Watch winder helping with accuracy?

[Andad]

Watch winder helping with accuracy?

There is not much in the way of accuracy if your watch stops.......

[EEpro]

I too use orbita and find that my watches like to be upside down ie crown left in order to gain a bit and crown right to lose a bit. I can keep them very close to zero as I rotate through wearing my collection about 2-3 days at a time.

RE the people that think letting them die is better. I have no doubt a mechanism that isn't moving is experiencing less wear but that doesn't mean it will still run well when fired up.

On the advice of my watchmaker I let my unused 3235 based watch die. I have actual timegrapher data on this movement running perfectly (0.1-0.5 spd) until it took a 30 day nap... then running slow (-10 spd) with low amplitude on a full wind.

Thankfully, after several days on the orbita it was once again keeping time in spec and the amplitude had returned to mid 200s. My watches stay running from now on. Clearly something settled in the lubrication in that short amount of time and I have no desire to experience that again.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tools

Good grief, there is a lot of opinion in this thread.



The answer to your question is, yes. Being on a winder keeps the watch at a set state of wind, so the amplitude and regularity of the movement will be stable. If it is wound before putting it on the winder so that it is in it's optimum power setting, it will be accurate and consistent. A worn watch encounters inconsistent winding, lateral loading, and hammering, so it will not be as stable as on a winder.





However, it is also true that a watch that is always running is slowly grinding itself into dust - it is incurring maximum wear. A watch that is not running is incurring zero wear.



Naturally, a winder will not add more wear than a watch worn every day.

Thanks Larry -

I think the posts prior to yours ignored the OP’s actual question. Agree with your points.

On accuracy, if the balance was properly adjusted by a watchmaker, then the winder also removes another cause of variance. It negates the effects of gravity when the watch would otherwise be stuck in a certain static position.

By rotating the watch along its axis every so often, the winder normalizes the operation of the pallet fork, balance wheel and hairspring.

For the super-fastidious accuracy focused WIS, I would say a winder can improve their manual wind watches, too. While there isn’t an auto-wind mechanism involved, the normalization of gravity offers an incremental advantage.

I think the conversation about the wear & tear is a split decision. For those who own/wear one or two watches in a daily manner (with a 50-hr. or more power reserve) the movement actually never stops. The differential affect of a winder is on the rotor axle and auto-wind gears - only some extra rotations overnight. But those who employ a 5-10 year overhaul schedule would probably never see major problems.



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[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

The logic is flawless.

Therefore I am now convinced that I need to add more watches in my collection in order to extend the working life of each watch.

The winning post.

Buy more watches, you must.




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[seasubmariner]

Originally Posted by EEpro

I too use orbita and find that my watches like to be upside down ie crown left in order to gain a bit and crown right to lose a bit. I can keep them very close to zero as I rotate through wearing my collection about 2-3 days at a time.

RE the people that think letting them die is better. I have no doubt a mechanism that isn't moving is experiencing less wear but that doesn't mean it will still run well when fired up.

On the advice of my watchmaker I let my unused 3235 based watch die. I have actual timegrapher data on this movement running perfectly (0.1-0.5 spd) until it took a 30 day nap... then running slow (-10 spd) with low amplitude on a full wind.

Thankfully, after several days on the orbita it was once again keeping time in spec and the amplitude had returned to mid 200s. My watches stay running from now on. Clearly something settled in the lubrication in that short amount of time and I have no desire to experience that again.

So you say that a watchwinder can fix a temporary time keeping issue of a Rolex (because of letting it rest for 30 days) ?

If that is true then wearing the watch would easily do the same fix and time keeping issue will be gone. If a watchwinder gives another service, I would like to know.

While wearing the watch the lubrication will even be better as your skin will supply the required (ideal) body temperature ( which is twice hotter than room temp) to the movement parts which will make the lubrication on parts quickier and more equal...

