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Selecting The Best Watch Winder For Your Needs
A watch is more than a timepiece. It is the product of skilled hands, history and practical benefits. And it looks so good on a wrist. So, for a proud watch collector it makes sense to want to showcase and store precious timepieces. And when it’s an automatic watch it makes sense to have them displayed in and moving in rotating display cases known as watch winders. But how do you pick the best watch winder? As with watches, there’s a watch winder for every budget.
The number of watches one has can play a part in making the best selection. If you have a small collection of watches you can find watch winders that can store and wind two at a time even up to a dozen at a time and more. And even if you don’t need to have them winding all at the same time some of these watch winders come with storage allows a number of them to wind while the rest are stored away in an included draw or door.
Some watch owners look for a winding case that is made for travel. This should also be considered when deciding on a watch winding case. Some have an included case and lock that makes them best for bringing with you on trips where having a handle comes in very handy and where security is an issue.
And then there’s the technology. Each of the watch winders we found have different and even unique ways to wind your watch. But all in all, movement is key. And some have multiple movement options. And with a digital display on some of them you can have an easy way to keep track of the case’s activities.
We’ve found the best reviewed automatic watch winders for you. These watch winder reviews are broken down by the amount of watches wound at one time. Click here is you’re looking for the best watch winder for Rolex. Or if you’re looking for a watch winder safe click here.
| One Watch Winders | Two Watch Winders | Four Watch Winders |
| Six Watch Winders | Eight Watch Winders | Twelve Watch Winders |
Best Single Watch Winders
CHIYODA Single Wooden Watch Winder
This attractive wooden watch winder from Chiyoda comes with an acrylic organic glass window and high-gloss lacquered finish. And with a Japan MABUCHI motor inside it is long lasting and extremely silent when running. Its 80 mm diameter pillow can hold all watch sizes. Has 12 winding modes available. Runs on AC power but can also use batteries for portability. Click for more info.
Fancy Brick Stackable Single Watch Winder
This single watch winder from Abest Boxy will jazz up any space. It comes with a high precision winding controller and 45 available winding programs to suit all your winding needs. And it’s stackable. Have another watch, just stack it on top of the next one. And only one AC adapter is used for powering a set of up to 8 watch winders. Click for more info.
JINS&VICO Automatic Single Watch Winder
This single watch winder from JINS&VICO featured a beautiful high gloss natural bamboo shell exterior. The super quiet inner motor contains diamagnetic materials to protect your watch from magnetization and 4 rotation modes. Built-in Illumination makes your watch look really cool when it’s winding. With AC adapter. Click for more info.
Best Double Watch Winders
When selecting a double watch winder you will see a number of different technologies in play. Read carefully what each case can do and see if its to your liking. For example, some of these double watch winders have motors that work independently of each other. Great for where each watch has unique features to the other. You can control the type of rotation, clockwise or counter clockwise or even the amount of turns per day. Here are three excellently reviewed double watch winders for your perusal.
Kalawen Double Wooden Watch Winder
This luxury watch winder from Kalawen will wind both of your cherished watches independently of each other – without over winding. Comes with 5 program modes and an advanced japanese mute motor for close to zero decibel rotating. Has wide compatibility and allowing it to be compatible with almost all watch sizes. Can be powered by an AC adapter or 2 1.5v batteries (not included) for portability. Click for more info.
JQUEEN Double Watch Winder
This double watch winder from JQUEEN is super silent, rotating your watches safely and quietly. It has an elegant design with a deluxe painted surface. Has 5 program settings which includes repeat and rest modes. Has plenty of space for large and oversized watches. Uses AC power of 2 1.5v batteries (not included). Click for more info.
CHIYODA Automatic Double Watch Winder
This double watch winder from CHIYODA is displayed in an acrylic organic glass window, high-gloss lacquered finish in a 100% handmade wooden box. Has to two quiet Mabuchi belt driven motors that work independently of each other, with 12 modes available for setting. Its 80mm diameter pillow can be compatible with almost any size watch. A smart and easy operating built-in LCD screen shows current status. AC adapter included. Click for more info.
Best Four Mechanical Watch Winders
When you start looking into four watch winders or more you will see that many of these cabinets also include storage. So you can wind four of your watches while storing other for future use and winding. In addition, a numbers of come with LCDs that allow you see the directions that you’ve selected along with other custom settings you’ve implemented. Here are three curated four watch winders with great reviews:
JQUEEN Quad Watch Winder
This four watch winder from JQUEEN is environmentally protected in an attractive piano lacquered housing. The watch winder has 3 direction settings and 5 program settings. It runs super silently due to its Japanese motor – with virtually no running noise. Can be powered with AC adapter or 2 1.5v batteries (not included). Click for more info.
