Burton, Eric; Clocks & Watches

This is something for sellers who often describe watches and clocks as being 'overwound'.

I wouldnt bother saying it. It really doesn't mean anything, other than the watch is broken! It isn't possible to 'overwind' a watch, unless what you do is wind it up until it stops and then force it like an imbocile trying to twist the key on a particulary resiliant can of corned beef. If you do that then maybe something will go twang inside, but most people wouldnt... its pretty obvious when the watch is wound up fully; you feel it.

If then, you wind a watch up fully and it doesn't work it just means the watch is knackered! Or rather, something has worn inside and needs to be replaced. When a pinion or a hole for a pinion holding a cog in place gets worn it will cause that gear to be a little sloppy. Thats fine for a while, but when the watch is wound full for a good day's ticking, it could be that that high tension and force inside the watch could cause a sloppy gear to move and jam - stopping the watch. Thats not because you have overwound it. It is because the watch is wound full, but the cause of the problem is the worn pinion/hole.

So there you have it. You don't overwind a watch or a clock!

But feel free to correct me or add further comment if you feel the urge!