The buildup of residue causes them to become sticky, which creates the effect of a clock being over-wound, and the clock stops working. This can create larger problems, because it eventually affects the other parts of the clock. A clock that seems to be over-wound should be taken to a repair shop to check the clock's movement. How does a self-winding watch work? I can remember when the first quartz watches came out. But since you move your arm so much it keeps the watch wound easily. The spring in the watch stores enough energy to keep the watch going for about a day and a half if you leave it on your dresser. These links will help you learn more.
I can remember when the first quartz watches came out, they were going to be the end of normal mechanical watches, just like video tape was going to be the end of theaters. Somehow, it hasn't worked out that way, and self-winding watches are more popular than ever.
The following pictures show you the backside of a typical self-winding watch:
This watch happens to have a clear back so you can see inside. Highlighted in the second picture is a semi-circular metal piece that is the heart of a self-winding watch. Relatively speaking, this semi-circular piece is fairly heavy, and it is therefore affected by gravity. As you move the watch, this piece will move so that it is always pointed toward the ground. If you have time to load a 350-kilobyte MPEG file, then this six-second video will show you how the piece moves. As you walk, with your arm swinging back and forth, this piece moves back and forth inside the watch.
The piece is attached to a gear train that gears it way down. Each movement of your arm winds the spring the tiniest bit, but since you move your arm so much it keeps the watch wound easily. The spring in the watch stores enough energy to keep the watch going for about a day and a half if you leave it on your dresser.
These links will help you learn more:
Older wrist and pocket watches don't use batteries, but rather are powered by a tension spring that must be wound to retain its strength. Many people with broken watches are under the impression they've overwound the watch and broke it. It's important to remember that overwinding cannot break a watch, so if it isn't working, there is another problem. Watches are designed to wind only to a certain point, meaning something else is the problem.
Attempt to wind the watch again and see if it works. Make sure that the watch was wound properly before you attempt more ambitious repairs, as opening a watch risks breaking it further.
Open the watch to diagnose the problem. Use a knife or thin screwdriver and carefully pry open the cover to see where the problem is within the watch. The two most common problems are the spring not being properly connected and the staff being broken. The staff is easily replaceable and the spring can be reattached to either the winder or the staff. However, do so with caution, as watches can be very delicate and easily broken.
Seek a professional should the problem persist. A pocket watch is a very sophisticated and fragile piece of machinery, so if the problem cannot be diagnosed yourself, it is time to consult a professional. Since many pocket watches are antiques, it might be wise to trust skilled hands rather than trying to teach yourself watch repair.
Tip
Remember that a watch cannot break from being overwound. The spring is designed so that it cannot be stretched to a breaking point within the watch. A problem must persist elsewhere.
If you open your watch, be careful. The internal workings of a watch are incredibly delicate and precise.
Warning
Don't risk removing or repairing parts of the watch if you're not sure what you're doing. In a clock, everything has to be fitted in a certain way to ensure the watch runs correctly. If you are unsure, you will probably need to call in a professional.