An automatic wood watch might seem a little confusing at first – especially if you’ve never owned one before. At Treehut, we build our watches to feel personal and easy to wear, but we know the mechanics behind automatic movement can raise some questions. If you're wondering how it all works (and what you need to do to keep it running), you're in the right place.
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What Is an Automatic Watch, Really?

The term “automatic” can be a little misleading. Many assume it means the watch will keep time all on its own, forever. While it's true that an automatic wood watch winds itself through motion, it still requires a little attention – especially if it’s not worn every day.
Inside your Treehut watch is a self-winding mechanism powered by the natural movement of your wrist. Every time you wear it, energy is stored in a mainspring. That energy keeps the gears turning and your time ticking. But if your watch sits still for more than 48 hours, it will stop running and need to be manually wound.
Keeping Your Wooden Automatic Watch Powered
Your wooden automatic watch thrives on movement. That’s part of the charm – it’s always in sync with your rhythm. But when the watch goes unworn for too long, its power reserve runs out. No damage is done, but to bring it back to life, you'll need to give it a little nudge by winding it yourself.
Think of it as a ritual – a moment to reconnect with your timepiece. Whether you’re heading to a meeting or packing for a weekend trip, giving your watch a wind is a small but meaningful act of intention.
Manual Winding: A Simple Ritual
When your automatic wood watch needs a manual boost, follow these steps:
- Locate the crown: The crown is the small knob on the side of your watch.
- Wind the mainspring: With the crown in its default position (fully pushed in), rotate it clockwise 30-40 times. You'll feel gentle resistance as the mainspring tightens.
- Set the date: Pull the crown out to the first notch. Turn it counterclockwise to adjust the date to the correct day.
- Set the time: Pull the crown out to the second notch. Rotate it to set the accurate time.
- Secure the crown: Push the crown back to its original position to ensure the watch remains sealed against dust and moisture.
Remember, over-winding can strain the mechanism. Once you feel resistance, it's time to stop.
Tips for Caring for Your Automatic Timepiece
Crafted from real, sustainably sourced wood, your Treehut timepiece is one-of-a-kind. Here’s how to care for it:
- Avoid prolonged water exposure. A little rain is fine, but remove your watch before swimming or showering.
- Keep it clean. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away dirt, sweat, or oils.
- Store wisely. When not in use, store your automatic wood watch in a dry, cool place – preferably in a watch box or soft pouch.
- These little habits go a long way in keeping your timepiece looking and functioning its best.
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Discover Treehut's Automatic Wood Watches

Owning a Treehut automatic wood watch is about more than just keeping time – it’s about embracing a lifestyle rooted in nature, adventure, and thoughtful craftsmanship. When you understand and care for your timepiece, it becomes more than a watch – it becomes a faithful companion on every journey, telling not just the time, but your story.
Every Treehut automatic wood watch reflects our commitment to sustainability and intentional design. Handcrafted in our California studio, each piece brings together modern automatic movement and the raw, rustic beauty of natural wood. Whether you're drawn to the bold contrast of wood and metal, or the one-of-a-kind veining of stone and marble, there’s a design in our collection that speaks to you.
Searching for a gift that’s truly meaningful? Add a personal engraving to the back of the case – whether it’s a special date, a short quote, or a heartfelt message. Every time he checks the time, he’ll think of you, and the moment that made it special.