Broken Mainspring in Mechanical Watches: Signs, Causes, and Fixes

For new watch owners, experiencing a broken mainspring in a mechanical watch can be confusing and frustrating. In this article, King Replica explains the common signs of a broken mainspring, the technical reasons behind it, and the proper steps to fix the issue without further damaging the movement.

1. How to Tell If Your Mechanical Watch Has a Broken Mainspring

The most obvious sign is that your watch stops running completely, even after you’ve fully wound it. When you shake it gently, the hands may twitch but then halt again. Another clue is the absence of resistance or the usual clicking sound when winding the crown. These indicate the mainspring has snapped inside and is no longer connected to the gear train. It needs immediate attention to avoid damaging the gears or the movement’s axle.

2. Why Do Mechanical Watches Suffer From a Broken Mainspring?

A broken mainspring in a mechanical watch doesn’t happen randomly. It usually stems from preventable technical issues. Here are the most common causes:

• Overwinding: Turning the crown beyond the design limit puts extreme tension on the mainspring.
• Winding while wearing: Wrist pressure can misalign the winding stem, stressing the mainspring.
• Strong impacts: Dropping the watch or banging it can snap or dislodge the mainspring.
• Magnetism: Regular exposure to electronics can twist and weaken the mainspring.
• Lack of maintenance: Dried-out lubricants can lock the mainspring barrel, causing stress and eventual breakage.

3. What to Do When Your Mechanical Watch Has a Broken Mainspring

Never attempt to open the movement at home. Doing so can harm the gear system or break the central axle. The safest solution is to take the watch to a professional repair center. If the mainspring is only tangled or misaligned, a skilled technician might be able to realign it. But if it’s completely broken, replacement is necessary to restore long-term accuracy and performance.

When purchasing a replica watch from King Replica, you receive regular maintenance and free technical inspections. If your watch experiences a broken mainspring, our expert team will diagnose the issue and perform the needed repairs or part replacements. With years of hands-on experience, our technicians ensure precise servicing that restores your timepiece to like-new condition.

4. When Should You Replace the Mainspring?

If you wear your mechanical watch daily, the mainspring should be checked every 3 to 5 years. Signs that it may be weakening include the watch slowing down, reduced power reserve, or stopping unexpectedly even after full winding. Early replacement prevents sudden breakage and protects components like the central wheel, pinion, and gear train axles.

5. Tips for Proper Mainspring Winding

Correct winding helps your mechanical watch stay accurate and extends movement life. But each watch type has different winding mechanisms:

• Đồng hồ lên dây tay (handwinding): Vặn núm từ 15 – 20 vòng, lực vừa đủ, không vặn căng hết cỡ để tránh đứt cót.
• Đồng hồ tự động (automatic): Đeo ít nhất 8 tiếng/ngày để cơ chế tự lên cót hoạt động hiệu quả.
• Nếu ít vận động cổ tay: Lắc đồng hồ 10 – 15 lần để nạp năng lượng thủ công.
• Đồng hồ có cả 2 chức năng: Nên lên cót tay 5 – 10 vòng vào buổi sáng để đảm bảo đồng hồ chạy ổn định cả ngày.

6. How to Protect the Mainspring from Damage

Besides winding correctly, you should also store your watch in a stable environment. Here are practical tips to extend your mainspring’s lifespan:

• Avoid strong impact: Don’t wear it during intense sports; it may snap the shaft or mainspring.
• Stay away from magnets: Keep it away from phones, speakers, TVs, and fridges.
• Routine service: Every 3–5 years, have your watch cleaned and the barrel lubricated.
• Proper storage: When unworn, lay the watch flat or use a watch winder to maintain tension.

King Replica has just shared detailed information on how to detect, prevent, and deal with a broken mainspring in mechanical watches. Since the mainspring is a vital part of the movement, even minor issues can lead to major failures. If your watch shows symptoms, it’s best to visit a trusted service center. We hope this guide helps you respond properly and promptly when the problem arises.