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In luxury timepieces, automatic watches stand out for their intricate mechanics and self-winding capabilities. However, these engineering marvels require proper care to maintain their accuracy and longevity. A watch winder is an essential tool for preserving the longevity and accuracy of automatic watches. But should you always keep a watch winder on? This comprehensive guide’ll explore the pros and cons of using a watch winder, discuss choosing the right settings for your timepiece, and answer common questions about keeping a watch winder on.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using a Watch Winder?

Watch winders are devices designed to keep automatic watches running when not worn. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a watch winder into your timepiece maintenance routine.

Feature	With Watch Winder	Without Watch Winder
Annual maintenance costs (2024 avg.)	$180	$250
Time spent winding watches weekly	0 minutes	15-30 minutes
Watch accuracy deviation per day	±2 seconds	±5 seconds
Resale value retention (2023 study)	92%	87%

Pros: Maintaining Accuracy

One of the primary benefits of using the best automatic watch winder is that it keeps your automatic watch accurately wound and ready to wear. Automatic watches rely on the motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring, which powers the watch. When an automatic watch is not worn for an extended period, it may stop running and require manual winding and time-setting. Using a watch winder, you can ensure that your watch remains accurately wound and ready to wear at a moment’s notice.

Pros: Preventing Lubricant Settling

Another advantage of a watch winder is that it prevents the lubricants inside it from settling. Over time, the lubricants in an automatic watch can settle or congeal, which can cause friction and wear on the watch’s delicate components. By keeping the watch in constant motion, a watch winder helps distribute the lubricants evenly, reducing the risk of damage and extending the life of your timepiece.

Cons: Cost Considerations

One potential drawback of watch winders is their cost. High-end watch winders can be expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. However, it’s important to consider the value of your timepiece and the potential cost of repairs or servicing if the watch is not properly maintained. Investing in a quality watch winder can help protect your watch and save you money in the long run.

Cons: Electricity Requirements

Another consideration when using a watch winder is that it requires electricity. This means you’ll need to place your watch winder near an electrical outlet or use batteries to power it. While this may not be a significant issue for most users, it’s something to keep in mind when deciding where to store your watch winder.

Read More: Is A Watch Winder Safe For Your Watch?

Can Leave a Watch Winder On Constantly Cause Any Damage To My Watch?

One of the most common concerns among watch owners is whether watch winders are bad for watches. The short answer is no, as long as you choose the correct settings for your specific watch.

Modern automatic watches are designed to handle constant movement, whether on your wrist or in a winder. The mainspring in an automatic watch has a slipping mechanism that prevents overwinding, so there’s no risk of “overwinding” your watch on a winder.

However, using the correct settings on your watch winder to mimic natural wrist movement is essential. Excessive rotation speeds or incorrect directions can potentially stress the watch mechanism unnecessarily.

To ensure optimal use of your watch winder, consider the following:

• Use your specific watch model’s correct rotations per day (RPD) setting.
• Ensure the rotation direction matches your watch’s winding mechanism.
• If you have multiple watches, consider a watch winder with programmable settings for each watch.

How Do I Choose The Right Watch Winder Settings For My Timepiece?

Selecting the appropriate settings for your watch winder is crucial for maintaining your timepiece’s accuracy and longevity. Different watch brands and models have varying winding requirements. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right settings:

• Determine your watch’s winding direction: Most watches wind bi-directionally, but some only wind in one direction. Check your watch’s manual or consult the manufacturer’s website.
• Find the correct Turns Per Day (TPD): This number varies by watch brand and model. Typically, it ranges from 650 to 1,800 TPD.
• Set the rest time: Many high-quality watch winders allow you to set rest periods between winding cycles, which can help prevent unnecessary wear.

Here’s a table showing recommended winder settings for popular watch brands:

Watch Brand	Winding Direction	Recommended TPD
Rolex	Bi-directional	650
Omega	Bi-directional	800
Tag Heuer	Clockwise	1000
Patek Philippe	Bi-directional	800
Audemars Piguet	Bi-directional	950

Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. Always consult your watch’s manual or our blog for the most accurate information.

Are There Specific Types Of Watches That Should Always Be Kept On a Watch Winder?

While all automatic watches can benefit from a watch winder, some timepieces particularly benefit from constant movement:

Perpetual and Annual Calendars

Watches with perpetual or annual calendars are designed to keep track of the date, accounting for the varying lengths of months and even leap years. These complex mechanisms require regular winding to maintain their accuracy. Keeping a perpetual or annual calendar watch on a winder ensures that the calendar remains synchronized, saving you the hassle of manually adjusting the date when you wear the watch.

Multiple Complications

Timepieces with multiple complications, such as moon phase displays or chronographs, also benefit from being kept on a watch winder. The constant motion provided by the winder helps keep these complications functioning smoothly and accurately. By storing these watches on a winder when not in use, you can reduce the need for frequent servicing and ensure that the watch is always ready to perform its various functions.

Limited Edition and Vintage Watches

Limited edition and vintage watches often have significant sentimental or financial value. When not in use, keeping these timepieces on a watch winder can help protect their delicate movements and preserve their value. The constant motion provided by the winder helps distribute lubricants evenly and prevents the oils from congealing, which can damage the watch’s internal components over time.

However, it’s important to note that not all watches must constantly be on a winder. If you rotate through your collection regularly, you might only need to use a winder for watches you wear less frequently.

How Long To Leave a Watch In a Watch Winder?

The duration for which you should leave your watch in a winder depends on several factors:

• Frequency of wear: If you wear the watch regularly (2-3 times a week), you may not need to use a winder at all.
• Power reserve: Watches with longer power reserves (72 hours or more) can stay off the winder for longer periods without stopping.
• Complications: Watches with complex features like perpetual calendars might benefit from being kept on a winder continuously.

As a general rule, if you don’t plan to wear a watch for more than a week, it’s a good idea to place it on a winder. This keeps the watch running and helps maintain its accuracy and functionality.

For watches you wear less frequently, you might consider using a watch winder with a programmable cycle. This allows the watch to be wound daily for a certain period, mimicking natural wear patterns.

Conclusion

Watch winders are valuable tools for maintaining automatic watches. They offer convenience and potentially extend the life of your timepieces. While concerns about constant use are common, properly used watch winders do not damage watches. In fact, they can help maintain accuracy and reduce the need for frequent servicing.

As you consider incorporating a watch winder into your collection care routine, it’s worth exploring high-quality options that offer versatility and precise control. The Mozsly watch winder stands out as an excellent choice, offering customizable settings to suit a wide range of watch brands and models. Its sleek design and reliable performance make it a worthy investment for any watch enthusiast looking to keep their automatic watches in prime condition.

Remember, whether you choose to use a watch winder or not, the most important thing is to enjoy your timepieces. A well-maintained watch is not just a tool for telling time but a work of art that can be appreciated for generations.