I have a chronograph with a Valjoux 7751 that went from +16s/d out of the box to +9s/d after three days. Another SW200-based watch went from -6s/d to -9s/d over the last six months, while yet another SW200 stayed put at +6s/d over roughly the same time.

Not sure if you want to call that break-in. My chrono may have been sitting in a box at the distributor for years, so there may be some effects from that. These kinds of differences in how a watch was stored/worn/handled possibly affect the accuracy more than any "regular" break-in.


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Only for leather straps and shoes.
Never noticed it on a watch in my 45 years of watch owning.
After a few years they might change but that usually means time for service.

 

Each watch will conform to the manufacturer's specs out of the box and this may or may not alter as the movement beds in over the first month of its life. I believe firmly in the 1 month bedding in period but I'm guessing that you wouldn't have to look far to find someone who said "Sticky's talking rubbish". I doubt that you will get the definitive answer you are seeking so it just seems wise to assume there is a bedding in period.

 

Interesting. Three people have answered so far (thanks by the way). One person believes there may be a break in period but it is affected by how watches are stored and handled. The second answered, "Never noticed it on a watch in my 45 years of watch owning." The third person answered, "I believe firmly in the 1 month bedding in period..." This is what I talked about in my original post. Opinions are all over the place, yet there has to be one true answer, no?

Watchmakers, where are you?

 

Do you want a layman's best guess or a professional opinion?

We have a Watchmaking sub-forum with a few seasoned professional Master Watchmakers who would be happy to give their best guess.

 

Since I am new I did not know that. While there are many, many lay opinions (including my own), in the end, I don't really think they count for much. It is like me going on a brain surgery forum and opining about a certain procedure. I think a professional opinion is always best!

 

I've written about this once before and I have the same things to say here.
-- I observed a break in period on my Deep Blue T100 (Miyota 8215)
-- I did not observe one on my other Deep Blue watch (Master something or other -- Miyota 9015)
The only reason I noticed it on the T100 was because of my participation on WUS which inspired me to buy the watch largely for the purpose of discovering whether modestly priced divers are materially better or worse than are pricey ones like Omegas and Rolexes and to get some firsthand exposure to Citizen's popular movements. I noticed it on the Master-whatever only because I bothered to look after having seen it on the T100.

Truly, however, but for participating on WUS, it would never have crossed my mind to check my watches' accuracy. I never did before joining WUS. I have since determined that the accuracy of my watches is not something I care to spend my time tracking in a way that has anything one might call measurable. Existential inaccuracy that I notice because I know I set the watch recently, and some hours later it's not showing anything like the correct time, is about as much accuracy checking as I've generally performed, and that's going to have to do going forward. LOL

I am sorry I haven't a better answer for you.

All the best.

 

I might be one of the people who said "three months" in one of the other forums.

I think Sticky is closer to being accurate; most changes I have observed (and mostly in cheaper movements) usually took place in the first month, and usually it means the watch slows down a bit. (His post count is way higher than mine anyway!)

There are a few conspicuous exceptions, however. There is my NY0040, which was just about perfect for two years, maybe +2, and dropped to about -4 in the third year. Not a big deal, but I wish it were +4 rather than -4, still quite useable.

Then there is my SKX009, which is always about -20 on the first day I wear it, but over the course of a few days will speed up to -15, sometimes even -12, which is much more manageable. So it's a weird watch-- I set it in the morning before going to work, use it that day, but don't bother using it the second day, it's too far off to be usable in my line of work (I can be 20 seconds late, but not 40!). The third day, when it's -40, I set it so that it's +20, which I feel comfortable wearing, the fourth day it's +5, and the fifth day it's -8 or something.

My NY2300 started at +20 and has now slowed down to +15 over two or three years. I'm wondering if it will continue slowing down to the point where it's only +8, which would be great.

I only have two 7750s, both very new. One is down to +5 or so from about +10 after about a month, and the other is down to +8 from +10 after a week. So I am guessing that more refined movements tend to settle a bit less, and tend to settle more consistently slower. But I haven't been at this long enough to be anything like an authority on the subject, and I'm very interested to learn what other members have experienced.

