They ensure that the watch is always ready to wear. But should watch winders be used more carefully? And how bad for your watch are they?

Watch winders can be beneficial for automatic watches, especially for those who own multiple timepieces and rotate wearing them. By keeping an automatic watch wound, a winder ensures that the watch is always ready to wear, maintaining timekeeping accuracy and preventing the need for frequent resetting. This is particularly advantageous for watches with complex functions like perpetual calendars or moon phases, which can be tedious to reset if the watch stops. Additionally, using a watch winder helps distribute the lubricants within the watch movement more evenly, potentially prolonging the lifespan of the watch.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Continuous operation on a winder can lead to additional wear and tear on the movement parts, similar to how a car's engine experiences wear from constant use. There's also a risk of over-winding, although most modern automatic watches have mechanisms to prevent this. Another consideration is that watch winders can be expensive and take up space, which might not justify their use for everyone.

What are watch winders used for?

For individuals who wear the same automatic watch daily, a winder may be unnecessary, as the natural movement of the wrist will keep the watch wound.

Watch winders are devices designed to keep automatic watches wound when they are not being worn. Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, use the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring, which powers the watch. When the watch is not worn for an extended period, it can stop running and require manual winding or resetting. A watch winder mimics the motion of the wrist by rotating the watch, thus keeping the mainspring wound and the watch running.

The primary function of a watch winder is to provide convenience to the wearer. By keeping the watch wound, it ensures that the watch is always ready to wear with accurate timekeeping. This is particularly useful for individuals who own multiple automatic watches and rotate between them. Without a winder, a watch that has been sitting idle for a few days would stop, necessitating resetting the time, date, and other complications.

The drawbacks of watch winders

In addition to convenience, watch winders can also contribute to the maintenance of the watch. Regular movement helps distribute the lubricants inside the watch movement, which can potentially prolong its life and ensure it operates smoothly. This is especially important for watches with complex functions such as perpetual calendars or moon phases, which can be complicated to reset if the watch stops.

However, there are considerations to keep in mind. Continuous use of a watch winder can lead to wear and tear on the watch's movement, much like a car engine experiences wear from constant use. Additionally, not all watches are the same, and a winder must be properly adjusted to match the specific requirements of the watch, including the direction of rotation and the number of turns per day. Good quality watch winders can be expensive, and their necessity might be debated if the wearer uses the same watch daily.

How long have watch winders existed?

Watch winders have been around since the mid-20th century, evolving alongside the development and popularity of automatic watches. The concept of an automatic watch dates back to the 18th century, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that self-winding mechanisms became more reliable and widely adopted. As automatic watches gained popularity, the need for a device to keep them wound when not worn became apparent.

The first watch winders began appearing in the 1950s and 1960s. These early winders were relatively simple devices designed primarily for watchmakers and serious collectors who needed a way to keep their timepieces running. They typically featured basic motors that rotated the watches at set intervals to simulate the natural movement of a wrist.

Newer Examples

Over the decades, watch winders have become more sophisticated and accessible to a broader audience. By the late 20th century, advances in technology allowed for the creation of more reliable and customizable winders. These newer models offered features such as adjustable rotation settings, multiple rotation directions, and even programmable winding cycles to accommodate the specific needs of different automatic watches. The aesthetic design of watch winders also improved, with many models crafted to be as visually appealing as the watches they housed.

Today, watch winders are common among watch enthusiasts and collectors. They range from single-watch winders to large cabinets that can hold and wind dozens of watches simultaneously. High-end models often include additional features such as LED lighting, touch screen controls, and silent motors, catering to the luxury market.