Watch Winder Smith 4 Watch Winder Box
This four watch winder from Watch Winder Smith is attractively housed in a noble, mold proof case with an acrylic cover. It’s also designed with a slant for a presentable view of your watches. Has control knobs for different wearing habits and a variety of rotation programs for each of your watches individual needs. The wider distance between the slots stops watches from touching and deeper slots allow for even larger watch sizes. Comes with a double walled anti magnetization design. Click for more info.
CHIYODA Automatic Quad Watch Winder
This 4 Watch Winder from CHIYODA comes housed in a 100% handmade box with an acrylic organic glass window. Box comes with a little drawer for storage of small watches or jewelry. This Chiyoda watch winder has a quiet Japan Mabuchi motor for extremely silent running. It also has 4 TPDs (turns per day) settings and three directions that can be set. A smart and easy-operating built-in LCD screen control the device and show its current status. AC adapter included. Click for more info.
When choosing a winder make sure it has rest features so there won’t be a chance of your automatic watch being overwoundBest Six Watch Winders
When you get into looking for watch winders for six watches and more you’ll that your case will seem more like an appliance due to the size but also the attractive way it stands out among your decor. The cabinets are made sturdy, with wood that stands the test of time and designed to attractively showcase your wares. We’ve found three of the best 6 watch winders around.
JQUEEN Six Automatic Watch Winder
This 6 watch winder from JQUEEN is 100% handmade and attractive. In addition to being able to wind six watches, it has storage for seven more in the case. It is designed with a watch winder motor with 3 direction settings and 5 program settings along with multiple turns per day settings. A quiet Mabuchi motor keeps it running silently. Comes with an AC adapter. Click for more info.
- Powered with Japanese super slient motor no running noise. Nice looking, easy to operate.
- 100% handmade and good value. The use of acrylic glass, environmental protection piano lacquer and transmission using copper fittings. Four turntables with PU soft watch pilow, smooth, atmosphere and quality with high-grade.
- Watch winder motor have 3 direction settings (clockwise, counter-clockwise and alternating) and multiple Turns Per Day settings.
- Four Program Settings: Mode1: OFF. Mode2: Clockwise for 2 minutes and stop for 13 minutes. 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Mode3: Counter-Clockwise for 2 minutes and stop for 13 minutes. 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Mode4: Turn forward for 2 minutes, stop for 18 minutes. Reverse for 2 minutes, stop for 18 minutes. 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Mode5: Turn forward for 4 minutes, stop for 28 minutes. Reverse for 4 minutes, stop for 28 minutes. 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
- Powered by 100-240v AC Adapter(included). 18-month Warranty, 7*24 friendly customer service.
JINS&VICO 6 Watch Winder
Leader Watch Winder for 6 Automatic Watches
This attractive 6 watch winder from Leader is easy to use. It has 4 predefined winding programs with each winder rotor controlled independently. It also has three winding directions. When lid is opened the rotors automatically turn off. Comes with AC adapter but can also use 2 D batteries (not included). Click for more info.
- ⭐ EASY TO USE & SET UP: 4 predefined winding programs meet most existing winding requirements. Each winder rotor is controlled independently.
- ⭐ MOTOR-STOP OPTION: When you open the door, the rotors are automatically stopped. This option allows you to prevent the breakdown of the winding mechanism when you put the watch into the rotor or take it out.
- ⭐ TWO POWER SUPPLY OPTIONS: The watch winder can be powered by the included 100-240V AC adapter or by 2 D batteries (not included).
- ⭐ The DOOR LOCK allows you to prevent unwanted access.
- ⭐ SOFT PU WATCH HOLDERS fit most strap and bracelet sizes and can be used for men's as well as women's watches. The maximum watch case diameter is 2.4 inches (60 mm).
Best Eight Watch Winder Cabinets
Many watch collectors pay attention to details regarding how their automatic watches are stored. The considering things like, for example, the need for spring loaded telescopic watch holders in their case. This feature is beneficial when one has watches of different sizes. Its best for a watch to be snug during the rotation. We’ve found some well received 8 watch winder cases:
JINS&VICO 8 Watch Winder
![Watch Winder, Wooden Finish with Adjustable [Upgraded] Watch Pillows, 8 Winding Spaces Watch Winders for Automatic Watches, Built-in Illumination](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419-fMV0ndS._SL160_.jpg)
- High-end craftsmanship watch winder. Featuring a beautiful high wooden exterior+ Japanese Motor, running on AC adaptor(Included). Size:16.1*11.1*7.9 inch. Weight: 17.7pounds.
