So my dad recently gave me his franc Vila watch which he hadn't wore in a couple of years nor winded or anything, it was just seating on his safe box, the thing is that I've tried winding it manually or with those watch boxes that spin around, I don't know what they're called but the thing is that I can't get it to start, the watch just doesn't start moving, I've tried by pressing the buttons and all thing I could think of, also tried looking around in the internet and asking in some discords but all I found was review's in Russian... could anybody help me with it ?? Also sorry if I miss called anything but I'm kinda new to the watch world, thanks in advance, sorry if the flair isn’t the right one but I didn’t knew which one to put since it’s obligatory to put one
No problem hope you can get it running.
I only mentioned price because since it’s a chronograph, if it was $200 retail for example, that would be a tale tale sign of it being a quartz movement and simply needing a new battery.
If it is mechanical it sounds like the lubricant inside has dried up, or possibly dropped at some point. Though from what I understand it would take over a year to dry up if it hasn’t been wound up In that time.
Rule of thumb is to get a service at least every 5 years, and to wind it up at least once or twice a year. If it goes in water, especially on dives, it should be checked at least once a year. (Though I’ve heard stories of watches not being serviced in over 10 years running fine but probably not recommended)