 

I've owned two 2824 watches. My experience with both indicate that movement break-in is a real thing.
My Hamilton khaki started at +6 and slowed to -5 a day.
My Timefactors Speedbird started at +8 and has slowed to roughly -.6 after a year of use.

 

Fact or fiction, I personally believe in the "break in" myth.

 

I haven't noticed a "break in" period in my mechanicals, but then again I wasn't looking for it either. I never noticed a difference in accuracy the first few days or weeks.

 

I haven't noticed a "break in" period in my mechanicals, but then again I wasn't looking for it either. I never noticed a difference in accuracy the first few days or weeks.

That's the thing here as well. I don't know what if one isn't looking for it, expecting it, otherwise "worried about" it, etc., it seems like the sort of thing one wouldn't notice, and if one doesn't notice it early on, there's no opportunity to notice it later. LOL If someone here hadn't asked about it, or otherwise inspired yo to pay close attention to your watch's accuracy from day one onward, would you have thought to consider the notion of a "break in?"

TickTalk seems to have a fairly confident position on the matter. So does a blog writer.

All the best.

 

I have for sure noticed a bedding in, or break in period, on some, but not all of my automatic watches. Perhaps some have a break in period, and some don't, which is there are few definitive answers.

 

I am a longtime reader of this, and other watch forums, but I have never posted on them until now. I am really interested in this topic, and I would like to find the answer to an apparently unsettled issue:

Do mechanical movements go through a break-in period? Yes or no?

One quick Google or forum search reveals that there are thousands of posts regarding this topic, but there is nothing close to agreement regarding the answer. Nevertheless, given the fact that watches are machines there has to be one correct answer, right?

Personally, I have owned a number of mechanical watches and I have never experienced a situation where the movement's accuracy changed drastically, if at all, from how it performed out of the box. However, recently I purchased a watch with an ETA 2824-2 Elabrore movement. The specs indicate that this movement averages +/-7 seconds a day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds a day. During the first week my watch has been very consistent out of the box at a disappointing and above average +13 a day no matter what position of rest. However, just when I was getting ready to take it in for regulation, yesterday the movement slowed to +12 over the past 24 hours. A downward trend? Who knows?

I plan to monitor the progress a few more days, but when I read the forums I see the following advise:

1. Wait at least three months before regulating, the movement is settling in.
2. Regulate now, the break-in period is a myth.
3. The break-in period is really the movement adjusting to how it is worn.
4. Each movement is different .

Seriously? The above is shared in equal portions throughout the Internet. I would love to hear from watchmakers out there. What is the answer?

I believe the break in period is dependent on how the watch will be used.

If you leave the watch in its box its as broken in as its gonna get.

For my level of activity my watches settle in at around 6 months.

Here is a list of a typical years activities:
1. Washing hands/doing dishes: 8+ hours
2. Showering: 11+ hours
3. Swimming: 32+ hours
4. Free dives up to 1 ATM: 39+ times
5. Free dives over 1 ATM: 10+ times
6. Salt water exposure: 1hr
7. Hot tub exposure: 2hrs
8. Sauna exposure: 2hrs
9. Banging/scraping/raking objects: 50+ times
10. Riding street-motorcycle: 22+ hours
11. Operating chainsaw: 1+ hours
12. Chopping wood: 15+ hours
13. Gutting, skinning and butchering a deer
14. Exposure to harsh chemicals: 5 times
15. Firing high powered rifle: 3 shots
16. Brush clearing with a machete: 3 hours
17. Accidental drops to carpeted floor: 2 times

 

Three months for the break-in? No way.

 

I am a longtime reader of this, and other watch forums, but I have never posted on them until now. I am really interested in this topic, and I would like to find the answer to an apparently unsettled issue:

Do mechanical movements go through a break-in period? Yes or no?