- LCD Touch Screen Display & LED lighting. LCD touch screen control allows you to set each winder to the desired settings for your watch. Built-in LED light illumination and digital display, you can get your watches accurately and quickly even in the dark.
- Fits Most Watches. 8 adjustable and flexible watch pillows for a variety of watch band sizes. 12 o'clock position replacement(the winder will stop working after 12 hours working, then after 12 hours resting, it starts working).Fits Most Watches. 8 adjustable and flexible watch pillows for a variety of watch band sizes.
- Multiple Settings for TPD & Rotation. 3 rotation modes: Clockwise Mode/ Counter-Clockwise Mode/Clockwise + Counter-Clockwisemode. Multiple programming for any automatic watch(Turning Per Day): 650/750/850/1000/1950.
- Extremely Quiet winder & Excellent Customer Service: A Gorgeous gift for Christmas, anniversary, birthday, and new year, as well as business-gifts. If you have any questions about JINS&VICO's watch winder, please feel free to contact us and we will help you solve it quickly.
Diplomat Dip-0020 8 Watch Winder
This 8 Watch Winder case comes in burgundy wood finish. In addition to winding eight watches it also has space for an additional 9 watches. Has four turntables and four programmable settings. Works on AC current. Click for more info.
Heiden Monaco Eight Watch Winder
This 8 watch winder comes in a beautiful cross stitched leather overlaid container with a soft gray interior. With a Mabuchi motor installed it bring you quiet operation. The watch winder is designed with zero magnetization so it will not harm your watches. This container has multiple winding settings, including 4 turns per day settings, 3 direction settings totaling 12 different setting combinations. This watch winder was also designed not to turn continuously so as not to over wind your watch. Power adapter included. Click for more info.
- QUALITY DESIGN. The Heiden Monaco Eight Watch Winder is designed with quality materials such as the cross stitched leather, soft gray linen interior, soft watch pillow, and plenty of interior space to hold large and oversize watches. The watch pillow can used on the flat or round sides to hold small and large wrist bands.
- JAPANESE PARTS. The watch winder uses the newest Japanese Mabuchi Motor and Gear design. When you turn on the watch winder, you won’t even know it’s on because of the quietness of the motor. The watch winder is designed with zero magnetization so it will not harm your watches. The watch winder is designed in the USA.
- WARRANTY. Customer service is very important to us and we stand behind our products. We offer a full 1 Year Warranty from the date of purchase. Any problems you have please contact us and we will take care of it. Note – Watch winders are not compatible with Seiko Kinetic Watches because the watch mechanism is not the same as traditional automatic movement watches.
- Dimensions: 7.125 x 9.25 x 23.25 inches (L x W x H). The base measures 9 x 11 x .25 inches (L x W x H). Power adapter is included (110-240V)
Best Twelve Watch Winder Cases
One that has over 12 watches and one that has one watch aren’t different. THey both like quality. But with the bigger storage one also looks for individual attention to each watch. So it benefits the buyer to see which case allows for independent winding for each watch. Along with that an LDC screen can be especially helpful. Here are some of the best 12 watch winding cases that are chock full of features:
Cheopz Safe Watch Winder Box for 12 Automatic Watches
This 12 automatic watch winder from Cheopz comes in a housing constructed of solid steel. It has 18mm explosion-proof glass viewing window, has dual door locking bolts & a pry-resistant hinge bar. It has super silent Japanese motor for quiet operation. Comes with 4 different rotation modes for each watch holder setting. A LCD display touch panel allows easy checking on all safe settings. Has programmable electronic lock and customizable 1-10 digit code with 2 override keys. Can also be mounted to wall or floor. Click for more info.
Boda Concept Watch Winder for 12 Automatic Watches
- [High End WATCH WINDER]- With super silent motors, this safe winder can hold 12 automatic watches at max, with flex foam cushions. 4 different rotation modes for each watch holder setting.
- [Outstanding Workmanship]-The exterior is constructed of fine natural hard wood, hand-polished to a high gloss mirror finish and covers 7 key manufacturing process for long lasting durability and beauty. Interior is made of synthetic leather, handcrafted to the finest details.
- [Extremely Quiet Motor]- Germany motor, is extremely quiet and long lasting, running with no noise; any question please feel free to contact us before return or leaving feedback. We are always standing behind our products to satisfy your need.
