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Many people often wonder if a watch winder can damage a watch and whether it is necessary to purchase one, as well as which winder brand to choose. In this article, I will present the top four reasons why I believe watch-wearing is essential. This information will be helpful for both watch collectors and automatic watch enthusiasts, allowing you to make an informed decision while ensuring your watch remains accurate and well-maintained.

Can a Watch Winder Damage a Watch?

A watch winder is a device used to keep automatic watches running when they are not being worn. While some people argue that a winder can potentially damage a watch, others believe that it can prolong its lifespan. The truth is, there are pros and cons to using a winder.

On one hand, a watch winder constantly winds the watch, which helps to evenly distribute the lubricants in the movement and prevents the components from becoming stagnant. This can be especially beneficial for watches with intricate complications that may take a while to set once they stop running.

On the other hand, continuous winding can also put unnecessary stress on the watch’s movement, potentially leading to premature wear and tear. Additionally, if the watch is not properly installed in the watch winder, it could get scratched or damaged.

Thus, the potential for a watch winder to damage a watch ultimately depends on its usage. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and choosing a high-quality watch winder specifically designed for your watch model is important. Regular servicing by a professional watchmaker is also crucial for ensuring the long-term health of your watch.

Is a Watch Winder Necessary?

The answer varies as much as the timepieces wound on them. Valuable yet frequently misunderstood, watch winders are devices designed to imitate the motion of a human wrist. By doing this, they keep the movement of an automatic watch lubricated and operational while maintaining its power reserve. Winders can also protect watches from dust and prevent contact with other objects that might cause scratches.

However, not everyone is convinced. If a watch is hand-wound or quartz-powered, a winder is unnecessary—it won’t wind a hand-wound watch nor extend the battery life of a quartz watch.

For multifunctional watches with perpetual calendars or other complications, winders are convenient and essential.

The manufacturer says

You have to put it on the winder; otherwise, you’ll need to consult the watchmaker for help setting it.

Gary Getz, the 67-year-old watch collector from Northern California, said

Nonetheless, some enthusiasts disagree, suggesting that constant movement could cause more wear and tear than benefits.

Putting your watch on a winder is like leaving your car running 24/7. It puts stress on the mechanism

Halim Trujillo, editor-in-chief of a watch collecting lifestyle website and 50-year-old collector, said

Of his more than 30 perpetual calendar watches, only three use winders.

Halim Trujillo adds

For others, part of the fun of owning a watch is the ritual of setting the time.

Scott Vogelgesang, 35, wears his Longines Master Chronograph, given to him by his bride the night before the wedding, about once or twice a month. He considered buying a wind-up machine but then decided against it.

I don’t find it that painful or difficult to put on a watch and set the time and date.

Mr. Vogelsang, an automotive product manager in Santa Barbara, California, said

If he were to greatly expand his collection, he would reconsider buying a winder. For now, It’s a ritual that reminds me of my wedding day, and it makes me smile.

But he adds

Experts say that the most useful winders are those with multiple settings for speed and duration. Options for clockwise or counterclockwise movement; and a precise selection of rounds per day.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Watch Winder

First of all, it is very convenient to rotate the watches in your watch collection regularly. Of course, the benefits of using a watch winder vary from collector to collector. It depends on the size of the watch collection. If you only have one or two watches and wear them every day, you probably don’t need a watch winder because most automatic watches have a power reserve of at least 48 to 72 hours. However, for those with larger collections, it becomes more important to rotate watches regularly. Some of these watches may stop working if they just sit unused in their boxes and are not worn for long periods.

Often, people will wear the same watch in a watch box for a few days before switching to another watch. In this case, manually winding a watch is necessary. However, manually winding a watch takes some time and can be frustrating, especially in the morning when you are in a hurry. Sometimes, one may even forget to adjust the watch until noon. Therefore, having a winder is more convenient as it saves time and effort.

The second reason is to prevent the crown from wearing out over time. Frequent use can damage it, especially if you forget to screw it back properly. This can introduce dust and moisture into the movement, causing potential issues. Additionally, excessive crown usage may affect the accuracy of the hacker positioning function.

The third reason is that it is always important to store your watch correctly. Keeping it loosely in drawers increases the chances of scratches or damage from other objects or watches. Watch winders serve as protective boxes that keep your timepiece safe and dust-free while simultaneously winding it. High-quality winders operate quietly and are visually satisfying with their smooth motion.

The fourth reason is that displaying watches in wine cabinets can bring a lot of visual satisfaction. displaying watches in winders adds visual appeal as they elegantly showcase your collection.

The MOZSLY watch winder offers impressive functionality and construction while accommodating larger, heavier watches up to 55 millimeters in diameter. The black faux leather exterior complements most interiors while the glass front allows for easy viewing of your watch. With options for AC power or battery use, the winder can be the perfect addition to your watch collection daily.

What to Look for When Buying a Watch Winder?

Once you’ve decided to buy watch winder, there are several factors to keep in mind:

First, consider which specific watch you will be using with the winder, as different winders offer varying revolutions or turns per day (TPD). It’s always a good idea to consult your watchmaker for the recommended TPD.

For example, the MOZSLY winder does not offer a customized TPD function. A typical Rolex watch requires approximately 650 TPD to maintain 100 TPD per day. It is important not to exceed this number, as it can harm the watch. Fortunately, all automatic watches have a mainspring that disengages from the winding mechanism when maximum tension is reached, preventing damage.

For watch enthusiasts, how much it costs to buy watch winder is like buying a nice case to protect an expensive cell phone, a good rule of thumb is that your winder should be proportional to the price of the watch.

It’s also wise to choose a reputable brand when shopping for a winder. Essential features include adjustable rotation direction and periodic rest intervals.

Ultimately, though not strictly necessary, a quality watch winder can help maintain your treasured timepiece in prime condition while providing visual satisfaction.

What is an example of a quality watch winder?

A high-quality watch winder should be made from the highest quality materials and have most of the features we have outlined. At MOZSLY, equipped with superior high quality Mabuchi motors from Japan and handcrafted from exquisite leather and the highest quality materials.

A high-quality watch winder should also have a long warranty. We back these watch winders with a 3-year warranty.

Combining quality materials, a reliable winding mechanism, and a generous warranty, the MOZSLY watch winder is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable watch winder for $89.99.