How to Wind and Set an Automatic Watch: Complete NH35 Guide
An automatic watch is self-winding through the movement of your wrist — but knowing how to manually wind it and use the crown correctly is essential for getting the most from a mechanical timepiece. This guide covers the NH35A movement specifically, which powers PINDU's core automatic collection.
Understanding the Three Crown Positions
The NH35A crown has three positions, each serving a different function:
- Position 0 — Pushed in (normal position): The crown is fully pushed in. The movement winds automatically through wrist motion. This is the normal wearing position.
- Position 1 — First click out: Pull the crown out to the first click. In this position, turning the crown clockwise winds the mainspring manually. Use this to manually top up the power reserve if the watch has stopped or been unworn.
- Position 2 — Fully extended: Pull the crown to the fully extended position. The second hand stops — this is the hacking function, allowing precise time setting. Turn the crown to set the time.
How to Manually Wind the Watch
If your watch has stopped — either from insufficient wrist motion or extended storage — manually wind it before wearing. With the crown in Position 1, turn clockwise approximately 20–30 turns. You'll feel light resistance increasing as the mainspring loads. Do not force the crown past natural resistance. Return the crown to Position 0. The watch should now run normally and self-wind throughout the day.
How to Set the Time Precisely
Pull the crown to Position 2. The second hand stops. Set the time using a reference — your phone or a time signal — and push the crown back to Position 0 at the exact moment the second you're setting to arrives. The second hand will resume from zero, giving you seconds-accurate timekeeping.
How to Set the Date
The NH35A date changes automatically at midnight. To set the date manually, pull to Position 1 and turn the crown counter-clockwise — this advances the date display. Important: never manually change the date between 9pm and 3am. The date mechanism is engaged during this window and forcing the date can damage the date wheel. Outside of this window, date correction is safe.
Power Reserve and Daily Wear
The NH35A has approximately a 41-hour power reserve when fully wound. If you wear your PINDU daily for 8+ hours, the movement will maintain adequate power through normal wrist motion. If worn less frequently, a manual wind before putting it on ensures it starts the day fully powered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wind my automatic watch?
If you wear your PINDU automatic for 8+ hours daily, wrist motion will maintain adequate power reserve and manual winding is generally not needed. If the watch has been unworn for 48+ hours, manually wind it before wearing (20–30 clockwise turns at Position 1).
Why did my automatic watch stop?
The most common reason is insufficient wrist motion. Manually wind the watch (Position 1, 20–30 clockwise turns) and wear it for the day. If the watch stops again quickly after manual winding, contact PINDU support.
Can I damage my automatic watch by over-winding?
No — the NH35A has a slip-clutch mechanism that prevents over-winding. When the mainspring reaches full wind, the mechanism slips rather than tightening further. Wind until you feel natural resistance increase, then stop.
What should I do if my automatic watch loses significant time?
A small amount of gain or loss daily (up to 30 seconds) is within normal NH35A operating range. If the watch is losing or gaining significantly more, contact PINDU support for guidance.