Why Is My Watch Losing Time?
A watch that keeps perfect time is something most of us take for granted.
So when you start noticing that your watch is running a few minutes slow, it can be frustrating. You reset the time, only to find it's fallen behind again a few days later.
The good news is that a watch losing time doesn't always mean an expensive repair is around the corner. In many cases, the cause is relatively simple and can be dealt with before it develops into a bigger problem.
How Much Time Is Your Watch Losing?
The first thing to consider is how much time your watch is actually losing.
If your watch is only a few seconds out after several days, that may not be unusual depending on the type of watch you own.
However, if it's losing several minutes over a short period, or if the problem seems to be getting worse, it's worth investigating.
A Low Battery Could Be the Cause
One of the most common causes of a quartz watch losing time is a battery that's nearing the end of its life.
Many people assume a battery works perfectly until the moment it dies, but that's not always the case.
As battery power weakens, some watches can begin to lose accuracy before stopping completely.
Other signs of a low battery may include:
The second hand is jumping in larger increments
Intermittent stopping and starting
A watch that occasionally falls behind and then catches up
If your battery hasn't been replaced for a few years, it's often the first thing worth checking. See How Long Does a Watch Battery Last? And When to Replace It
The Watch May Need Servicing
Like any precision mechanism, watches experience wear over time.
Small components inside the movement can gradually become worn, affecting the watch's ability to keep accurate time.
This is particularly common in older watches that haven't been serviced for many years.
A service can often restore proper performance and help prevent further wear.
Moisture May Have Entered the Watch
Water damage doesn't always cause a watch to stop immediately.
Sometimes one of the first signs is a watch that begins keeping poor time.
If you've recently noticed condensation under the glass or your watch has been exposed to water, moisture could be affecting the movement.
You may find this guide helpful: Why Is There Condensation Inside My Watch?
This is something that should be addressed promptly, as corrosion can develop surprisingly quickly.
A Knock or Impact Can Affect Accuracy
Watches are designed for everyday wear, but a significant knock or drop can sometimes affect their performance.
Even if there's no visible damage to the case or glass, internal components may have been disturbed.
If you've noticed timing issues shortly after dropping your watch, it's worth mentioning this when having it checked.
Age Can Play a Part
Many watches continue working reliably for years, but age eventually affects every timepiece.
Seals deteriorate, lubricants break down, and components wear naturally with use.
A watch that's ten or twenty years old may simply need some professional attention to bring it back to its best.
Should You Be Concerned?
A watch that occasionally loses a few seconds isn't usually a cause for alarm.
However, if you notice any of the following, it's worth getting it checked:
The watch is losing several minutes
The problem is becoming worse
The watch has recently been exposed to water
There are signs of condensation under the glass
The battery has not been replaced for several years
The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it is often to resolve.
What Should You Do Next?
If your watch is losing time, start with the simplest possibility: the battery.
If the battery is in good condition and the problem continues, a professional inspection can usually identify the cause quickly.
In many cases, catching the issue early helps avoid more extensive repairs later.
Final Thoughts
A watch that is losing time is often trying to tell you something.
If your watch isn't keeping time as it should, we're always happy to take a look and provide straightforward advice on the best course of action.
There’s a good chance it may just need a new battery. If the battery doesn’t work, the next step would be a movement replacement.
You’re always welcome to order a battery service first. If the watch needs more than that, we’ll let you know before doing any further work. If you decide not to go ahead, we will return your watch at our cost and issue a full refund under our No Fix No Fee policy.
First step - get a Free No Obligation Quote today.
