A pocket watch could stop working for a variety of reasons. The same thing goes for wristwatches and other timepieces. Because the pocket watch is made up of hundreds of tiny parts, there are also many things which can cause problems with it. Various timepieces can get damaged and these damages can prevent it from working properly. Even watches on display on pocket watch stands can get broken. Here are some of the most common reasons why timepieces of all sorts stop working properly.
Battery Life. This is only true for battery operated timepieces. This does not apply to the pocket watches of old which had mechanical movements. Digital pocket watches need battery replacement more often because their batteries run out of power more often. Non digital timepieces last longer than their digital counterparts. The oil placed on the gears can also overload the battery.
Water damage. The common enemy of timepieces is water and moisture. If these two gets to your timepieces, damage is almost unavoidable, unless your pocket watch or wristwatch is water resistant or water proof. Naturally, pocket watches made for diving will not be affected by this.
Poor construction. Pocket watches and wristwatches which are made poorly will inevitably get damaged and stop working some time. Timepieces have various tiny parts and gears. If they are not put together correctly, the timepiece will stop working shortly after manufacture. The small parts could become unhinged and detached.
Physical damage. This is when the timepiece is dropped, sat on, bumped and many more. There are people who are plain careless with their timepiece. This could also unhinge detach the little parts inside the watch. Remember that watches have small gears which are very sensitive and even the slightest problem about the gears can cause irreparable damage.
Take very good care and be very careful so that you can maintain their good, working condition.