Lets talk about automatic watch winders - pros and cons

[paxjedi]

I have half a dozen Rolexes and an Omega and I barely use all of them. I have a couple of favorites (GMT, Sub) that I use 95% of the time, while some (President, etc.) I barely put on my wrist.

Been considering getting a good automatic watch winder for years but been getting different feedback from different ADs. Some say, I don't need as it will ruin the watch from "over use and winding" especially for the vintage watches. Some ADs say that using a winder maintains the watch movement as the oil needs to circulate. Some ADs actually sell winders.

I have also read a few articles that expound the same pros and cons.
Lets see what your experiences with auto watch winders.

- Have any of your watches been "ruined" due to too much winding?
- What are your favorite winder models and why?
- Do you keep ALL your watches on the winders?

Thanks,
P.

[Henrimontgomery]

Pro: saves you 1 minute on a regular watch. 2 minutes on a QP type watch.

Cons: costs money, energy, space, wears your watch, etc.

[brandrea]

The ADs that sell winders are going to recommend them

[wetsum3]

I keep annual calendar watches and gmt watches that rotate often on winders. If it’s just a date and time function, I don’t. If it’s a watch with a complication that I don’t wear too much, I don’t put it on a winder. But I also don’t think it hurts that watches too much. I use them for convenience so I’m not always taking 5 mins to set an AC or mentally go through setting the gmt.

If you get one, buy one that has a power reserve feature that let’s the watch wind down a bit. That way it isn’t being wound more often than is needed.

[TheDapperYank]

I would only use a winder on a watch with enough complications that I wouldn't want to deal with resetting them all. e.g. Annual/Perpetual Calendar. Otherwise it's not a big deal to set a time only watch or one with just a date on a winder. With modern synthetic lubricants watches are fine to just sit not moving, in fact if they're constantly moving they are wearing. Putting a watch on a winder is like keeping your car idling when you're not driving.

[dpt.calvin]

Put them in socks for protection (or don’t if you want to accelerate the worn and torn look) and throw them in the dryer to keep them wound. Bonus: they come out nice and toasty which is great for winter months.

I own a Wolf 457356 Roadster (triple winder) I haven’t used it since I bought it (I was ignorant when I bought it). It was $625 new in 2016. It is now $1719 from Wolf directly, and it’s not even in stock LOL.

Hey, wanna buy a Wolf Roadster?

[zengineer]

I have about 8 watches that all get worn, 5 are automatic . I have a 2 place winder but only use it if I am going to wear a watch again in a day or two...and not really even all times when that is the case. I don't leave any watch on it continuously since none of mine have even a date function.

It's a convenient thing for occasional use, nothing more so I don't worry a out extra wear and would not miss it terribly if I didn't have it.

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[Driver8]

This is a repost of mine from at least a couple of similar threads -

Outside of anecdotal comments ("he said, she said" stuff), there is simply no concrete evidence one way or the other that winders are either good or bad for your watch.

On one side you always get the, "you wouldn't leave your car running" analogy (which is not even an accurate analogy) and the, "your wrists are the best winder" comments. And on the other you get the, "winders reduce wear on the keyless works / winding stem and the risk of cross threading the crown" and "they keep the lubricants moving" comments.

All I can say from personal experience is this -

a) Winders are a convenience, but I only use them when a watch is in rotation. I tend to have 2 or 3 watches in my rotation at any time, so keeping them going is very handy. However, when a watch is out of rotation I let it stop. I also make sure a watch isn't on a winder 24/7, so for example if a watch is on a winder during the day, I take it off the winder at night as that mimics my own wear pattern.

b) I have seen no difference whatsoever in service intervals or service costs between the periods when I have used winders and when I haven't.

My advice - if you want the convenience of "pick up and go" then use them, but (like so much in life) moderation is the key.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by paxjedi

I have half a dozen Rolexes and an Omega and I barely use all of them.

Then why would they need to stay wound?