And...I have to say that you have a beautiful watch combination...Daytona is amazing. Wear all in good health.

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by seasubmariner

So you say that a watchwinder can fix a temporary time keeping issue of a Rolex (because of letting it rest for 30 days) ?

If that is true then wearing the watch would easily do the same fix and time keeping issue will be gone. If a watchwinder gives another service, I would like to know.

While wearing the watch the lubrication will even be better as your skin will supply the required (ideal) body temperature ( which is twice hotter than room temp) to the movement parts which will make the lubrication on parts quickier and more equal...

And...I have to say that you have a beautiful watch combination...Daytona is amazing. Wear all in good health.

Absolutely I agree that wearing it would have resolved it as well. All the winder does is keep it running. My logic is this: If the watch will need servicing every 10-15 years to keep time whether running or not, and that service has a flat cost whether replacing worn parts or just clean and lube, then I choose to keep it running.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by seasubmariner

While wearing the watch the lubrication will even be better as your skin will supply the required (ideal) body temperature ( which is twice hotter than room temp) to the movement parts which will make the lubrication on parts quickier and more equal....

You’re saying body temperature will influence the movement and lubrication?



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[JoseR]

I was using a watch winder when I first got my watches but notice that thry would lose a little time and thought of the constant running could affect the movement. I don't use the winder anymore and if I'm not going to wear the watches, I'll give them like 45 turns and put it back in the original box every other week. Less stress on the movement IMO. :)

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[ROlesorusLEX]

Originally Posted by nda

Cars that aren't driven have more mechanical issues than cars that are.

I collect cars, so have an interest in the subject. It's certainly the case that 'garage queens' that have very little mileage on them usually require a great deal of attention Vs those that are driven regularly which subsequently see huge mileages on the dials and are usually more reliable.

A good point. As a fellow car collector, however, I wonder if watches might not be slightly different in that, aside from small bits of lubricating oil, they do not, like a car, have a host of caustic or volatile chemicals throughout their workings.

No doubt, a garage queen is often a sick car, but much of that is due to dried seals, expired petrol, crankcase sludging, etc.

For the most part, watches don't suffer from the same maladies.

I think the point to take away from that is fine watches, like fine cars, are best enjoyed in motion.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by Mystro

There is so many points incorrect with this post I don’t know where to begin?


No, a watch winder doesn’t prematurely wear out your movement nor does it ruin a movement. I have had a Rolex Sub run constantly on a Orbita watch winder or my wrist for 15 years without servicing. Nonstop running and when it got its first routine service at the 15 year mark, it required nothing additional. The watch was even running and keeping +3 seconds a day when I sent it in for its routine service. This was well documented on the forum.

Currently I have a custom multi head programmable winder system for my entire collection.
I have used quality watch winders for about 30 years now.

I have to agree with Mystro, first off letting a watch just sit is not good all the oils just sit no lubrication. I am in the marine industry and have owned multiple vessels and like a watch the worst thing you can do is keep them idle

[Swashplate]

Good winders don’t constantly run.....


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[Ihatecheese]

Winders are great for watches that take an age to set. I don't bother for mine but they are time only.

[Megalobyte]

Question.

2 identical ceramic Subs. Made at the same time.

10 years down the road. Would you rather buy the one that was kept running 24/7 or the one that sat for 10 years? Wound only once a month to keep it lubricated?

For me it’s a no brainer. I’d consider one watch to be in like new condition, and one heavily used and likely in need of a full service.

[jeorge]

True a watch being worn and one being on a winder are receiving wear. One big difference the one worn is enjoyed!!!! Of course watch makers and watch manufactures indorse winders they need worn watches to make money. If a watch isn't worn let it rest. It will last longer between services.

[037]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Question.

2 identical ceramic Subs. Made at the same time.

10 years down the road. Would you rather buy the one that was kept running 24/7 or the one that sat for 10 years? Wound only once a month to keep it lubricated?

