Watch winders are an interesting object of debate in the watch collecting community. If you’re an avid collector, you’ve likely heard that a watch winder can help protect your automatic watches and keep them running even while not being worn. Others feel they are a mere instrument of convenience that may even advance wear and tear on the parts faster.
So, are winders an essential tool of watch ownership? Or do they simply do more harm than good?
The short answer is that no, technically no one needs a watch winder. But as many collectors already know, not every tool has to be essential for elevating your collecting experience. When considering the many benefits a winder can add to your collection, you might consider investing in one anyway.
Discover everything you need to know about automatic watch winders and whether your collection could benefit.
What To Look For In A Watch Winder
Watch winders come in a variety of forms, each having its own benefits and aesthetics. Your purchase should depend on your collection and each of your watches’ properties. You should know what to look for in a winder and consider several details throughout your search.
Watch Holders
How you place your watch in the winder is vital for its preservation. Inside a winder are cushions and holders meant to protect your watch’s face, case, and bands, but the wrong ones can unforgivably ruin your watch.
Too much cushion can expand your watches’ band, and a lack of tension can let your watches easily slip out of place. Be observant of your watches’ holder and placement overall. You should place your watch vertically to optimize the force of gravity for rotation.
Noise Level
Electronics are often known for being noisy, especially when overheated or running constantly. It’s easy to expect a watch winder to produce a good amount of noise, but manufacturers have found ways to reduce winders’ disruption as technology evolves.
Flexibility in settings
Most watch winders are designed with a motor and gearbox that drive a rotating platform. The platform holds the watch securely and rotates it in a circular motion, typically at a rate of around 650 to 1950 turns per day. The rotation pattern can be adjusted to suit the needs of different watch models, as some watches require more or less winding than others.
Many modern watch winders also have advanced features like programmable rotation intervals, multiple winding directions, and built-in timers. These features help ensure that the watch is wound correctly and prevent overwinding or damage to the movement.
Watch winders are not all universal and not all watches are compatible with them. We recommend always checking with the manufacturer of your watch to see if it is safe to use with a watch winder.
Can a Watch Winder Damage Your Watch?
While a watch winder can provide many benefits, some watch enthusiasts worry that using one may cause damage to their watch. With this in mind, here are some factors to consider:
1. Compatibility: Some larger models are not compatible with watch winders. It’s important to use a high-quality watch winder and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting it up and using it with your specific watch model.
2. Winders of poor quality: Some inexpensive or poorly-made winders may cause damage to the watch by exposing it to excessive vibration or magnetic fields.
In general, a watch winder poses little threat to your favourite watches. But bad quality winders do exist. And you’ll want to avoid those. Using winders of poor quality or those that aren’t compatible with your watch could lead to issues of magnetization or cause damage.
After exploring the benefits and potential drawbacks of using a watch winder, the question remains: do you actually need one? The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specifics of your watch collection.
If you have multiple automatic watches and like the convenience of always having them wound and ready to wear, a watch winder may be a worthwhile investment. It can also be a useful tool for monitoring the accurate timekeeping of your watch.
However, if you only have one or two automatic watches and enjoy manually winding them, a watch winder may not be necessary. On the other hand if your watch has a date function a watch winder will not only keep your watch showing the correct time, but the correct date also.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a watch winder is up to you. Consider your personal preferences and the specifics of your watch collection, and make an informed decision based on what works best for you.