The debate around whether watch winders wear out watches has been ongoing among watch enthusiasts for quite some time. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the topic and present arguments from both sides of the debate so that you can make an informed decision for yourself.
What Are Watch Winders?
Before delving into the controversy, it is crucial to comprehend what watch winders are and why they have gained popularity among watch aficionados. A watch winder refers to a mechanical device engineered to maintain automatic or self-winding watches fully wound when unworn. It securely holds the watch, emulating the natural wrist movement by rotating persistently at predetermined intervals. Consequently, this ensures the mainspring stays tightly wound, keeping the watch operational.
Arguments Against Watch Winders Wearing Out Watches
- Overwinding: One argument against the use of watch winders is that they may lead to overwinding of automatic watch mainsprings. The continuous operation can exert excessive tension on the spring, potentially weakening or damaging it over time. This could result in irregular timekeeping or even harm other internal components.
- Increased Wear on Moving Parts: Another prevalent argument is that continuous movement through a watch winder may accelerate wear on the watch’s moving parts. The increased strain on these components can lead to more frequent servicing needs and potential complications in the future.
- Lubrication Concerns: Critics also raise concerns about the distribution of lubricants within the watch movement when using a winder.
- They argue that uneven distribution can cause the essential oils to gather in certain areas, leading to increased friction between parts and ultimately reducing the overall lifespan of the watch.
Arguments Against Watch Winders Causing Wear Out
High-Quality Watch Winders Protect Your Timepiece: Well-designed, professional watch winders use programmed rotation cycles to prevent overwinding and protect your watch. These devices let your timepiece rest between rotations, minimizing constant tension and reducing wear on internal components.
Daily Wear Causes More Damage: Watch winder advocates argue that daily wear out is more harmful than using a winder. A high-quality device eliminates the need for manual winding and setting, decreasing stress on the winding crown and reducing the risk of human error.
Modern Watches Have Built-In Protection: Many contemporary automatic watches incorporate mechanisms such as slipping mainsprings to prevent overwinding or potential damage caused by excessive use of watch winders. These timepieces are engineered with technology to ensure they cannot be overwound, even when placed in a winder.
Some watches also feature anti-magnetic technology, such as silicon windings, enhancing their resistance to magnetic fields. Additionally, specialized watches may include magnetic field protection technology, like protection sleeves and inner cases, safeguarding them against magnetic fields up to 80,000 A/m.
Protecting Your Watch from Magnetism
Those who own professional watches designed to resist strong magnetic fields, such as the Rolex Milgauss and Omega Railmaster, need not be concerned. However, we believe owners of such timepieces would likely avoid low-cost and potentially substandard watch winders in any case.
One crucial aspect to consider is that your watch’s movement can potentially suffer damage when exposed to magnets within the winder. If not adequately protected, magnetism can cause accuracy issues or even severe damage to the movements. High-quality watch winders address this concern by incorporating a steel frame that acts as a Faraday cage, shielding the watch from magnetic interference.
Ultimately, it is essential to invest in a reputable and high-quality watch winder if you choose to use one. It is also crucial to consider the specific needs and features of your particular timepiece. By doing so, you can better preserve its function and longevity – aspects that truly matter to watch enthusiasts.
When purchasing a watch winder, it is advisable to avoid the cheapest options that may overwind the movement or expose it to magnetism. Instead, opt for a trusted brand that you can rely on to take care of your watch, such as one of the models recommended in Mozsly’s best watch winder guide.
Conclusion
The answer to whether watch winders wear out watches lies somewhere in between the two opposing arguments. Quality and well-designed watch winders protect your timepiece from unnecessary strain and can, in fact, prolong its life by maintaining optimal operation. However, poor-quality winders or improper use can indeed contribute to increased wear of your valuable watch.
Using a professional watch winder poses minimal risk to your automatic timepieces. As long as you exercise caution in selecting an appropriate winder and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for its usage, you can enjoy the benefits of a watch winder without worrying about accelerated wear and tear on your valuable timepieces.