For me it’s a no brainer. I’d consider one watch to be in like new condition, and one heavily used and likely in need of a full service.

After that amount of time, either one could need a service. Oils don't last or stay in place forever regardless of use.

The no-brainer for me would be to assume a watch that's 10 years old likely needs a service and factor that into my overall purchase cost.

[Cingolat]

“ Using a watchwinder is a good way to ruin the movement. All parts will be excessively worn out. ” this is the most nonsense sentence that I have ever read on this forum......

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by 037

After that amount of time, either one could need a service. Oils don't last or stay in place forever regardless of use.

That’s the way I see it.

[Jona]

Originally Posted by Cingolat

“ Using a watchwinder is a good way to ruin the movement. All parts will be excessively worn out. ” this is the most nonsense sentence that I have ever read on this forum......

Maybe the winder has a nickname....

[samson66]

There seems to be a misconception about winders that the "run all the time." Winders turn for a few minutes, stop for a while, turn for a few minutes in the other direction, stop for a while, repeat. They are much gentler on a watch than anyone's wrist. Most winders allow you to set for how many turns per day you want so you can sync it up nicely with the requirements of your particular watch. I'm also fairly certain most people don't use them as a storage solution for their watches. My guess is most use them like I do, occasionally. If I want the watch I wore to work Friday to be running when I go to work Monday morning I'll throw it on the winder. But the rest of the week it just sits on tip of my dresser. Like I said, it's a convenience, that's all, and puts very little if any additional wear and tear on the watch.

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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Question.

2 identical ceramic Subs. Made at the same time.

10 years down the road. Would you rather buy the one that was kept running 24/7 or the one that sat for 10 years? Wound only once a month to keep it lubricated?

For me it’s a no brainer. I’d consider one watch to be in like new condition, and one heavily used and likely in need of a full service.

Good point. I just let all my watches stop so I could keep them nice for you.

[stlwatchlvr]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

The logic is flawless.

Therefore I am now convinced that I need to add more watches in my collection in order to extend the working life of each watch.

This is defiant the takeaway from this thread. MORE WATCHES!!!!


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[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by samson66

There seems to be a misconception about winders that the "run all the time." Winders turn for a few minutes, stop for a while, turn for a few minutes in the other direction, stop for a while, repeat. They are much gentler on a watch than anyone's wrist. Most winders allow you to set for how many turns per day you want so you can sync it up nicely with the requirements of your particular watch. I'm also fairly certain most people don't use them as a storage solution for their watches. My guess is most use them like I do, occasionally. If I want the watch I wore to work Friday to be running when I go to work Monday morning I'll throw it on the winder. But the rest of the week it just sits on tip of my dresser. Like I said, it's a convenience, that's all, and puts very little if any additional wear and tear on the watch.

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Same and +1


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[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Question.

2 identical ceramic Subs. Made at the same time.

10 years down the road. Would you rather buy the one that was kept running 24/7 or the one that sat for 10 years? Wound only once a month to keep it lubricated?

For me it’s a no brainer. I’d consider one watch to be in like new condition, and one heavily used and likely in need of a full service.

Well, the watch I bought sat for 10 years and needed a service. When they opened it up it looked brand new but all the lubricants had dried up. I'd still take that over one that was worn daily.

[Latrodectus]

...it is not helping me with accuracy... but helping me being lazy!

[Megalobyte]

Originally Posted by 037

After that amount of time, either one could need a service. Oils don't last or stay in place forever regardless of use.

The no-brainer for me would be to assume a watch that's 10 years old likely needs a service and factor that into my overall purchase cost.

Except isn’t it usually the case that new watches that sat unsold in an AD’s display for years, (which used to be common) are still considered new? I don’t think the synthetic oils they use today are that quick to dry or deteriorate, especially with no use.

Rolex themselves seems to feel an unused watch is still a new watch regardless of age, which is why they switched to random serial numbers.