One quick Google or forum search reveals that there are thousands of posts regarding this topic, but there is nothing close to agreement regarding the answer. Nevertheless, given the fact that watches are machines there has to be one correct answer, right?

Personally, I have owned a number of mechanical watches and I have never experienced a situation where the movement's accuracy changed drastically, if at all, from how it performed out of the box. However, recently I purchased a watch with an ETA 2824-2 Elabrore movement. The specs indicate that this movement averages +/-7 seconds a day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds a day. During the first week my watch has been very consistent out of the box at a disappointing and above average +13 a day no matter what position of rest. However, just when I was getting ready to take it in for regulation, yesterday the movement slowed to +12 over the past 24 hours. A downward trend? Who knows?

I plan to monitor the progress a few more days, but when I read the forums I see the following advise:

1. Wait at least three months before regulating, the movement is settling in.
2. Regulate now, the break-in period is a myth.
3. The break-in period is really the movement adjusting to how it is worn.
4. Each movement is different .

Seriously? The above is shared in equal portions throughout the Internet. I would love to hear from watchmakers out there. What is the answer?

Thank you for all the responses. Very respectfully gentlemen, thus far there are a number of replies that state they "believe", or "think" certain things about a break-in period. There are others who cite anecdotal evidence, but not one answer yet based on empirical studies or professional knowledge. With all of the watches out there, and all of the questions asked about this topic, one would think that the issue would have been settled long ago based on experimentation and fact. Is there no conclusory data out there?

 

Here is some data for you on my SARB017
Seiko Watch Model#SARB017 Serial#460062 Weekly Time Tog
Date Seconds +/Week Seconds +/Day Average Seconds +/Day
13Jan15 00:00
18Jan15 01:43 00:21 00:21
25Jan15 02:49 00:24 00:23
1Feb15 02:11 00:19 00:21
8Feb15 02:12 00:19 00:21
15Feb15 01:33 00:13 00:19
22Feb15 01:08 00:10 00:17
1Mar15 01:22 00:12 00:17
8Mar15 01:10 00:10 00:16
15Mar15 01:10 00:10 00:15
22Mar15 01:27 00:12 00:15
29Mar15 01:35 00:14 00:15
5Apr15 00:14 00:02 00:14
12Apr15 00:45 00:06 00:13
19Apr15 00:52 00:07 00:13
26Apr15 01:08 00:10 00:12
3May15 00:47 00:07 00:12
10May15 00:39 00:06 00:12
17May15 01:02 00:09 00:12
24May15 01:03 00:09 00:11
31May15 00:37 00:05 00:11
7Jun15 00:50 00:07 00:11
14Jun15 00:47 00:07 00:11
21Jun15 00:44 00:06 00:10
28Jun15 01:13 00:10 00:10
5Jul15 01:13 00:10 00:10
12Jul15 01:13 00:10 00:10
19Jul15 01:13 00:10 00:10
26Jul15 00:59 00:08 00:10
2Aug15 01:26 00:12 00:10
9Aug15 01:26 00:12 00:11
16Aug15 01:03 00:09 00:10
23Aug15 01:45 00:15 00:11
30Aug15 01:44 00:15 00:11
6Sep15 01:44 00:15 00:11
13Sep15 01:48 00:15 00:11
20Sep15 01:38 00:14 00:11
27Sep15 01:38 00:14 00:11
4Oct15 01:38 00:14 00:11
11Oct15 01:21 00:12 00:11
18Oct15 01:21 00:12 00:11
25Oct15 01:21 00:12 00:11
1Nov15 01:22 00:12 00:11
8Nov15 00:21 00:03 00:11
15Nov15 00:46 00:07 00:11
22Nov15 01:18 00:11 00:11
29Nov15 01:26 00:12 00:11
6Dec15 02:08 00:18 00:11
13Dec15 02:16 00:19 00:11
20Dec15 02:32 00:22 00:12
27Dec15 02:32 00:22 00:12
3Jan16 02:32 00:22 00:12
10Jan16 02:32 00:22 00:12
17Jan16 01:07 00:10 00:12