[Bxtek]

I have a dual watch winder and TBH, I've never used it. When I'm ready to use one of my watches, I just pick it up, wind it and set it. I don't have a perpetual calendar or any with complications like that, so setting is quick and easy for me.

These watches are mechanical and parts will obviously wear out with more use. I've read the saying in various other watch related posts "You don't leave your car running when you're not using it do you?" I tend to lean towards that, since there is some truth to it? What do you all think?

[Mystro]

This topic is discussed at nauseum every year. Search for watch winder threads and it will tell you everything you need to know.

[Cobar65]

For me a watch winder is just silly. Let it stop; when you want to wear it again, then put it on. This plus a watch winder wouldn’t fit in my safe.


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[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Then why would they need to stay wound?

Precisely my question here. Do they need to stay wound or not? Is it bad for a Rolex to sit unwound for a few years? My AD says yes. Some say no.

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Mystro

This topic is discussed at nauseum every year. Search for watch winder threads and it will tell you everything you need to know.

I did do a search. (Was the first thing I did)
I could not find any.

Maybe you can send me the links.

[JC316]

Originally Posted by Cobar65

For me a watch winder is just silly. Let it stop; when you want to wear it again, then put it on. This plus a watch winder wouldn’t fit in my safe.


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Sounds like you need a bigger safe! *Joking*

I received a Wolf winder as a gift for Christmas and am super excited to use it! I never really considered purchasing one for myself, but I'm sure not going to turn it down!

I also feel moderation is key!

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[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Driver8

This is a repost of mine from at least a couple of similar threads -

Outside of anecdotal comments ("he said, she said" stuff), there is simply no concrete evidence one way or the other that winders are either good or bad for your watch.

On one side you always get the, "you wouldn't leave your car running" analogy (which is not even an accurate analogy) and the, "your wrists are the best winder" comments. And on the other you get the, "winders reduce wear on the keyless works / winding stem and the risk of cross threading the crown" and "they keep the lubricants moving" comments.

All I can say from personal experience is this -

a) Winders are a convenience, but I only use them when a watch is in rotation. I tend to have 2 or 3 watches in my rotation at any time, so keeping them going is very handy. However, when a watch is out of rotation I let it stop. I also make sure a watch isn't on a winder 24/7, so for example if a watch is on a winder during the day, I take it off the winder at night as that mimics my own wear pattern.

b) I have seen no difference whatsoever in service intervals or service costs between the periods when I have used winders and when I haven't.

My advice - if you want the convenience of "pick up and go" then use them, but (like so much in life) moderation is the key.

Best response so far!
I like your "rotation" point as I do have watches that I use periodically for a few months and then store longer unused. Then I use another set for the next few months - for a rotation.

Thanks. This answers my question.

Maybe I will just get a two watch winder for two watches during their rotation while I let the others hibernate.

[fsprow]

There is zero solid information regarding the impact of winders on watch longevity. I believe it is fair to say that given normal service intervals there is no adverse impact.

Personally I use a winder on a perpetual calendar and nothing else. But I have some friends who keep several watches on winders with no ill effects.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by paxjedi

I did do a search. (Was the first thing I did)
I could not find any.

Maybe you can send me the links.

The key is to search “Posts” and not threads.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

[garyk]

Don’t think much of them. In my case, I own multiple watches so winding and setting one occasionally is simple enough…

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Mystro

The key is to search “Posts” and not threads.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ghlight=Winder

Great!
Thanks!

[77T]

Originally Posted by paxjedi

I did do a search. (Was the first thing I did)
I could not find any.

Maybe you can send me the links.

Your results will vary - depends upon the search criteria. But no worries, new members bring fresh perspectives - welcome to TRF.

Also, some veteran members may have new input from experiences since the topic was last discussed. Here’s the thing, people will differ - even watchmakers from different generations have different perspectives.

