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[franc Vila Estrella roja] I need help with a automatic watch (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by Armadillocachondo@alien.top to c/watches@style.land

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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

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[–] 2_fuego@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It’s a watch winder btw.

Are you sure it’s not a quartz watch? Could be a dead battery, as a mechanical chronograph in most cases will be over $1000.. Not familiar with this brand or model.

If it is a mechanical movement, and does not have a screw down crown, push the crown all the way in, and then you should be able to wind the crown towards the 12 o clock position about 10 - 20 times to get it running.

If it’s a screw down crown you need to unscrew it into the first click position, and then wind towards the 12 o clock.

It is also possible that it is mechanical but does not feature hand winding, so the watch winder would come in play or simply wearing it on your wrist for a few minutes with natural body movements should wind it enough to start running provided you are not stationary.

The two pushers are to stop / start the chronograph function of the watch.

If you are sure it’s not a quartz movement and it still will not run after winding up, pull the crown out to “stop” the watch and you will have to take it to a trusted watch maker to check it out.

[–] Armadillocachondo@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Thanks for all the detailed information and sharing your knowledge, I’m sure it ain’t a Quartz as in the quide of the brand it says that this type of watches are automatic, it indeed was over a thousand when purchased, couldn’t find a value in chrono 24 but I believe that has nothing to do but with the rarity of it, I will be sure to take it soon to the only trustable watch authorized dealer if my city, again thanks for the help

[–] 2_fuego@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

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)