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- Quick note on how automatic watches work
- The Automatic Watch Debate: Running vs. Stopped Storage
- Do You Really Need a Watch Winder?
- How to Choose the Right Watch Winder (Practical Tips)
- Why I Use the Mozsly Watch Winder
- Other Effective Methods for Storing Automatic Watches
- Protecting Your Automatic Watch in Storage Method
- Your Automatic Watch Storage Decision Guide
- Final Recommendations and Next Steps
Automatic Watch Storage Dilemma
Before we dig into how to store your automatic watch, let’s address the big question: Should you keep it running when it’s not worn?
automatic watch
First, I’ll compare the pros and cons of letting it run versus letting it stop. Next, I’ll determine if you need a watch winder. Finally, I’ll outline a quick setup to protect your pieces.
Owning several automatic watches, I learned this the hard way and wrote this article to help you avoid similar mistakes. Let’s begin.
Quick note on how automatic watches work
Before diving into storage methods, here’s a brief overview of how automatic watches work. Inside the case is a weighted part called a rotor, which spins in response to your movement.
This spinning winds up a coiled spring, known as the mainspring. The mainspring is a tightly wound spring that stores energy, while the rotor is the weight that moves to wind it.
The stored energy in the mainspring powers your automatic watch for approximately 38–48 hours in most movements. Understanding these parts and how they function helps inform our storage decisions.
The Automatic Watch Debate: Running vs. Stopped Storage
This is the basic choice every owner faces: keep it running, or let it stop? Both are fine with modern automatic watches. They just meet different needs.
Think of it like parking a car. You can keep the engine idling — a convenient option, but it uses fuel — or turn it off and restart later — resulting in less runtime and less wear on certain parts.
If you plan to wear a watch again in a few days, running makes sense. If you plan to store it for months, stopping is often the better option.
Benefits of Keeping Your Automatic Watch Running
Keeping it moving has real practical upsides:
- No resetting complicated functions. Annual calendars or moon phases are a pain to reset. A running automatic watch skips the hassle.
- Convenience. If you rotate 2–3 watches, a running automatic watch is ready the moment you reach for it.
- Lubricants stay distributed. Movement helps oils stay where they should.
Personal note: I don’t wear it daily. Keeping it running saves me from resetting its tricky moon-phase on rushed mornings, which adds up over time.
Benefits of Letting Your Automatic Watch Stop
Stopping it also has advantages:
- Less mechanical wear. Fewer cycles = less friction over time.
- Longer service intervals. Many people move from 3–5 years of service to 5–7 years for lightly used pieces.
- Lower maintenance costs. That can save a few hundred dollars over time, depending on the watch and the shop.
A quick tip: modern synthetic lubricants won’t “dry out” during normal storage periods. So letting it sit for months won’t ruin its oils.
Now that you know the pros and cons of both running and stopped storage, consider the unique circumstances of your automatic watch before making a decision. Let’s continue reading to find the right method together.
Do You Really Need a Watch Winder?
To be honest, an automatic watch winder box is a convenient tool. However, it’s not a must-have. Compare a $100–$300 watch winder cost to potential service fees of $ 300 or more and the hassle of resetting complicated functions.
Ask yourself:
- How many automatic watches do you own?
- How often do you wear each one?
- Do any have annual or perpetual calendars?
- Do you travel frequently and want your watches that are ready to wear?
Your answers will provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
When a Watch Winder Makes Sense
A watch winder is helpful if you own three or more and need to keep them rotating.
- You have them with annual or perpetual calendar complications; resetting those complex functions can cost approximately $50–$100 or more.
- You travel a lot and want it ready the moment you land.
- You collect vintage pieces that benefit from gentle, regular movement.
My friend with five automatics appreciates his Mozsly watch winder for saving time before trips and avoiding reset visits.
watch winder
When You Can Skip the Watch Winder
You can skip a watch winder if:
- You own one, or you wear it most days.
- Your watch is a simple time-and-date model.
- You wear it only on weekends.
- Your budget is tight (under about $200).
Manual winding takes 20–30 seconds and incurs no additional cost. I have been doing this for several watches. It’s quick — and oddly satisfying, like giving the watch a tiny energy boost. With these insights, we will be prepared to select the most suitable storage method.
How to Choose the Right Watch Winder (Practical Tips)
If you decide to buy a watch winder, don’t overpay. A well-chosen unit gives years of convenience. Here are the watch winder features I care about. We need to know before making a choice.
Essential Features That Actually Matter
- TPD stands for Turns Per Day, meaning how many times the watch winder spins your watch each day. Most automatic watches need about 650–900 TPD to stay fully wound.
- Rotation directions: Some movements require clockwise rotation, some counterclockwise, and some require both. A bi-directional mode works for most them.
- Quiet operation: if it sits in your bedroom, low noise is important.
