to find out if it is an automatic is to ask your mother if she had to wind them daily. LOL
Or, you may gently swirl it around a few times and set it down. if it is an automatic, it will run on its own without manually winding. If it has a petite second hand such as VPREGULATOR's, then you should see the second start to move. However, if your mother has not worn them in years, take care that the oil may be dried up, automatic or not.
Bob