Can you unwind an over-wound clock?

As long as a clock is well-maintained, it is not possible to over wind it. If it stops working, this is usually the result of poorly maintained mainsprings that need to be cleaned and serviced.

Over time, mainsprings in a clock become dirty. The buildup of residue causes them to become sticky, which creates the effect of a clock being over-wound, and the clock stops working. This can create larger problems, because it eventually affects the other parts of the clock. A clock that seems to be over-wound should be taken to a repair shop to check the clock's movement.