Can an automatic watch be overwound?

Yes, it is possible for an automatic watch to be overwound. Automatic watches are powered by a wound-up spring called a mainspring, which stores energy and releases it gradually to power the watch's movement. If the mainspring is wound too tightly, it can become overwound, which can cause damage to the movement of the watch.

Overwinding an automatic watch can occur if the watch is wound manually and the crown is turned too many times, or if the watch is worn continuously and the movement of the wearer's wrist winds the watch too much. It is generally recommended to wind an automatic watch until the crown becomes difficult to turn, which is usually about 30-40 turns. If the crown continues to turn easily after this point, the watch is not fully wound and may need to be wound more. If the crown becomes too difficult to turn, this may indicate that the watch is overwound and may need to be wound down.

If you think your automatic watch may be overwound, it is best to consult a professional watchmaker for assistance. They will be able to properly wind down the watch and ensure that it is functioning correctly.