Then the watch I am currently field testing...a Hamilton H64425555
Date Automatic/Week Automatic/Day Average Automatic/Day
12Jan16 00:00
17Jan16 00:05 00:01 00:01
24Jan16 00:16 00:02 00:02
31Jan16 00:19 00:03 00:02
7Feb16 00:19 00:03 00:02
14Feb16 01:37 00:14 00:05
21Feb16 01:22 00:12 00:06
28Feb16 01:22 00:12 00:07
6Mar16 01:27 00:12 00:08
13Mar16 01:26 00:12 00:08
20Mar16 01:24 00:12 00:08
27Mar16 01:23 00:12 00:09
3Apr16 01:25 00:12 00:09
10Apr16 01:25 00:12 00:09
17Apr16 01:25 00:12 00:10
24Apr16 01:32 00:13 00:10
1May16 01:30 00:13 00:10
8May16 01:34 00:13 00:10
15May16 01:35 00:14 00:10
22May16 01:35 00:14 00:11
29May16 01:43 00:15 00:11
5Jun16 01:45 00:15 00:11
12Jun16 01:41 00:14 00:11
19Jun16 01:41 00:14 00:11
26Jun16 01:45 00:15 00:11
3Jul16 01:45 00:15 00:12
10Jul16 01:45 00:15 00:12
17Jul16 01:43 00:15 00:12
24Jul16 01:43 00:15 00:12
31Jul16 01:43 00:15 00:12
7Aug16 01:43 00:15 00:12
14Aug16 01:47 00:15 00:12
21Aug16 01:52 00:16 00:12
28Aug16 01:44 00:15 00:12
4Sep16 01:50 00:16 00:13
11Sep16 01:50 00:16 00:13
18Sep16 01:49 00:16 00:13
25Sep16 01:42 00:15 00:13
2Oct16 01:48 00:15 00:13
9Oct16 00:28 00:04 00:13
16Oct16 00:47 00:07 00:12
23Oct16 00:46 00:07 00:12
30Oct16 00:58 00:08 00:12
6Nov16 01:08 00:10 00:12
13Nov16 01:09 00:10 00:12
20Nov16 01:09 00:10 00:12
27Nov16 01:13 00:10 00:12
4Dec16 01:12 00:10 00:12
11Dec16 01:12 00:10 00:12

In both cases the watch took some time to settle to my level of activity. If these watches simply sat on a winder I can almost guarantee that the accuracy would not change a whole lot. Hmmm maybe a test for next years watch?

 

There seems at times that around here there's a "break-in-period" needed for new owners.

 

I have had 2 watches that needed to be "broke in" before they would even stay running. By that I mean you would wind them, and they would stop before fully wound down. I'm to the point now in where I would dang near rather throw a watch away then go through the agony of international AD repair. I just kept wearing them and they fixed themselves and don't stop anymore.

While my case is extreme, I think it shows that a watch can certainly run different when it is new.

That being said, it would be my hope and expectations that a high quality Swiss watch with a fully polished and jeweled movement would not need a break in period.

 

There was with my in house Damasko, there wasn't with my Muhle Glashutte.

 

I would like to find the answer to an apparently unsettled issue:

And the issue will somehow be settled this time just because it was you who asked he question?

 

 

No such thing. And nearly impossible to determine outside of a laboratory environment.
My standard reply is that if they were 'breaking in' then watches would get progressively less accurate, or even more accurate, DURING COSC testing. I have never seen this phenomenon mentioned. What i have noticed is my own watches varying - due to 'breaking in', possibly, but much more likely due to being banged around, dropped (yes, I have dropped watches!), magnetized, and so on. Now, I notice that while people may disagree on a break in period, very few would question whether the sort of treatment a watch gets in daily use could make minute changes.

If there is such a thing then why has not some manufacturer not figured tis out? Why aren't the putting this in every owners manual for every watch on the market? Even better, since it takes Rolex a year to make a watch (so they claim), why not spend a few more weeks/months letting them run and then regulate them to perfection before shipping them out? Or Omega could do this and clean Rolex's clock (so to speak).