- Power options: an AC adapter plus battery backup is ideal.
Select your option based on these essential features. Now, to make it even more practical, I’ll share why I chose my particular watch winder.
Why I Use the Mozsly Watch Winder
After trying a few models, I use the Mozsly watch winder because its TPD range and quiet motor meet my needs; user reviews also report steady performance.
my watch winder
The reasons:
- The TPD range covers ~650–1500, so it works with most movements.
- Uses quiet Japanese Mabuchi motors — good for bedroom use.
- Dual power: AC adapter plus battery option.
- The price ranges from $100 to $200, while many premium brands cost $400 or more.
It’s practical, not flashy. Customers report good reliability and low noise. I found the setup straightforward and the unit steady.
Setting Up Your Mozsly Watch Winder for Best Results
A simple setup will work for most automatic watches:
- Secure the watch on the cushion.
- Start at 650 TPD and in bi-directional mode.
- Run for 48 hours and check timekeeping.
- If it gains/loses too much, adjust TPD in 100–200 steps.
Troubleshooting quick tips:
- Watch not winding: check the pillow fit and try different rotation directions.
- Excessive noise: place the winder on a stable surface and tighten any loose parts.
- Power problems: use AC power first; batteries are for backup.
While I now use a watch winder, I’ve also explored other effective ways. Let’s examine those alternatives and see what might suit you best.
Other Effective Methods for Storing Automatic Watches
Not everyone needs a watch winder. If a watch winder isn’t right for you, these options work well.
Traditional Watch Boxes and Cases
Best for occasional wear and budgets under $50.
Pros:
- Protects from dust and scratches.
- Keeps watches organized.
- Easy to store or travel with.
Cons:
- No winding. You’ll need to set them manually.
Good boxes cost between $20 and $100. Look for soft liners and secure cushions.
Simple Storage Solutions for Every Budget
- Watch pouches ($5–$15): affordable, travel-friendly.
- Soft cases ($10–30): better padding for trips.
- Cushioned drawers ($30–80): great for a small home collection.
For best results, store automatic watches face up, avoid magnets, and use soft padding to prevent straps and cases from rubbing. With these basics in mind, let’s discuss other key considerations when storing them.
Protecting Your Automatic Watch in Storage Method
Whatever method you choose, protect against the primary risks: scratches, moisture, magnets, and temperature fluctuations.
Environmental Factors and Positioning
Aim for these room conditions:
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Humidity: 40–60%.
Store them face up to help oil distribution and avoid pressure on the crystals.
Tip: A cheap indoor thermometer/hygrometer from a home store is all you need to monitor conditions.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t do this:
- Store automatic watches next to speakers, phones, or magnets — they can interfere with the movement.
- Leave your watches in a hot car or attic — heat can damage seals and oils.
- Stack automatic watches without padding — they’ll scratch.
Personal cringe moment: I once stored a spare it under my phone and had to get it demagnetized. Fixable, but annoying—and avoidable. For more structured help, let’s move on to a quick decision guide for storing them.
Your Automatic Watch Storage Decision Guide
Quick flow — answer yes/no:
- Do you own 2+ automatic watches?
Yes → Consider a watch winder, especially if you rotate often.
No → Basic storage or manual winding will work fine.
- Any annual/perpetual calendars?
Yes → A watch winder helps avoid complex resets.
- Do you travel and want them ready immediately?
Yes → A watch winder makes life easier.
- Budget under $80 and occasional use?
Yes → Skip the watch winder; use a box or pouch.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you will find a storage method well-suited to your automatic watch. Finally, let’s wrap up with a few final recommendations and next steps.
Final Recommendations and Next Steps
You came here because you wanted a clear plan. I hope this gives one.
Quick recap:
- If convenience and ready-to-wear matter, a watch winder is worth it.
- If you want to save money and wear your automatic watch often, a manual winding mechanism and a good box are fine.
- For most collectors who frequently rotate their automatic watches, a reliable and wonderful Mozsly watch winder is a balanced choice.
What to do next:
- Decide based on three factors: the number of them you own, the complexity of their complications, and the frequency with which you wear them.
- If you buy a watch winder, start at 650 TPD and bi-directional mode for 48 hours, then fine-tune.
- If you skip using a watch winder, use a padded box or pouch and wind your watch manually before wearing it.
- Where to buy: look for the Mozsly watch winder on reputable marketplaces or the brand site. For automatic watch winder boxes, pick sellers with good return policies.
- What to avoid: cheap knockoffs with loud motors, extreme storage locations, and stacking them without protection.
Want a quick, personal plan? Could you please tell me how many automatic watches you own and what your budget is? I’ll give a short, practical recommendation you can act on today.
Share this with a friend who’s just bought their first automatic watch — they’ll thank you later.
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