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How to Wind and Care for Your Hampden Model 1 Automatic Watch

How to wind your automatic Hampden Model 1, how the Sellita SW279-1 movement works, when to stop turning the crown, what to do if the watch stops, and what the 5-Year Limited Warranty covers for mechanical movements.

Daniel Wein avatar
Written by Daniel Wein
Updated over 2 months ago

How Your Automatic Movement Works

The Model 1 uses an automatic mechanical movement. This means:

  • It winds itself through the natural motion of your wrist.

  • If unworn for a day or more, the power reserve may run low.

  • A short manual wind ensures accurate timekeeping and smooth operation.

Automatic winding is continuous as long as the watch is worn regularly.


How to Manually Wind Your Model 1

To manually wind the Sellita SW279-1:

  1. Ensure the crown is in the pushed-in (neutral) position.

  2. Turn the crown forward (clockwise).

  3. Watch the power reserve indicator climb as the mainspring charges.

  4. Stop winding when the indicator reaches MAX.

Most watches reach a full wind with 10–20 clockwise turns, depending on how depleted the reserve is.


How to Know When to Stop Winding

Your Model 1 makes this intuitive:

  • When the power reserve indicator reaches MAX, the movement is fully wound.

  • You may also feel gentle resistance in the crown as the mainspring reaches full tension.

  • Stop winding at MAX — additional turns are unnecessary.

The Sellita SW279-1 includes a slipping bridle, meaning the mainspring cannot be damaged by minor overwinding, but stopping at MAX is best practice for longevity.


If Your Watch Has Stopped

If the power reserve empties:

  1. Give the crown 10–20 turns until the indicator reaches MAX.

  2. Set the time.

  3. Wear as normal — daily wrist movement will keep it running.


Daily Wearing Tip

If you wear your Model 1 most days, you may never need to manually wind it. Your movement will remain powered simply through everyday activity.


Your Hampden 5-Year Limited Warranty

Every modern Hampden watch— including the Model 1 — is covered by our 5-Year Limited Warranty, beginning from the original date of purchase.

What’s Covered

  • Original defects in materials or workmanship

What’s Not Covered

  • Wear and tear, including scratches, dents, and discoloration

  • Accidental damage from mishandling, impact, or improper use

  • Water damage if the crystal, crown, stem, caseback, or gaskets are open, damaged, or exposed beyond rated depth

  • Battery replacement (for quartz models only)

  • Routine servicing or cleaning for mechanical movements

  • Damage caused by unauthorized repair or modification

Routine mechanical service is not covered by warranty — like all automatic movements, the Sellita SW279-1 benefits from periodic professional cleaning and lubrication over the years.

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