And not only that, but if this sort of thing is a reality then a number of watchmakers owe us refunds - they repair a watch, replace some parts, and then meticulously adjust, and regulate them to better than new performance all the while knowing that it is for nothing and that the watch they sent us running at + or - 2 seconds a day will be quite different in 3 months.

 

Only my automatics. The quartz and Radio Controlled ones have zero break in.

 

All machines will have some break in period the difference is how much change is seen after the initial period.

A high precision instrument with gears, levers, and springs produced to high tolerances; lubricated by high grade lubricants will see a smaller change and have a shorter break in period.

A watch mass produced to looser tolerances and using a lower grade lubricant will show more variation during their break in period and take longer to reach an equilibrium.

All my auto's started in one place and ended in another. But to be clear it's not like the Rolex or Breitling moved that much compared to a Tag or Bulova. None of them moved considerably.

Even F1 engines have break in periods why wouldn't a watch.

 

Well, a long dormant thread revived, but I think this is probably closest to the, if not the, correct answer then and now. I would only emphasize the point that you might experience this less the more expensive/higher end the watch is because it will be more likely to spend that break in period on the watchmaker's bench than your wrist. (Not wbird's exact point, but...)

 

......if anyone revives this thread.......I'm gonna put my 2 cents in. I've only bought 6 auto's so far. Mostly TAG and Deep Blue. ALL have been pre-owned. I'm 100% satisfied with the accuracy. I've never "timed" them before and likely never will. My issue is : Bought my first NEW mechanical..Deep Blue 10y Anniv Limited edition. I wore it continuously for 2 days..no prob with the accuracy. The 1st time I removed it...(likely 8 hrs off my wrist)...when picked it back up again...it was at least -15 min !!! It freaked me out !! Now I'm wondering if something is wrong with the watch. All the posts here talk about seconds......NOBODY mentioned double digit minutes !! Which is the reason I hunted down this thread. If someone reads this and has any advice for me...feel free to send me a private message. I'm looking to relieve some stress. I will change the positions around to see what happens.....but losing multiple minutes ?? Tonight will be the 2nd time in 4 days it will be off my wrist. My fingers are crossed........ Thanks for listening. #### Update on slow running watch...last night was off wrist for 10 hrs...I nervously checked the time today... SPOT ON (no idea +/- seconds) !!! I believed I figured out the problem...ME ! I think I was taking pics to post on line the other night and didn't like the "hands position"...either stacked on top of each other....blocking the date...etc. After moving the hands for the shot, I mustn't have reset the time !!....WHEW !!! I believe I'm all set. Thank You for listening

 

...it was at least -15 min !!! It freaked me out !! Now I'm wondering if something is wrong with the watch.]

-15 min after 8 hours? Of course there's something wrong with it. Could be just magnetised though I thought they normally ran faster. Get it checked out.

 

At first I didn't take much heed to this, but now I'm starting to see that this is a really interesting topic.

Could there be some sort of interaction with the body's magnetic field and that of the timepiece's? hmm....

 

Hi Everyone, this is my first post from a new owner of a Rado HyperChrome XXL. As I post this, my watch is almost three weeks old. I wear it daily and check the accuracy roughly 6AM every morning. It was running about +12 s/d for the first few days and has steadily crept faster as time goes on. It is currently running a little over +18 s/d. I'm a creature of habit so I doubt the variance is from how I treat it. On day one, I fully wound it before putting it on. It stopped overnight on day two. From that day on, I've given it 10-15 winds at night when I take it off.

If this isn't the watch breaking in, what is it? I'm currently waiting for the timing to become consistent before taking it back to the dealer for regulation.

 

Could there be some sort of interaction with the body's magnetic field and that of the timepiece's? hmm....

I've known three people who will cause a mechanical watch to slow and eventually stop if they wear it daily.

 

My most recent acquisition, Rolex Sub 41, has not varied an iota from new, consistently +/- 0. They do their homework.