Let’s consider the fact that collectors may have many watches tucked away in a safe or safety deposit box at a bank. They can’t keep all of them wound-up. So a watch winder at home is a convenience. I have two dual-cuff Wolf models in my safe. The advantage is that I get to grab and go.

But I’m adding vintage models and some are manual wind. Obviously a manually wound watch isn’t helped on the Wolf And a manually wound watch that has exhausted its power reserve is unharmed sitting for a period of time.

For automatic movements, the part that gets extra wear and tear on a winder is the rotor bearing and the gears connected to the mainspring. So the tradeoff is potentially needing a service within 5 years instead of 10 years. Otherwise the movement itself keeps operating as if you had kept it on your wrist each day in normal use/rotation.


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[saxo3]

Originally Posted by paxjedi

Precisely my question here. Do they need to stay wound or not?

100% No

Originally Posted by paxjedi

Is it bad for a Rolex to sit unwound for a few years?

100% No

Originally Posted by paxjedi

My AD says yes.

Either your AD has no idea, or he wants to sell you a winder, or both.

[Muskrat]

My vintage Omega day-date is a pain to set and my triple date Speedy is as well, so they stay on the winder. I rotate through all of my watches frequently.

[Tikandtokalot]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

Pro: saves you 1 minute on a regular watch. 2 minutes on a QP type watch.
Cons: costs money, energy, space, wears your watch, etc.

This in a nutshell.
Let's put the owners on a treadmill and see if they like no rest and constant wear.
Seems like a come back quick for service type of accessory.

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by 77T

Your results will vary - depends upon the search criteria. But no worries, new members bring fresh perspectives - welcome to TRF.

Also, some veteran members may have new input from experiences since the topic was last discussed. Here’s the thing, people will differ - even watchmakers from different generations have different perspectives.

Let’s consider the fact that collectors may have many watches tucked away in a safe or safety deposit box at a bank. They can’t keep all of them wound-up. So a watch winder at home is a convenience. I have two dual-cuff Wolf models in my safe. The advantage is that I get to grab and go.

But I’m adding vintage models and some are manual wind. Obviously a manually wound watch isn’t helped on the Wolf And a manually wound watch that has exhausted its power reserve is unharmed sitting for a period of time.

For automatic movements, the part that gets extra wear and tear on a winder is the rotor bearing and the gears connected to the mainspring. So the tradeoff is potentially needing a service within 5 years instead of 10 years. Otherwise the movement itself keeps operating as if you had kept it on your wrist each day in normal use/rotation.


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Thanks.
Makes sense.

[GrantD]

Originally Posted by Tikandtokalot

This in a nutshell.
Let's put the owners on a treadmill and see if they like no rest and constant wear.
Seems like a come back quick for service type of accessory.

Have you seen a watch winder in action they don’t continuously rotate, most can be set to rotate from 650-1950 turns per day. I think non complicated Rolex only require 650 TPD. Yes i use winders and have for 30 years with no problems.

[mjarolex]

I use a watch winder with no issues. It alternates direction every six minutes. Runs for 3 hours, rests for 9, then repeats. Therefore, only running 6 hours out of 24.

[Harry-57]

I left a 1 year old Tag in a drawer for three months when I was ill and subsequently convalescing. When I was able to wear it again it was difficult to wind and the self winding rotor made an evil grinding sound. Keeping it wound by shaking it violently (the crown was too stiff to wind) and wearing it, gradually resolved the issue. I bought a winder because I couldn't wear it 24/7 and once it was getting regular wear and being wound when not worn, it gradually returned to normal, kept perfect time, wound easily from the crown and didn't make any horrible noises on winding or shaking.

This got me into the habit of keeping a watch wound. The subject didn't raise its head again until recently. I put my 116610LV into my AD for appraisal. It was with them for three weeks and came back unwound. No problem to manually wind it but when I was setting the date, the date wheel got stuck. Easily resolved and would have been fully investigated by the AD if it had gone sticky again. I never had a single problem when my Hulk sat in a correctly set up winder between being worn, since 2018.

