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I still remember the day I bought my first automatic watch.

 

I was excited for a week, but when work got busy, the watch sat in a drawer until it stopped.

 

You might be in the same boat. So you start looking for solutions.

 

Someone on the forum is shouting, “Buy an automatic winder now!”

 

The salesperson warned, “Are winders bad for watches? Unless you bought the wrong one!”

 

Let’s cut through the noise. In the next few minutes, you’ll get a clear, honest guide to help you decide if a winder is right for you—no hype, no guilt, and maybe even save some money.

 

 

When You Actually Do Need a Watch Winder？

 

Some watches are difficult to take care of because they are easily worn or hard to wind. In this case, using a watch winder is a good choice.

 

Complicated watches

 

A mechanical watch keeps time as the mainspring unwinds, powering the gears. If it stops, restarting means carefully resetting all gears—risking errors and added wear, especially with complicated functions.

 

• Perpetual Calendar : Tracks the day, date, month, and leap year. If you set the date close to midnight, a small plastic cam can break, and the repair costs over $800 (Source: Guild of Watchmakers Q&A, 2023).

 

• Annual Calendar: Same idea, without leap year, still fiddly and slow.

 

• Moon Phase: This complication tracks the lunar phase using a 59-tooth gear (a gear with 59 teeth that mimics the Moon’s monthly cycle); if one tooth is missed when setting it, it causes two days of error.

 

But the regular, gentle movement of a watch winder keeps the mainspring in the optimal position (30-70% tension), thus keeping the calendar gears aligned. No restarts, no resets, less wear and tear.

 

Expensive Vintage Watches ($2,000+)

 

The principle is simple, too. Over time, the old oil (lubricant that reduces friction in the mechanism) in automatic watches thickens. When a vintage watch stops, this oil settles, and the next time it’s restarted, the dry gears (unlubricated moving parts) spin suddenly—creating maximum friction at the worst possible moment.

 

A watch winder’s gentle motion spreads oil so gears start smoothly, not all at once.

 

What does this mean for you? A full service on a 1960s Rolex or Omega watch can cost $500 to $1,500. But by avoiding repeated dry starts with a watch winder, you can typically extend the service interval from 3-5 years to 6-8 years. This not only saves money, but also reduces the time your watch spends in the shop.

 

Multi-Watch Collection (3+ Automatic Watches)

 

Automatic movements wind themselves by wrist motion, yet if unworn, they stop. More watches mean more frequent winding and resetting.

 

Manual winding seems quick, but owning three automatics is three time-setting tasks. Three watches x 5 minutes x 52 weeks = ~13 hours/year. A four-slot winder keeps them ready for use at any time.

 

(Ask yourself: Would you rather spend that time winding your watch or drinking coffee?)

 

 

When You Don’t Need a Watch Winder—The “Why” Behind Every Watch Case

 

Of course, not all watches require a watch winder. Here are three examples:

 

Modern Watches with Longer Power Reserves

 

Some modern watches use new spring technology that can store more energy (think of a longer rubber band) and more efficient movements. Many new movements have power reserves of 60-70 hours or even longer.

 

Power Reserve Quick Facts

• Tudor Black Bay → 70 hours (Source: Tudor.com)

 

• Omega Seamaster 8800 → 60 hours (Source: Omega.com)

 

• Seiko Prospex 6R35 → 70 hours (Source: Seiko.com)

 

Wear it on Friday, store it, and it runs through Monday—no winding needed.

 

Simple Three-Hand Watches

 

This style of watch has only the hour, minute, and second hands moving. Maybe a date disc—nothing else. Fewer parts mean less time spent setting (resets in 30-60 seconds) and less risk of damage.

 

Spending $200 to avoid that task is like spending $200 on someone to tie your shoelaces.

 

Watches You Wear Weekly or More

 

An automatic watch’s rotor winds the spring with every movement of your wrist, typically replenishing its 40-70-hour power reserve with a full day of wear.

 

If you wear your watch once a week, it rarely stops, and constant movement means no need to reset, eliminating the need for a winder.

 

You can keep a notepad and track your actual wear for a month. Most people (including me) will find that they wear the same beloved watch twice a week. This alone will keep it in working order.

 

Is a watch winder worth buying?

 

If you’re hesitant, here’s a simple cost-benefit analysis.

 

• High-quality watch winder: $80-200

 

• Time saved: 5 minutes per day

 

• Electricity cost: $10-20 per year

 

• Space required: A small box

 

✅ Worth it for complicated watches or those with multiple pieces.

 

❌ Not worth it for those who wear the same watch every day.

 

Of course, there are cost-free alternatives, such as weekly manual winding. Manual winding allows the oil to spread and allows you to check the watch for dust or scratches—a good bonding time.

 

Simple Decision Framework

 

Quick Answer:

 

• Do you own a complicated watch?

 

• Is each watch worth over $2,000?

 

• Do you own three or more automatic watches?

 

• Do you wear any of your watches less than once a week?

 

• Does resetting the watch by two minutes bother you?

 

Results

 

• 3 or more “yes” answers → A watch winder is necessary.

 

• 2 or fewer → Skip this step and spend your money on a watch strap, coffee, or your next watch.

 

Conclusion

 

If your watches are complicated, vintage, or you own a mini-museum, a good winder can save time and repair bills.

 

If not, you’re totally safe skipping it— automatic watch winders are a convenience, not a life-saving tool.

 

Trust your daily habits, your budget, and your patience. Not online pressure.

 

Have any other questions? Send us a private message and we’ll do our best to answer them. Here’s to more time enjoying your watches—and less time winding them.