- [Overall watch winder dimensions]-18.4" L x 9.5" W x 9.1" H, Weight 11.7LBS.
- Running on AC Adaptor(Included). Moving your watch stable. Keep your watch have a longer life.
Leader 12 Watch Winder
This 12 watch winder from Leader is designed with Bur wood texture with a high-gloss finish. A large window provides a great view of your collection. It has multiple winding settings. Three winding directions and four predefined winding programs with six rotors. In addition it has four storage compartments for additional watches. AC Adapter included. Click for more info.
Best Watch Winder For Rolex Watches
Rolex watches are considered the top shelf when it comes to watches. Not just for the beauty and design, but also for the craftsmanship that backs up its reputation. And the right spinner should also be designed to work with the Rolex watch winder settings and have the ability to adjust settings to harmonize with the Rolex automatic watch winder directions. So it makes sense to find an automatic watch spinner that has the size, quality and durability that fits the Rolex brand. We’ve found three:
Driklux Automatic Single Watch Winder for Rolex and Other Luxury Watches
This automatic single watch winder’s exterior is decorated with high-grade PU leather to match the elegance of your home. It made to wind your Rolex and other luxury watches in virtual silence due to its super quiet motor. The winding mechanism includes five rotation modes and three direction settings. The watch winder is powered by an AC power adapter and can also operate on backup batteries (backup batteries not included). Click for more info.
TRIPLE TREE Watch Winder for Rolex Automatic Watches
This three watch winder from Triple Tree is made for Rolex automatic watches. Comes in an attractive case with acrylic glass. Its extremely silent motor allows for quiet operation. Has four winding modes which includes clockwise, counter clockwise, rest and timer modes. Comes with interior LED lighting for access even in the dark and key to lock box for security. Runs on AC adapter (Included) or USB cable for portable power(Included). Click for more info.
Watch Winder Smith for Two Automatic Watches, Spacious for Mid to Big Size Rolex
This four watch winder from Watch Winder Smith is attractively housed in a noble, mold proof case with an acrylic cover. It’s also designed with a slant for a presentable view of your watches – just perfect for your Rolex watches. It has control knobs for different wearing habits and a variety of rotation programs for each of your watches individual needs. The wider distance between the slots stops watches from touching and deeper slots allow for even larger watch sizes. Comes with a double walled anti magnetization design. Click for more info.
What Is An Automatic Watch?
Automatic watches have quite a long history. They were first invented in the 18th century. These automatic watches were still a niche product, until the beginning of the 20th century, when wristwatches were invented. Following the new kind of wearing a watch, introduced by the wristwatches, automatic watches also followed suit. They came up with automatic watches that no longer needed to be kept in the pocket, but could also be worn on the arm. Since then, the technology of automatic watches has advanced to the modern types of automatic watches.
‘Automatic’ is a term that can be used in the place of ‘self-winding.’ Automatic watches can, therefore, be referred to as self-winding watches. This means that an automatic watch can wind itself. It does so by using a weight placed in the watch unit. This weight leads to tension on the mainstream, due to its oscillating motion. Oscillation of the weight is triggered by the natural movement of the wearer’s arm.
In a simpler language, automatic watches can be described as those watches that only require a person to wear them, so as to keep running. The motion of the watch wearer is what provides the automatic watch with enough energy to keep running. These watches lack batteries in their internal systems. After all, they do not require batteries to keep running. More so, automatic watches do not require the owners to manually wind them, say, each morning, as other manual watches require. Rather, they automatically wind by themselves, applying the energy provided by the motion of the wearer.
Automatic watches are built with a rotor in their unit. Normally, this rotor is made using heavy materials, for instance, platinum, tungsten and gold. Heavy materials are used in designing the rotors so as to ensure there is enough power to wind the motion. When a watch wearer moves their arm, they cause the rotor to swing. When the rotor swings, this sets the gears in motion and winds the spring system. There are those automatic watches that are built with a glass case back. For such automatic watches, a person can just flip over the case, so as to see the working process of automatic watches in real time.
The winding mechanism of the self-winding watch is quite a simple process. Automatic watches use the natural motion of the wearer’s arm to wind the mainspring. The oscillating weight in the watch unit cause the pivot to turn on. Then, the natural movements of the watch caused by the wearer, makes the rotor of the watch to pivot on its staff. This is usually attached to a ratcheted winding mechanism. The movement of the automatic watch causes circular motion of the weight. A continued sequence of reversing and reducing gears, eventually leads to winding of the mainspring.
