What Causes a Watch to Stop Working?

Watches are more than just timekeeping devices— they are cherished accessories that can hold profound sentimental value for the wearer. However, when your watch suddenly stops working, it can be both frustrating and concerning, especially if it was a significant investment. At Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, we understand the importance of maintaining your timepiece's functionality. Various factors can cause a watch to stop working, ranging from simple issues such as a dead battery to more complex problems such as water damage or magnetism. Knowing these common causes can help you address potential issues before they escalate, and keep your beloved watch in perfect working condition for years to come.

Dead Battery

When your watch stops ticking, a dead battery is often the first culprit to consider. This is particularly prevalent in quartz watches. Over time, the battery that powers your watch's movement will naturally deplete. Eventually, it will need to be replaced to keep your watch in optimal condition. Rather than try to replace the battery yourself, it’s vital to trust the staff at your local jeweler or watch store to perform a professional battery replacement. Attempting to replace the battery yourself can result in damage to the delicate internal components, so it's best to leave this task to the experts.

Moisture and Water Damage

Despite the growing popularity of water-resistant watches, moisture and water damage remain significant threats to your timepiece. Even water-resistant watches are not immune to damage if exposed to significant amounts of moisture over time or are submerged beyond their designed depth. If one or both of these occur, water can seep into the watch case and corrode the internal components, causing the watch to malfunction. If you suspect your watch has been exposed to excessive moisture, it's crucial to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Your local jeweler can assess the extent of your watch’s damage and perform the necessary repairs to restore your watch to its optimal condition.

Magnetism

While a less commonly known issue than the above, magnetism is a significant issue that can cause a watch to stop working or to run inaccurately. Everyday electronic devices and appliances like smartphones, speakers, and even refrigerators, generate magnetic fields that can interfere with your watch's movement and functions. When exposed to strong magnetic fields, the delicate components inside the watch can become magnetized, disrupting its accuracy. If you notice your watch is running fast, slow, or has stopped working altogether, magnetism could be the issue if the battery or water damage aren’t the culprit. 

Impact Damage from Dropping

Accidents happen, but dropping your watch can have serious consequences. Even if your watch appears undamaged on the outside, the impact can jar the internal components and cause them to shift out of place or break. This, in turn, can lead your watch to stop or to run inaccurately. If your watch has ever taken a fall, it’s advisable to have it checked by a professional to ensure everything is in working order. Many local jewelers and watch stores offer comprehensive repair services to address any damage on your watch and to restore your watch's functionality and appearance.

Failure to Wind

Mechanical watches in particular rely on regular winding to keep the mechanism moving and the timekeeping accurate. If your mechanical watch has stopped working, the issue might be as simple as forgetting to wind it. Manual winding is necessary to keep the mainspring tight, ensuring the watch continues to function correctly. If winding your watch doesn’t resolve the issue, it could indicate a more serious problem, such as a broken mainspring or other internal damage. Skilled watchmakers can accurately diagnose any issues with your watch’s mechanism and provide the necessary repairs to keep your watch ticking.

Keep Your Watch Going with Hing Wa Lee Jewelers

At Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, our knowledgeable staff are dedicated to helping you maintain your luxury timepiece so it can continue to serve you reliably for years to come. Our expert staff are specifically trained to handle watch services from simple battery replacements to complex repairs. We invite you to visit us at our California locations in San Gabriel or Walnut, where our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with all your watch repair and maintenance needs. Contact us today to repair your beloved timepieces in your collection, or discover a new addition to your collection from the world’s most exceptional designers. Select the timepiece that truly speaks to you and keep it maintained to perfection, only at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers.