What Is a Watch Winder, How Do They Work and How Necessary Are They?

A watch winder is a device used to keep automatic (self-winding) mechanical watches running when they are not being worn. Automatic watches rely on the motion of the wearer’s wrist to wind the mainspring, which stores energy to power the watch. When an automatic watch is left unworn for an extended period, it can stop running, requiring manual winding and setting when you decide to wear it again. A watch winder helps address this issue by simulating the motion of a wrist, keeping the watch wound and running accurately.

Here’s how a watch winder works:

1. Mounting the Watch: You place your automatic watch on a cushion or holder inside the watch winder. The winder is typically designed to hold one or more watches simultaneously.
2. Rotation: The watch winder operates by gently rotating the watch in various directions (clockwise, counterclockwise, or both) at predefined intervals. The rotation patterns mimic the natural wrist movements of a wearer.
3. Time Setting: You can usually set the watch winder to rotate the watch for a specific duration and rest period, ensuring that the watch’s mainspring is wound without overwinding it. The settings can vary depending on the watch’s brand and model.

Now, as for the necessity of a watch winder, it largely depends on your watch collection, lifestyle, and preferences:

1. Multiple Watches: If you own multiple automatic watches and regularly rotate among them, a watch winder can be beneficial. It saves you the time and effort of resetting and winding each watch when you want to wear it.
2. Complications: Some automatic watches have additional complications like perpetual calendars or moon phases. Keeping these watches running can be more convenient with a watch winder, as resetting these complications can be more time-consuming.
3. Avoiding Stoppages: If you have watches with complex manual-winding mechanisms that can be easily damaged if overwound, a watch winder can help avoid stoppages due to neglect or incorrect winding.
4. Preservation: For vintage or rare watches that you want to keep running smoothly without excessive wear on the movement, a watch winder can be a useful tool.

However, it’s essential to consider the following:

• Expense: Watch winders can be relatively expensive, especially if you have multiple watches that require them.
• Not Suitable for All Watches: Not all watches need a watch winder. Some people prefer winding their watches manually to have a tactile connection with their timepieces. Simple automatic watches may not require a winder if they are worn regularly.
• Maintenance: Watch winders require periodic maintenance and adjustment to ensure they’re correctly set for your specific watches.

How Much Can Watch Winders Be. What kind of Watches Need One?

The price of watch winders can vary widely depending on several factors, including brand, quality, features, and the number of watches they can accommodate. Here’s a general price range you can expect when considering buying anautomatic watch winder:

Entry-Level Watch Winders ($50 – $200):

1. Basic single-watch winders or simple models.
2. Limited rotation settings and features.
3. May not be as durable or have as many customization options.
4. Mid-Range Watch Winders ($200 – $500):
   • Better build quality and materials.
   • More rotation options and settings.
   • May accommodate multiple watches.
   • Some brands with a good balance of features and affordability fall into this range.
5. High-End Watch Winders ($500 – $1,500+):
   • Premium materials and craftsmanship.
   • Extensive rotation options and programming.
   • Often designed as luxury pieces themselves.
   • May accommodate a larger number of watches.
6. Custom or Luxury Watch Winders ($1,500 – $10,000+):
   • Handcrafted or bespoke options.
   • High-quality materials such as wood, leather, and exotic finishes.
   • Advanced technology and precise control over rotation patterns.
   • Can accommodate numerous watches.
   • Often seen as collectors’ items.

The price you choose to pay for a watch winder depends on your budget, the number of watches you need to wind, and your personal preferences for features and aesthetics. High-end and luxury watch winders can be quite expensive, but they may offer the best in terms of craftsmanship, materials, and advanced features. Custom and artisanal watch winders can be particularly costly, catering to collectors with valuable watch collections.

Before making a purchase, consider the specific needs of your watch collection and your budget to find a watch winder that suits your requirements. It’s also a good idea to research reputable brands and read reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product that will protect and maintain your timepieces effectively.