Self-winding watches are built in different designs. For instance, there are those designs that enable winding of the watch when the weight oscillates in only one direction. There are also other designs that consist of two ratchets and enable winding of the mainspring when the weight oscillates in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
Automatic watches have been designed such that they automatically wind themselves. That explains why most automatic watches don’t include a manual winding option in their designs. However, it should be noted that; whether automatic watches are wound by hand or not, is determined by the movement. Sometimes, the automatic watches may stop ticking. This especially happens when the watches are not working so often, or are not moved so frequently.
During such times, the wearer can consider giving the automatic watch a little shake. The shake should get the gears to turn again, and is done on those watches that lack manual winding options. For those automatic watches that have the manual winding options, then the wearer can simply wind them by hand. The good thing is that the automatic watches always come with information provided by the manufacturer on whether and how to wind the watches when they stop ticking. However, automatic watches are quite long lasting, and can store enough energy to keep them running for two days and night, without stopping.
What Is A Watch Winder?
Normally, automatic watches can wind themselves using an oscillating weight inside their systems. When the watch is worn, oscillation of the weight occurs and turns on the winding mechanism. Therefore, when the automatic watch is not worn, oscillating of the weight does not happen and enough power is not received for winding. The end result is that the automatic watch runs down. It is true that at such times, the automatic watch can just be manually wound. However, manually winding the watches is not usually convenient. This is where the automatic watch winders come in.
A watch winder refers to a device that is designed for keeping the automated watches running, even when they are not worn. Watch winders have the advantage in that they can never over wind the watches. This is because they are designed with timers, such that they work for few minutes then take a break before starting their movement again. Therefore, with a watch winder, a watch wearer does not have to keep the automatic watch in movement at all times.
Watch winders help to keep automatic watches precise about time, and always ready to wear. The specific day and date will also be kept functioning properly at all times. Automatic watch winders eliminate the need to regularly reset and wind watches, when not wearing them.
How Does An Automatic Winder Work?
Watch winders are designed as boxes or containers for holding automatic watches. They can hold one or even more automatic watches. When the automatic watch is not being worn, it is placed in the box or container. The watch winder makes movements similar to those of a wearer’s arm. The automatic watch, therefore, constantly stores energy when inside the watch winder box.
A person can set the direction of the watch winder movement as well as the frequency of winding. More so, automatic watches are built with unique mainsprings that can’t be over-wound. Due to this, the automatic watches can even be placed and left in the watch winder for many days, weeks, even months, without causing any harm on the winding mechanism.
10 Popular Features Of Watch Winders
There are many designs of watch winders in the market today. They come in all basic and functional styles, as well as in different luxury model designs. Each type of watch winder has it’s unique qualities and specifications that make it different from other watch winders. However, there are some common features that are included in the top rated watch winders. The following points highlight 10 features found in the best watch winders:
1.) Rotation and Directional Settings
Generally, winding of automatic watches in watch winders happens due to the rotations and motions triggered by the watch winders. There are some models of automatic watches that allow the watch wearer to control the directional settings, as well as the rotation settings of the watch winder. Control of such aspects is very important. After all, aspects of such settings are what determine how precisely each automatic watch is wound. Such aspects include the total number of turns made by the watch winder in a day and the directions of motion, whether clock-wise, bidirectional or anti-clockwise directions. Therefore, the best watch winders consist of customizable and adjustable settings of both rotation and direction. Furthermore, they include timers in the watch winders, to ensure that the watches are not over-wound.
2.) Warranty
Having your watch winder warranted is a very crucial thing, to ensure the long lasting nature of the device. The best watch winders have at least warranties of 2 years. A watch wearer should ensure that they’ve got properly warranted watch winders, as depended on the overall costs of the device.
3.) Displays and Power Options
The best watch winders consist of a backlit LCD display that is designed for each single watch. For better and enhanced displays, they also include LED lighting and indicators. Such lighting provides attractive displays of the automatic watches. More so, these high quality watch winders operate in a relatively quiet manner and can either use batteries or AC power. When using AC power, a universal adapter should be used with the watch winders. Such features provide luxurious and convenient watch winders.
4.) Precision
The automatic watch is at most times precise. The same case should apply to watch winders. A watch winder is normally set to make specific winding sessions each day. These winding sessions should have a precise number of turns, also known as turns. If a watch winder is to be ranked among the best, the number of turns should not be changing with each winding session.
