How Does Weather Affect Watches?

Regardless of whether it is a mechanical or electronic watch, both can be affected by weather conditions such as temperature and humidity. So, how exactly does weather affect watches? Let’s find out with DWatchGlobal !

How Does Weather Affect Watches?

The Impact of Temperature on Watches

For Mechanical Watches:

When the weather is too hot, mechanical watches tend to slow down. The reason is that high temperatures reduce the elasticity of the springs, including the balance spring. Conversely, in low temperatures, the watch will run faster.

For Electronic Watches:

In high-temperature environments, the IC circuits and coils in electronic watches can be affected. This can lead to malfunctions, causing the watch to run inconsistently due to impacted solder joints and microcircuits.

The Impact of Humidity on Watches

High humidity is a dangerous enemy of machinery, including watches. Moisture penetrating inside can affect the IC circuits, potentially causing short circuits and damaging the watch. The combination of temperature and humidity can lead to serious malfunctions.

In Low Temperature and Dry Weather Conditions:

The spring coils in the watch will struggle to move, and the force transmission will be uneven. The lubricating oil also becomes thick, causing the balance wheel to oscillate less and slower. This can lead to surface wear of the components and stop the watch from functioning.

In High Temperature Conditions:

The lubricant in the machine parts becomes more viscous, which is not good for the watch. Sudden temperature changes also cause uneven expansion and contraction of the case and gasket, creating gaps for water and moisture to enter and damage the machine.

Precautions When Using Watches

• Avoid placing the watch in excessively high temperatures (above 60°C) or low temperatures (below 0°C).
• Do not leave the watch directly under sunlight or in high-temperature places for long periods.
• Avoid having cold air from air conditioners blow directly on the watch frequently.

For watches that stop working in the winter, do not worry too much; only when the temperature is below 5°C can it affect the movement. Wearing the watch regularly will provide enough heat to help it function well.