Answer: When a clock stops after being fully wound it is an indication the movement is in need of service. Over the years, people have figured out that if you don't wind up your dirty, dry mainsprings fully, they will still unwind and run the clock. Dirty and dry mainsprings are really sticky, and when you compress the old dirty lubricant, (that is, when fully wound) the mainspring will virtually stick to itself and not unwind. The simple solution is to service the mainsprings, but if the mainsprings are that dirty and dry, then the rest of the movement will probably need attention as well.

So, if the mainsprings are serviced properly and aren't sticky, you can't wind your clock too tight. In fact, your clock will run better and more consistently if fully wound on a regular basis, rather than trying to guess by counting winds to determine when you are close to fully wound.

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