As a collector, you probably know that automatic watches rely on the natural motion of the wrist to keep them running. You also likely know that when left unworn for extended periods, these watches can stop, so you have to manually reset the time, date, and other features. Watch winders are a great solution, but also a topic of debate within the watch-collecting community.
Some collectors swear by them, saying that a watch winder helps keep automatic watches running smoothly. While others see them as a convenience that risks overuse of your watch.
So, are watch winders an essential tool of watch ownership, or do they simply do more harm than good? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about watch winders, how does a watch winder work, and why your watch could benefit from one.
What is an Automatic Watch?
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a type of mechanical watch that doesn’t need manual winding as frequently as a traditional mechanical watch. Here’s a bit of detail:
Mechanical Watch
Unlike quartz watches that rely on batteries, a mechanical watch uses a mainspring to power its gears and keep time. This mainspring needs to be wound periodically to keep the watch running. This winding is usually done by turning a crown on the side of the watch.
Automatic Winding Mechanism
Automatic watches have a built-in mechanism that uses the wearer’s movement to wind the mainspring. This includes a small weight called a rotor that spins freely as you move your wrist. The rotor’s motion is transferred through gears to tighten the mainspring, keeping the watch powered.
If you wear an automatic watch regularly, your arm’s natural movements will keep it running. But if you leave it unworn for a while, it will stop and need manual winding to get going again. Collectors and watch enthusiasts likely already know this, but it’s helpful information for anyone new to automatic watches.
What Is a Watch Winder and How Does It Work?
The automatic watch winders are devices that keep automatic watches running even when you’re not wearing them. It has a motorized base with a rotating drum or pad that securely holds the watch. The base rotates the drum in a circular motion, imitating the natural movement of your wrist. This motion winds the watch’s mainspring and keeps it ticking. If you want, you can click this Watch Winder Beginner’s Guide, where you can find detailed instructions for installing, operating, and maintaining the watch winders.
The Benefits Of Using A Watch Winder
If an automatic watch is left unworn for too long, it will stop running, which can be inconvenient when you want to wear your favorite timepiece right away. That’s where an automatic watch winder comes in handy. Beyond this, automatic watches benefit from the consistent winding provided by a watch winder in several ways:
- Regular winding prevents mechanical issues from lack of use, which helps maintain the validity of luxury watch warranties.
- Consistent winding ensures that the mainspring stays sufficiently wound, preventing a complete depletion of the power reserve.
- By keeping automatic watches in optimal condition, a watch winder helps maintain or even improve their resale value over time.
- Watch winders keep automatic watches accurate and ready to wear, saving time and effort for those with busy lifestyles.
- Minimize the need for frequent manual adjustments, reducing the risk of damaging the movement.
- For those with dexterity issues, watch winders ensure automatic watches remain wound and accurate without manual intervention.
How to Properly Use Your Watch Winder
The right time to use a high-end watch winder depends on how many automatic watches you own and how often you wear them. Here are some beginner-friendly guidelines for different types of collectors:
| Collector Type | Profile | Frequency of Use | Guideline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Wearers | Own 1-2 automatic watches, wear occasionally | Less than once a week | Use a watch winder to keep watches powered, accurate, and ready to wear without manual adjustments. |
| Enthusiasts | Own 3-5 automatic watches, switch collection | At least once every 2 weeks | Keep less frequently worn watches on a winder to maintain power reserve. Choose a multi-watch winder or individual winders based on your collection. |
| Vintage Watch Collectors | Specialize in older automatic watches with limited power reserves or unique winding needs | Infrequent due to delicate mechanisms | Use a gentle, programmable watch winder to keep vintage watches running without overstressing mechanisms. Ensure appropriate TPD and rotation direction. |
| High-End Collectors | Own complicated watches (e.g., perpetual calendars, moon phases, chronographs) | Rotate regularly; some watches unworn for weeks | Use a winder with programmable TPD settings to avoid resetting intricate complications. Choose winders with adjustable winding directions. |
| Frequent Watch Wearers | Own 1-2 automatic watches, wear daily | Every day or nearly every day | May not need a winder since daily wear keeps watches wound. However, a winder can help if travel or changes in routines interrupt your pattern. |
| Multiple-Watch Collectors | Own several automatic watches, rotate frequently | Daily or weekly rotation | Use a multi-watch winder to keep all watches wound and ready to wear. Choose a winder accommodating different TPD and winding directions. |
| High-Precision Timepiece Enthusiasts | Own high-precision timepieces (e.g., chronometers, certified COSC watches) | Occasionally due to exacting maintenance needs | Use a programmable watch winder to maintain time accuracy and keep them ready without frequent manual winding. |
General Recommendations
- TPD Settings: Make sure the TPD matches your watch’s requirements. Most automatic watches require 600–800 TPD.
- Winding Direction: Check whether your watch requires clockwise, counterclockwise, or bidirectional winding.
- Rest Intervals: Allow rest intervals between winding cycles to prevent overwinding.
Following these guidelines will help keep your automatic watches accurate, well-maintained, and always ready to wear, especially when paired with top-rated watch winders.
