water resistant, it is best to avoid unnecessary water exposure.

10. Magnetism

Mechanical watches can be affected by magnets. If a watch becomes magnetized, it may begin running unusually fast, slow, or erratically.

Avoid placing your watch directly on or near:

• Speakers

• Magnetic clasps

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Phones with magnetic accessories

• Magnetic tool trays

• Strong shop magnets

If you suspect magnetism, contact Westward Time Works or a local watchmaker. Demagnetizing is usually a simple process.

11. Bracelet and Strap Care

Leather Straps

Leather straps should be kept dry whenever possible. Moisture, sweat, lotions, and oils can darken or wear leather over time.

To extend strap life:

• Avoid soaking the strap

• Let it dry naturally if it becomes damp

• Avoid storing it in direct sunlight

• Do not use harsh cleaners

Leather will naturally develop character with wear.

Metal Bracelets

Metal bracelets are shipped at their full length and may require sizing for your wrist.

For the best fit, I recommend having the bracelet adjusted by a local jeweler or watch repair shop. Many can do this quickly for a small fee.

Bracelet sizing tools are also available, but resizing is done at the buyer’s discretion.

If your bracelet was sized before shipping, any removed links should be kept in a safe place.

12. Cleaning

To clean the watch case or bracelet, use a soft dry microfiber cloth.

For light cleaning of a metal bracelet, a slightly damp cloth may be used, but avoid getting moisture near the crown or case openings.

Do not use:

• Solvents

• Alcohol

• Harsh cleaners

• Ultrasonic cleaners

• Abrasive cloths

• Jewelry polish unless specifically appropriate for the material

Leather straps should not be soaked or cleaned with water.

13. Storage

When not wearing your watch, store it in a clean, dry place.

Avoid storing the watch near:

• Strong magnets

• High humidity

• Direct sunlight

• Extreme heat or cold

• Dusty work areas

If storing the watch for an extended period, it is normal for it to stop. Wind and set it again when you are ready to wear it.

14. Impacts and Everyday Wear

Mechanical watches are durable, but they contain small precision parts.

Avoid wearing your watch during activities involving heavy shock, vibration, or impact, such as:

• Hammering

• Using impact tools

• Mountain biking

• Heavy gym work

• Contact sports

• Dropping the watch on a hard surface

Normal daily wear is expected. Scratches and small signs of use are part of owning a physical object worn on the wrist.

15. What Is Normal

The following are generally normal for a mechanical watch:

• The watch stops after not being worn

• The time may gain or lose several seconds per day

• The rotor may be heard or felt moving in an automatic watch

• The date may change gradually around midnight

• The leather strap may soften or darken with use

• Small variations may exist because each watch is assembled in small batches

16. When to Contact Westward Time Works

Please contact Westward Time Works if:

• The watch does not run after winding

• The crown feels loose or does not engage properly

• The hands appear misaligned or touch each other

• Moisture appears under the crystal

• The watch gains or loses time dramatically

• The bracelet, clasp, or strap has an issue upon arrival

• You have questions about operation or care

Contact:
jeff@westwardtime.works
Website: westwardtime.works
Shop: etsy.com/shop/WestwardTimeWorks

17. Warranty and Support

Your watch may include a limited warranty as described in the product listing or included warranty card.

The warranty generally covers defects in assembly or function, but does not cover damage caused by misuse, impact, water exposure, unauthorized repair, improper bracelet sizing, or normal wear.

Please retain your order information and contact Westward Time Works with any concerns.

18. Final Note

A mechanical watch is more than a way to tell time. It is a small machine, a design object, and something meant to be enjoyed.

Thank you for supporting Westward Time Works and small-batch watch design.