As a Rolex owner, you know that keeping your luxury timepiece in flawless working order is critical. But you may sometimes wonder if your automatic watch will keep ticking accurately when it’s sitting unused for days or weeks between wearings. Should you invest in a watch winder to keep the self-winding perpetual rotor engaged? Or is that an unnecessary accessory that could even cause excess wear? With so many conflicting opinions out there, making the right call is tough.
Read on to make an informed decision about watch winders for your prized possession.
What Exactly Is a Watch Winder?
A watch winder is a device that automatically rotates your watch when it’s not being worn. It works by mimicking the natural motion of the wrist to engage the self-winding mechanism that powers automatic watches. The spinning action keeps the watch’s internal mainspring wound and charged, allowing it to maintain power and keep accurate time even while stationary.
Watch winders can handle a single watch or multiple timepieces. They run on battery power or AC power through an electrical outlet. Models vary widely in size, features, number of watch holders, price range ($30 basic models up to $10,000+ luxury winders), and more. But they all serve the same essential purpose – to keep automatic watches running when they aren’t on your wrist.
Inside the Rolex Perpetual Movement
Rolex watches are powered by an automatic perpetual movement. This means that the internal mechanism continuously recharges itself based on the natural motions of the wearer’s arm. This allows hands to glide effortlessly around the dial without ever needing to replace a battery or manually wind the crown.
The perpetual rotor acts like a rotating pendulum. With each movement of the wrist, it spins freely to wind the mainspring, powering the intricate symphony of gears, levers, and springs inside. This keeps the watch ticking indefinitely, as long as you wear it regularly. But what if your beloved Rolex sits in a box for days or weeks at a time?
What Happens When a Rolex Stops Moving?
The perpetual rotor needs kinetic energy to keep everything wound and working. So when inactive for extended periods, the power reserve will eventually become fully depleted, and the watch will stop running. The hands freeze in place, and complications like the date display will no longer advance properly.
For some collectors, a stationary watch risks potential damage – especially for vintage pieces. Lubrication oils may gum up or redistribute unevenly. The mainspring could lose elasticity if left tensely coiled for too long without release. So keeping things moving with a winder prevents stagnation inside delicate mechanical components.
The Debate – Do Rolex Watches Need Watch Winders?
Opinions vary widely on whether Rolex and other high-precision automatics require winders. Good arguments exist on both sides:
Reasons Some Claim Rolex Benefits From a Winder
- Prevents stopping when stored
- Maintains accuracy of time, date, and day displays
- May extend service needs by preventing oil thickening
- Offers protected storage from elements
Arguments Against Rolex Needing a Winder
- Designed to start/stop automatically based on wearing
- Modern oils don’t solidify from non-use requiring winding
- Risks potential damage from overwinding
- Regular servicing more critical than continual winding
Determining Factors for Rolex & Winders
For Rolex owners with calendar complications, vintage models, or large collections, winders can provide meaningful convenience. But contemporary, basic Rolex seems to operate fine without winder assistance when serviced properly.
In the end, assessing your trade-offs between utility and costs/risks determines the winder necessity.
Alternatives to Watch Winders for Rolex Maintenance
Aside from an automated winder, there are a few other options to keep your prized Rolex running flawlessly over the years:
Manual Winding
Even if you don’t wear your favorite Rolex daily, just a few dozen manual crown winds whenever you think of it create needed motion without buying a winder device. But remember – don’t overwind!
Watch Rotators
Simple standalone watch rotators or those built into watch cases slowly turn the watch now and then to maintain mechanical health. Cheaper than winders and simpler too.
Even without winder functions, keeping your Rolex snugly ensconced in a protective case safeguards it from dust and shocks while stowing it stylishly away.
Professional Servicing
Regardless of winder usage, every 5 years or so, your Rolex deserves expert disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, replacement seals, and calibration by certified professionals to keep that perpetual precision perfect.
How to Use a Watch Winder Properly
If you elect to use a watch winder for your automatic Rolex, keep these tips in mind:
1. Choose a model with multiple direction settings and a rest timer to mimic natural patterns of motion and prevent overwinding.
2. Adjust the number of daily winds to around 650-800 per day for optimal Rolex performance.
3. Let the spring unwind at least occasionally then restart to maintain mainspring longevity.
4. Listen for grinding noises or watches feeling abnormally stiff which can indicate an issue.
5. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines for proper winder usage.
And remember even when using a winder to keep everything spinning, personal wearing enjoyment plus professional servicing is still vital!
Keeping Your Rolex in Peak Condition
While the jury remains split on whether watch winders are mandatory for Rolex, all experts agree on taking the following fundamental measures for maximum performance and value retention:
External Care
Keep your watch clean by gently wiping it with a microfiber cloth and mild soap/water when necessary. Stick to non-abrasive polishing cloths on crystals and metals. For bracelets, a soft brush with water or solution removes dirt from between links.
Safe Storage
Use a dedicated watch case or box with soft interior padding when not wearing your priceless Rolex. Maintain cool indoor temperatures away from damp areas or intense direct light. While brief water resistance wetting won’t harm modern models, moisture is still the #1 enemy for longevity.
Careful Hand Winding
If manually topping off your watch’s power reserve now and then, turn the screw-down crown counterclockwise until it pops loose, then gently wind clockwise while avoiding excessive tension. Don’t forget to lock the crown after carefully pushing and twisting it back into the case.
Scheduled Servicing
Every 3-5 years based on usage levels, authorize an expert dealer to dismantle, ultrasonically clean, lubricate, seal, and calibrate your movement for optimal performance. Neglecting this intricate process risks long-term timing issues and excessive wear.
The Great Watch Winder Debate – Conclusion
While watch winders offer clear benefits for keeping intricate mechanical calibers ready for action, contemporary Rolex movements seem less reliant on artificial motion aid between human wearings. With quality materials and skilled servicing, letting your watch rest poses little risk of deterioration.
In the end, whether to invest in an automated winder comes down to personal convenience preference balanced against the increased servicing frequency they necessitate. There are reasonable arguments on both sides.
Regardless of where you net out on winders, no Rolex owner can neglect the essentials – gentle handling day-to-day, moisture avoidance, locked storage in a watch box when not being shown off, and professional servicing every few years. Follow those guidelines, and your treasured timekeeping companion should endure for decades or generations down the line!
FAQs:
1. Can overwinding damage my Rolex watch on a winder?
Yes, it’s possible for continuous overwinding over months or years to cause excess wear on the perpetual movement. Check that your winder properly rests the watch.
2. Why is my watch winder suddenly very noisy?
Excess noise usually means there is a problem with the motor or a part rubbing internally, so it likely needs professional service or replacement.
3. How much do high-quality watch winders cost on average?
Expect to spend $300 to $500+ for a reliable, programmable single Rolex winder with a quiet motor and durable materials. Multi-watch models run $1,000+.
4. How long will a watch winder’s batteries last before need replacement?
With regular use, the batteries in most single winders last 3-6 months before needing replacement, multi-winders drain faster with more motors.
5. Does keeping my Rolex on a winder mean I don’t need as many watches’ services?
No, regular servicing every 4-5 years remains essential even with a winder to properly lubricate, seal, inspect, and calibrate your perpetual movement.
