For all watchmaking enthusiasts, watch winders are ingenious devices that have revolutionized the way we care for our precious mechanical watches. Thanks to them, there’s no longer any need to wind your watch daily (or almost) to prevent your automatic watch from stopping.
How a watch winder works
A watch winder, also known by the English name watchwinder, is a device designed to keep automatic watches moving when they’re not being worn. The principle is simple yet ingenious: it replicates the natural movements of the wrist to keep the watch mechanism running.
At the heart of the winder is a quiet electric motor that rotates a holder on which the watch is secured. This rotating motion activates the rotor of the automatic watch, which in turn winds the mainspring. As a result, even when you’re not wearing your watch, it keeps running as if it were on your wrist.
Here are the main features you’ll find in a quality watch winder:
- A quiet, reliable motor
- Customizable rotation programs
- An adjustable holder for different watch sizes
- Battery or mains power
- An elegant design to complement your interior
The benefits of using a watch winder for your watches
Using a watch winder offers many benefits for watch enthusiasts. Here are the main ones:
- A watchwinder preserves your watch’s accuracy. By keeping the movement running, it prevents the oils from congealing, which could affect the mechanism’s precision.
- It extends the life of your watch. By avoiding frequent stops and restarts, the winder reduces wear on mechanical components.
- It saves you valuable time. No need to set the date and time every time you want to wear a watch from your collection. Your timepiece is always ready to go, as if it had never left your wrist.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Keeps oils flowing smoothly and maintains the mechanism’s accuracy |
| Longevity | Reduces wear on mechanical components |
| Convenience | Keeps your watches always ready to wear |
How to choose the right watch winder for your watches?
Choosing a watch winder may seem complex, but don’t worry—this article is here to guide you.
Capacity is key. Think about how many watches you want to wind at the same time. Models range from a single slot to more than a dozen. If you’re a passionate collector, choose an expandable model that can accommodate future additions.
Rotation programs are also crucial. Each watch has its own winding requirements. A good watchwinder offers several modes: continuous, intermittent, or alternating rotation. Some high-end models even offer customizable programs for each slot.
Don’t forget the power supply. Winders run either on mains power or batteries. Your choice will depend on where you plan to place it and your preference for convenience.
Finally, consider the design. A quality winder should not only take care of your watches, but also blend harmoniously into your interior.
Maintaining your watchwinder
Now that you’ve chosen your winder, it’s essential to know how to take care of it. A well-maintained watchwinder will last longer and protect your precious watches better. Here are our expert tips to keep your winder in perfect working order:
- Clean your winder regularly: use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust that may build up on surfaces and in the mechanisms, and avoid using chemicals that could damage the finishes.
- Periodically check that the motors are working properly: listen carefully for any unusual noise that could indicate wear or a malfunction, and don’t hesitate to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer if in doubt.
- Replace your batteries regularly if it’s not plugged into the mains: ideally every 6 to 12 months, though this can vary by brand. It’s best to replace them before they’re completely depleted, as weak batteries can cause irregular rotations that affect the winding of your watches.
- Protect your watchwinder from extreme temperature and humidity changes: place it in a stable location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.