handwound

Handwound refers to a mechanical movement powered by manual winding. In watches, a hand-wound movement requires the wearer to turn the crown to tension a mainspring, which stores energy to drive the gear train and keep time. The mechanism does not rely on a rotor or the wearer’s motions to wind itself.

In contrast, automatic or self-winding movements use a weighted rotor that winds the mainspring as the wearer moves their wrist. Handwound movements lack a rotor and are often slimmer, since they do not require the additional winding module. They depend on regular winding to maintain a consistent power reserve.

Historically, handwound was the standard form of mechanical timekeeping. Before reliable automatic winding, nearly all watches were wound by hand. The development of automatic winding in the 20th century reduced daily winding for many wearers, but handwound movements remain produced by many brands for enthusiasts and in slim or traditional designs.

Mechanism and use: Winding is performed by rotating the crown, which gradually tightens the mainspring. The stored energy powers the watch for a period known as the power reserve, which varies by movement—from roughly a day to several days in longer-running calibers. Modern handwound watches often include a slipping mechanism or crown clutch to prevent overwinding.

Why choose handwound: Handwound watches are valued for their traditional craftsmanship, thinner case contours, and the tactile feedback of winding. They require regular winding and careful handling, but many wearers enjoy the deliberate interaction and the connection to the watch’s mechanical lineage. Maintenance is similar to other mechanical watches, focusing on accuracy and lubrication.