Identify the crown position
Many watches use a screw-down crown for additional sealing. Unscrew it only as instructed, and after winding or setting, return it to the prescribed position and secure it without excessive force. A push-pull crown operates differently; the manual for the exact reference takes priority over generic instructions.
Keep the crown aligned with its stem while winding or pulling it out. Side pressure can damage threads or the setting mechanism. If the crown feels gritty, unusually loose or difficult to turn, stop and ask a watchmaker rather than applying more force.
Manual-wind and automatic watches
A manual-wind watch is wound through the crown. Use the number of turns or tactile stopping point specified by the maker; winding feel varies between movements, and a watch should never be forced beyond its designed limit. If the watch has been unused, gentle winding before setting may help it start, where the manual permits.
An automatic watch may also be wound by the crown, but the maker may specify a starting procedure and number of turns. Wearing it does not guarantee a full reserve, especially after light activity. A winder is not required unless you have a reason to keep a watch running and the brand permits its use.
Setting the time and date
Pulling the crown to different positions may change the date or time. Many mechanical watches have a period when the date mechanism is engaged; setting the date during that window can damage some movements. Because the protected interval differs, do not rely on a universal clock-time rule—check the manual and move the hands to a safe time first if directed.
Turn hands forward or backward only as allowed by the maker. Avoid changing the date near midnight unless the instructions explicitly permit it, then push or screw the crown fully home as specified. Verify that the date changes at the intended time before regular use.
When not to wind it
Do not wind a watch after water exposure if moisture may have entered, after a severe shock or when the crown is damaged. Stop if you feel grinding, binding or sudden resistance. Continued operation can worsen a fault and complicate repair.
Keep the manual with the watch's service papers. Mechanical designs differ, and a short reference-specific instruction is safer than a generic winding habit copied from another calibre.