Quick Q regarding wind-up watches

[w.o.e.is.me.]

So i recently picked up my first vintage watch on ebay (1949 Bulova Art Deco).
This morning, I believe I made the mistake of winding it up while it was still running.
At the moment, it is stopped, and won't wind backwards any further.
It can still be wound forward, but that appears to have no effect on the actual winding mechanism.

I'm concerned that I may have over-wound it and possibly damaged it.
Thoughts?

 

[in stitches]

you dont have to stop the movement to wind it. is it still running? if so you probably just wound it till the end (winding in the other direction may be meaningless if its a undirectional winder) if its not running take to a watch repair guy you may have damaged it. hope this helps

 

[MyOtherLife]

If it's still ticking wait 24 hours. Then test the tension on the crown again.
I'm sure you already know to never over-wind.

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Thanks for the info guys.
It mysteriously started up again. I'll be less zealous with my winding from now on.

 

[DerekS]

its pretty tough to overwind a watch unless you just arent paying attention.

Congrats on the new watch. I love vintage hand winds.

 

[MadTxn]

You should really take it to a watchmaker (not jeweler) and have it cleaned & oiled. The oils in the movement can "gum up" over time reducing lubrication and eventually damaging the watch. That's most likely why yours stopped. You might find that a good shake would have started it.

Get it serviced every few years and it will last forever. Pics?

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Hacking seconds is the function you're talking about. That's when you pull out the crown and the second hand stops. Most winding mechanisms don't require the crown to be pulled out to wind the watch. Even those with a screwdown crown don't hack when in the winding state.

Generally wind by moving the crown in the winding direciton approximately 30 times, then wind it backwards once to relieve some overtension.

Nobody can diagnose your watch over the internet. However, I would say let it sit for a day. If it's still running good. If not, try to wind. If it doesn't budge with soft turning, then take it to a watchmaker to open and take a look.

 

[MBreinin]

Yeah, get it cleaned and oiled. Those old watches have a tendency to be gummed up. They also often lack shock resistance, or are easily shocked into stopping the balance wheel. Just part of the fun that goes along with the beauty of those old pieces.

Mike

 

[Virginia Dandy]

If it gets gummed/jammed up upon winding or over-winding, I believe one can also hold it 90 degrees to a hard surface - maybe an inch or so away from the surface (wood is best and perhaps cover the surface with a t-shirt or other soft cloth if worried about the finish) - and then give the watch a gentle rap onto the surface. Best to strike with the side opposite the crown - and certainly not directly onto the crown.

If it's capable of running again - that may get it moving.