Watch Winder Suggestions

[jameson]

So now that I have amassed a little collection, I think I need to get a watch winder. I tend to go long periods of time wearing the same watch, so thinking if they are still wound and ready to go, it will help me cycle them more (and also will keep them better oiled and functioning).

I went to a local AD, and he tried to sell me on a triple winder that costs more than some watches, claiming "it will last you longer". Personally, I'd rather spend around $150-300 and if it breaks, just buy a new one.

So any suggestions on an affordable watch winder? Triple or quad preferred. Reliability and function is much more important to me than aestetics.

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by jameson

Personally, I'd rather spend around $150-300 and if it breaks, just buy a new one.

If your price range is $150-300 try Brookestone.

[jameson]

Originally Posted by mjm800

If your price range is $150-300 try Brookestone.

I'm open to consider more, my initial reaction was simply that I would have to break 10 cheap ones before I would equal the cost of an expensive one, and that seemed unlikely.

Is my logic off-base?

[Zed Homme]

Originally Posted by jameson

I'm open to consider more, my initial reaction was simply that I would have to break 10 cheap ones before I would equal the cost of an expensive one, and that seemed unlikely.

Is my logic off-base?

I think your logic is ok, but the more expensive ones have more settings and customizations. Personally, I use my wrist, and every month or so, wind up all my watches so they dont sit for too long...

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by jameson

Is my logic off-base?

I have a double Brookestone winder that cost $99 I have never had a problem and it's older than my Wolf winders. Brookstone winders are pretty durable and I think they last a long time regardless of price.

I also have two Wolf winders that are very nice. You can check their site they tend to have some nice stuff on clearance and offer free shipping.

[tomchicago]

Wolf Winders. Call 'em up directly and ask if they'll give you a deal. i have 2 wolf winders now work great.

[Roja]

Winding them by hand has been advised, but that wasn't your question.
I don't know what could possibly (aside from aesthetics) be the rational difference between a $30 winder and a $1000 winder.

I guess on this topic I'm a WIS minus the S part of it.

[tschiemer]

I have a Wolf two-watch winder that has done well with daily use for about a year and I am about to buy another. You will not find one for your price range, but the way I look at it, I want a quiet winder that does its job and so I do not go the least expensive route and you will pay over $500 but it is a good winder which I am pleased with.

[civicsteve]

I've used a Brookstone for a year now with no troubles. It's fairly quiet, but not silent. The presentation is nice and has plenty of settings. Save your money for your next piece.

[gasman94]

Go Orbita! Look at their outlet store or used for sale. Quality is sometimes worth it.

[z0mghenry]

I have a Wolf single watch winder. It has the locking display window + a compartment on top for 2 more watches. It was around $220.

[BOA]

I put all my watches on holders that clamp onto a long shish-kabob skewer that fits in a Weber grill chicken rotisserie unit, where I let them turn for about two hours a day or until they are done. Really does the trick.

Seriously, I do have a winder, but aren't these all a bit too cushy? Each watch getting its own pillow and window isn't very Tim Allen. A "Tool Time" Watch Rotisserie would be cool if you ask me, made out of 18k gold with a quiet motor, special settings, and a drip tray for extra bands, etc.

[tulgsT]

I would suggest Orbita as well. If you go to www.watchcases.com you will find them at a discount. The Sparta 1 would work well and is within your price range ($371, no shipping and no tax). This winder makes no sound and has a 5 year battery guarantee. http://www.watchcases.com/orsp1decama.html I just bought a Sparta 2 Prestige and it works really well on my Rolexes and Breitling Cockpit.

[johnny80s]

Can't say enough good things about orbita.

[KidK]

I have both Wolf and Underwood winders. One Underwood is a bit loud. Had to return one Wolf as it wouldn't run on batteries after two years. The good news is the Watch Connection just handed me a new one that works great and is actually smaller. Either brand would be my suggestion.

Love great customer service at Watch Connection in Newport Beach, CA.

[ohfivepro]

I have 2 of these for my autos:

http://www.watch-winder.co.uk/Time-Tutelary-KA002.htm

They cost me about £30 each from Amazon and they look better in real life than you'd expect. They switch on every 3-4 hours and you can select what direction they wind in. They're also pretty quiet.

I've no complaints and the money saved over 'better' winders can go towards another watch

[padi56]

Originally Posted by jameson

So now that I have amassed a little collection, I think I need to get a watch winder. I tend to go long periods of time wearing the same watch, so thinking if they are still wound and ready to go, it will help me cycle them more (and also will keep them better oiled and functioning).

I went to a local AD, and he tried to sell me on a triple winder that costs more than some watches, claiming "it will last you longer". Personally, I'd rather spend around $150-300 and if it breaks, just buy a new one.

So any suggestions on an affordable watch winder? Triple or quad preferred. Reliability and function is much more important to me than aestetics.

You already have two of the finest watchwinders known to man they are called wrists.And thats what Rolex watches are designed and made for, and thats why they are tested in different positions at the COSC.Now when sat in a machine with the same repetitive back and throe movement on the same plane and axis watches are not designed or when tested to do that.Now while there is no evidence that watch winders could harm any watch.IMHO they are not necessary with any watch with a simple date complication.Just simple let them rest the re-wind reset and go, now this task must take all of 20 seconds.

[Jason71]

Don't waste your money. Would you run on a treadmill 24/7 ??

It is not good for your watch. Save the money for another Rolex.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by padi56

You already have two of the finest watchwinders known to man they are called wrists.And thats what Rolex watches are designed and made for, and thats why they are tested in different positions at the COSC.Now when sat in a machine with the same repetitive back and throe movement on the same plane and axis watches are not designed or when tested to do that.Now while there is no evidence that watch winders could harm any watch.IMHO they are not necessary with any watch with a simple date complication.Just simple let them rest the re-wind reset and go, now this task must take all of 20 seconds.

X2

And make sure to wind them about once a month.

[Roja]

Originally Posted by dddrees

x2

and make sure to wind them about once a month.

x3

[tulgsT]

The more research I did on watch winders before buying one, the more confused I became. Clearly, there is the school of thought that why spend money on what can be done manually. The other school of thought is the claim that watches on winders last longer since constant motion prevents the fine oil from drying out. Rolex designed their watches to last at least 5 years between servicings--and some watches perform well even 7-10 years after. The watchmakers know that watches will not be worn every day. Jameson, owning a watch winder comes down to convenience. Padi is correct when he says it takes a few seconds to set a watch. However, if you are like me and prefers to wear one watch during the day and another at night--the constant setting can be a pain in the royal butt. Therefore watch winders are a luxury item. As a result, luxury comes at a price. A single Orbita winder can cost around $400 while a 3 winder costs $1,500 (from the site I reference above). Going with a good watch winder company means having a durable motor that will last for years and a wooden box that is well made and nice to look at. Personally, I was drawn to the Rotorwind concept of the Sparta line. Instead of mechanical rotating, the cup swings back and forth for about 30 seconds and then resumes at a 10 or 15 min setting. Lack of specific programability may not be best to wind all watches, but it works well for watches that require 650 to 950 tpd. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[JakaB]

Sometimes it is "easier" for an AD to give you a fine watch winder instead of additional discount on a hard to get watch. win/win

Boys like fine boxes for their favorite toys. Don't fight it.