Types of Watch Winders
There are multiple types of watch winders for automatic watches, but the collector community vouches for these three:
- Single-Watch Winders: Suitable for winding one watch at a time
- Multi-Watch Winders: Designed to hold and wind several watches simultaneously
- Power Source: Some are battery-powered, while others use mains power, and a few offer both options
Modern Features Many modern watch winders have advanced features like the following:
- Programmable Rotation Intervals: Set intervals to control winding frequency
- Multiple Winding Directions: Options for clockwise, counterclockwise, or both
- Built-In Timers: Prevent overwinding or damage to the movement
- Adjustable Rotation Patterns: Customize patterns to suit different watch models
Why Do You Need a Watch Winder?
If you are a proud owner of automatic watches, you must have faced the inconvenience of resetting your watch after periods of inactivity. A watch winder offers a practical solution by keeping your watches wound and ready to wear at all times. Here are a few reasons why should you use a watch winder:
Compliments Your Décor
This might seem like an odd one but the appeal and sophistication of a well-designed watch winder adds a touch of class to your home. With the right colors, make, and design, you can have a fantastic addition to your dresser or closet, without effort.
This might seem like an odd one but the appeal and sophistication of a well-designed watch winder adds a touch of class to your home. With the right colors, make, and design, you can have a fantastic addition to your dresser or closet, without effort.
Keeps Watches Ready to Wear
One of the greatest inconveniences for automatic watch owners is having to reset the time, date, and other features when it hasn’t been worn for a long time. Also, if you are rushed for time, and need to get out of the house fast, then there is no risk of your automatic watch stopping. A watch winder will keep it powered and ready to go.
Preserves the Value of Your Watch
It is no secret that collectors have one-of-a-kind, vintage, rare, and priceless items in their collection. With such pieces at hand, collectors and watch enthusiasts benefit from the protection and preservation offered by a reliable watch winder. The right watch winder will keep your watch safe and increase its collectability.
Reduces Wear and Tear from Manual Winding
When manually winding a watch, there’s always a risk of over-winding or damage. A watch winder reduces this risk by providing consistent and gentle winding. Many modern watch winders feature programmable rotation intervals, winding directions, and built-in timers that prevent overwinding or damage.
Provides Convenient Storage Solution for Multiple Watches
If you own multiple automatic watches, a watch winder can provide a convenient storage solution that keeps your watches wound and ready. Multi-watch winders are available in various capacities, from double-watch winders to larger safes that can hold an entire collection.
Adds to the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Collection
Many watch winders are beautifully crafted, offering a stylish display for your collection. With various styles, materials, and sizes available, it’s easy to find a watch winder that fits your taste and style.
Your watch winder might attract just as much attention as your watches do.
Conclusion
So now you know that although you technically don’t need a watch winder for your automatic watch, it’s certainly a great thing to have. If you want the best, look for a watch winder that matches your collection’s capacity, accommodates the different Turns Per Day (TPD) requirements, offers adjustable direction settings, prioritizes build quality and security features, fits your lifestyle with suitable power sources, and includes advanced features like programmable rotation intervals.
Or, you can head on over to Mozsly, where you’ll find quality watch winders that protect your investment, improve collection care, and complement your décor. And as for the question: should I use a watch winder? Yes, you should.
Discover more about watch winders and explore Mozsly’s comprehensive guides.
FAQs
What types of automatic watches benefit most from using a watch winder?
Automatic watches that particularly benefit from watch winders include:
- Complicated Watches
Perpetual calendars, moon phases, and chronographs are difficult to manually reset.
- Vintage Watches
Older automatic watches may have limited power reserves and require regular winding.
- Multiple-Watch Collections
People who switch between multiple timepieces find winders useful.
- High-Precision Timepieces
Watches that require exact timekeeping, such as chronometers, benefit from regular winding.
Can using a watch winder damage my automatic watch?
No, using a quality watch winder with the correct settings will not damage your watch. Modern winders feature programmable intervals and built-in timers that prevent overwinding or excessive movement.
What should I consider when choosing a watch winder?
When choosing a watch winder, you should consider these factors:
- Capacity: Single or multi-watch winders
- Settings: Adjustable TPD (Turns Per Day) and winding direction
- Power Source: Battery, AC power, or both
- Build Quality: Sturdy construction with a secure watch holder
How often should I use my watch winder?
The frequency depends on your watch’s TPD requirements. Most automatic watches require 600–800 TPD. Set your winder’s rotation interval appropriately, and make sure it rests between winding cycles.
Are all automatic watches compatible with winders?
Not every automatic watch is compatible. Vintage watches, for example, may have specific needs. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper TPD and winding direction.
How do I maintain my watch winder?
You can do so by:
- Keeping the winder clean and dust-free
- Periodically inspecting the motor and bearings for wear
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions for servicing and maintenance.
What TPD setting should I use for my watch?
The appropriate TPD value is determined by the watch model you own. For more information, consult your watch’s maker or user manual. If unavailable, begin with a lower TPD level (650-750) and adjust as needed.