5.) Security Systems
Watches are valuables, hence should be kept safely. The best watch winders ensure that their owners have peace of mind when it comes to storing of the automatic watches. These consist of high security features, such as the option of locking watches in the self-winding watches. Alternatively, some watch winders are built in particular shapes and constructions, that enable the watch winder to be stored safely in the home safes or wall safes. Such watch winders help to store the watches safely as they undergo wounding.
6.) Size Attachments
If you own more than one automatic watches, it is highly likely that they’re of varying sizes. The best watch winders should be big enough as to accommodate every size of an automatic watch. They may include mechanisms which can be removed or added to provide more space for bigger watches.
7.) Room to Grow
The best watch winders are built with large spaces to accommodate more automatic watches. When a watch wearer adds to their watch collection, they are, therefore, not forced to get new watch winders. These best watch winders offer the space and opportunity for growing one’s automatic watch collection.
8.) PU Leather
Some home environments have high magnetization levels. Magnetization can damage a watch’s battery. The best watch winders contain PU leather, which keeps static electricity at bay, ensuring good battery life and functioning of the automatic watches.
9.) Premiere Enclosures
The best watch winders do not only focus on their functionality. They are also beautiful and creative works of art. Watch winders are usually kept on desks or furniture, where they can be easily noticed by others. The best watch winders don’t just design ordinary boxes with no sense of style whatsoever. Rather, they are built in beautiful designs that add to the elegance and decor of the rooms.
These designs can especially be evident from the cases and enclosures of the watch winders. These enclosures are designed using materials that are of very high quality and unique features. The materials used on the watch winder enclosures include wood, glass, polished chrome, steel and leather. The watch winders also include gloss finishes and other accents that give them their artistic aspect.
10.) Single or Dual
Most watch winders can hold only one or two watches. The best watch winders allow for more watches that can be held in a single watch winder. They can hold up to 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and even 16 automatic watches. This makes it convenient for storing watches and easily picking them whenever needed.
Do You Need A Watch Winder?
Many proud watch collectors showcase and store their precious timepieces moving in rotating display cases known as watch winders. As with watches, there’s a watch winder for every budget.
It’s likely that anyone who has their own small collection has at least thought about whether they should buy a watch winder. If the answer is yes, the question then becomes whether you should get the affordable winder that does the job or go straight for the more sophisticated model.
As always, it depends on your motive. If it’s about the convenience of only ever having to set your watch once, then watch winders are a practical investment. This is especially true if you have a complicated watch, such as one with a perpetual calendar. These can be rather time consuming to correct manually on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, there’s always a catch. If your winder isn’t set to wind your watch the proper amount every day and instead winds it for too long, this can put added strain on the movement. This comes down to the quality of the winder. Any winder worth its weight should at least allow you to program how many times it rotates per day. You may have to use a socket timer to achieve the same result with the simplest models.
Should You Wind Your Automatic Watch By Hand?
It all comes down to the movement. Not every automatic watch comes with a manual winding option. If and when these watches stop ticking, you’ll have to give it a little shake to get the gears turning again. However, most modern watch movements are also able to be wound by hand. This is particularly practical if you don’t wear your watch very often or move it frequently.
Whether regularly winding your automatic watch by hand is advisable also depends on the movement. There is no universal answer. Manufacturers usually provide this information. Generally speaking, however, the less you rely on winding your automatic watch manually, the slower the components will wear down.
How to Avoid Damaging the Mainspring
It’s worth noting that unlike manual watches, you can’t damage or ruin the mainspring by twisting the crown too much. This is thanks to a “slipping spring” at the end of the mainspring that simply glides around the inside of the barrel once the watch is fully wound. You can twist as much as you want, and nothing will happen to the movement. Have a listen the next time you wind your automatic watch manually. You might even hear the spring as it glides. This lets you know your watch is fully wound without a power reserve indicator.
Relax and Enjoy Your Timepiece
The point of automatic watches is to spare their owners the burden of having to wind them daily. After reading this article, you’d be forgiven for thinking that maintaining an automatic watch comes with its own set of worries. Let me put you at ease: Enjoy your watch in the way that best suits you. If you want to wind it by hand because you like to or put it in a winder because you like the way it looks, go for it!
The potential “pitfalls” listed above are just possibilities. No watch will suddenly break down from one day to the next because you didn’t follow each instruction to a “t.” It’s more important that you enjoy your automatic watch without any worries, perhaps keeping what you’ve learned in the back of your mind. That is the best way to appreciate this technological marvel. At the end of the day, appreciating watches is what the passion’s all about anyway, isn’t it?
