The watch makes noises when moved

If your mechanical watch makes noises when you move it, that's not automatically a sign of a defect. Especially with automatic watches, certain running and rotor noises can be completely normal.

Why does my automatic watch make noises?

An automatic watch has a moving rotor inside the case.

This rotor moves with the movements of your arm and ensures that the movement is wound automatically. Depending on the movement, model and construction, this motion can be audible.

Typical normal noises include, for example:

• a quiet whirring or spinning sound
• a brief continued movement after a stronger motion
• a subtle mechanical ticking
• light noises when moving or turning your wrist

These noises are generally part of how an automatic watch works mechanically.

Why is the rotor sometimes clearly audible?

How strongly you notice the rotor depends on various factors.

These include, among others:

• the speed of your movement
• the position of the watch
• the construction of the particular movement
• the size and construction of the case
• the surroundings – in a quiet room, mechanical noises stand out much more clearly, for example

Rotor noises can also differ between different automatic movements.

The fact that an automatic watch is audible when you move it doesn't automatically mean that something inside is loose or damaged.

The watch keeps running audibly after a movement – is that normal?

Yes, that can be normal.

With certain movements, the rotor can first speed up and then continue running for a short moment afterwards. This can create a whirring or spinning sound.

As long as the watch otherwise works normally, runs reliably and the noise hasn't suddenly changed, there is usually no reason to worry.

Is ticking normal too?

Yes.

In a mechanical watch, the so-called escapement works continuously. This creates a quiet mechanical ticking or running sound.

How clearly you can hear this depends on the movement, the case and the surroundings.

In a very quiet room, or if you hold the watch close to your ear, you can usually notice this sound clearly.

Why didn't I notice the noise before?

Mechanical noises don't always stand out equally.

For example, it's possible that you:

• notice it for the first time in a particularly quiet environment
• hear it more strongly with a certain arm movement
• only notice it once you consciously pay attention to it

A noise that you only notice now doesn't necessarily mean it has just started.

What matters most is whether the watch's behaviour has changed at the same time.

Which noises can indicate a problem?

A check can be worthwhile if the noise:

• has suddenly become noticeably louder
• occurs newly and persistently
• rattles metallically
• grinds or scrapes noticeably
• sounds as if a component is moving loosely inside the case

You should be especially attentive if the noise first occurred after a fall, knock or strong impact.

How do I know if there's also a technical problem?

Watch out for whether other irregularities occur alongside the noise.

For example:

• the watch regularly stops
• the power reserve has noticeably shortened
• the watch suddenly runs very far ahead or behind
• the rotor seems to behave unusually
• the crown can no longer be operated as usual
• the watch was previously dropped or knocked hard

If such symptoms occur together with a new noise, we recommend a technical check.

Should I shake the watch to test the noise?

Please don't shake the watch vigorously.

Normal wrist movements are completely sufficient to move the rotor. Vigorous shaking doesn't provide a reliable indication of whether there's a defect, and should be avoided.

If you'd like to document the noise, gently move the watch in your hand instead.

What can I do if I'm unsure?

If the watch otherwise runs normally and you can only hear a quiet whirring, ticking or rotor noise when moving it, it's very likely a normal mechanical noise.

If you're still unsure, feel free to send us a short video.

The most helpful recording is one where:

• as little background noise as possible can be heard
• the watch is moved gently
• the noticeable noise is clearly audible

When should I contact our customer service?

Please get in touch with us if:

• the noise has suddenly appeared for the first time
• it has become noticeably louder than before
• you hear grinding, scraping or rattling
• the noise appeared after a fall or knock
• the watch also stops or runs unusually inaccurately at the same time
• or you have the feeling that something is moving loosely inside the case

Please send us, if possible:

• the exact model of your watch
• your order number, if available
• a short description of the noise
• information on how long it has been occurring
• whether the watch was previously exposed to a knock or fall
• ideally, a short video with sound

This often allows us to already assess whether it's a normal noise of the mechanical movement or whether a technical check makes sense.