If you were to post a topic along the lines of "is it safe to wear my Rolex 24/7?" the consensus of the replies will be "don't be silly, Rolex are sturdy and reliable, of course you can wear it day in day out, that's what it's for..." Yet, asking if a Rolex will be harmed if placed in a correctly configured winder which will simulate it being worn, as opposed to winding it frantically (not that you can overwind it), you will get loads of replies telling you not to do it, and how it will wear out quicker and the usual car servicing analogies.

If you can wear a watch out in under 10 years just by wearing it 24/7, or putting it in a winder that simulates 24/7 use, it must be a pretty crap watch. But if you think it's somehow risky then don't do it. Your watch, your decision. All my automatic mechanical watches stay in winders when not being worn. Half the time I also remember to switch the winders on! Works for me, won't work for everyone.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by paxjedi

I have half a dozen Rolexes and an Omega and I barely use all of them. I have a couple of favorites (GMT, Sub) that I use 95% of the time, while some (President, etc.) I barely put on my wrist.

Been considering getting a good automatic watch winder for years but been getting different feedback from different ADs. Some say, I don't need as it will ruin the watch from "over use and winding" especially for the vintage watches. Some ADs say that using a winder maintains the watch movement as the oil needs to circulate. Some ADs actually sell winders.

I have also read a few articles that expound the same pros and cons.
Lets see what your experiences with auto watch winders.

- Have any of your watches been "ruined" due to too much winding?
- What are your favorite winder models and why?
- Do you keep ALL your watches on the winders?

Thanks,
P.

I sometime wonder how the millions of Rolex watch owners managed before these watch winders, timegraphers loupes, and the rest of todays Rolex watch toys etc, perhaps back then they just bought there watches to wear and enjoy. Now the best winders are wrist thats for sure,IMHO automatic watches are designed to be worn by people only, and not on a expensive box machine winder, and while on a machine its in the same position for hours,days or even weeks,months .Now most people move in a huge diversity of manners, causing a fairly even distribution of motion of the watches winding mechanism and escapement positions. Now because a watch winder is normally limited to a very small number of directions and types of movement normally just back and throe.


IMHO a badly designed winder could in theory damage a watch and cause wear from excessive and repetitive movement on the same plane and axis to the escapement wheel pinions. And today because the oils used in most modern watches including Rolex, and when properly serviced are not very prone to clotting or coagulating like the old mineral oils. So its not a problem to just rest a watch for a month or longer then just wind reset and go, must take all of 30 seconds to do.

But if stored for longer than a month I would recommend to just give them a small wind to keep the tiny amount of oil around the movement. Think of it this way if you had a choice of two watches one thats been on a winder for a few years. Or a watch that was new old stock unused unworn which one would you choose, and for me it would not be the one on the machine thing thats for sure..

While there is no significant evidence that a good watch winder will either save or harm your watch. Over the many many years of dealing with RSC Bexly and talking to the various watchmakers there, who did not recommend watch-winders for any of the Rolex line up.Its quite funny now that Rolex brought out a Rolex branded winder but made by a third party, its simple today many watch winders = big £££$$$€€ and huge profits.IMHO many watch-winders today have a high quality finish on the outside (to justify the extremely high price),but hiding some very cheaply mass-produced insides. .

[eltonbalch]

I have used winders for the last twenty years with no negative effects on any of my watches but I’d describe myself as a hybrid user. I currently own an Orbita Monaco six watch winder which also has a storage drawer that will hold an additional eight watches or other Watch paraphernalia (straps, etc). It has a glass top and front and I use it primarily as a REALLY nice watch box. I leave a couple of watches I’m planning to wear on wind. Orbita had a nice sale on “seconds” so the price was really not much more than an upscale storage box. The only watch that is constantly on wind is my 12+ year old Deep Sea as I wear it frequently. The Deep Sea is accurate to two seconds a day so clearly no I’ll effect there (so far). None of my watches requires a winder; it’s just an additional convenience.