how to unwind an overwound watch?

I wish it was an answer, it's another problem. Removed latch to let my watch unwind and it won't unwind or even budge. Fear disassembly is going to mean parts flying everywhere but is there any other way?

Seanus
May 2013

Ill tell you what i did,if you can bump it and it works for a couple sec, then all you do is put your watch into two socks then put it in your dryer with on heat or very low for 15 min,and there you go

alonzo
February 2011

Well if there is no such thing as over winding a watch I would like to know what happened to mine.
I have a pretty nice automatic which is skeleton style with a glass back.
I ran perfectly and kept great time until a few days ago. I got to work and discovered that it wasn't running. Because it is a skeleton I could clearly see that the spring was so tight that there was absolutely no space between the coils. It never wound that tight automatically and on days when it ran down because it was on the night-stand for a couple days I would only give it a few turns to get it going. The automatic mechanism would take over from there.
When I asked my children who was playing with my watch my daughter confessed to winding it the night before. It is as tight as a drum and not working now. If it is not over-wound, please tell me what the possible problem is.
thanks.

Bird-Man
May 2010

There is no such thing as 'overwound' - the most common problem is that the watch oil has turned into a glue over the years and it just needs a good clean. If you attempt this youself it is likely that you will break a balance pivot or lever pivot. Even if you break a screw it will be extrememly difficult to find a replacement. If you look on eBay there is many a good watch that has been mutilated by amateur repairers 'having a go'.

If you're thinking of picking up the screwdriver you are just about to ruin a valuable antique.

Mark Jordan
November 2009

Hi There,

Do not attempt to repair the watch yourself as it can be any number of problems e.g. the Mainspring may have become detached from the Barrel Wall etc.
& you may cause more damage.

Take it in to a Qualified Watchmaker who won't charge you to look at it & will quote you a price to repair it.

I should know as I am a horologist.

Hope this helps.

Stow06
February 2008

Hi, If the watch is running it will of course unwind itself. Simply over winding is not a problem, the problem is what damage overwinding has done.

If you have decided the watch is not worth the cost of repair, then get the back off. If you can acheive this without stabbing yourself. You proberbly have the skill to fix the watch. If you get the back off look first for the Balance Wheel. It looks a little like a wagon wheel, with spokes. If you hold the watch upright in your hand and twist your wrist you may see the balance wheel "run" if you can encourage this to keep going for a while, keep twisting. You may resolve the issue. If the B.W will not keep running. Look for a pawl (hook) which engages in the spring's cassette to hold it as its wound. look at where the spindle from the winding button goes. I'm sorry i cant help further its one thing to fix and another to write up.
Good luck

mondsron
January 2008