Watch Winder - Good or Bad?

[GeorgeJung]

Hello all,

Inquiring some feedback in regards to watch winders. I have heard several mixed reviews in correlation to how they affect the integrity of the watch. I have a few gens (Rolex, Girard Perregaux, Breitling, and IWC), plus my 2 BK builds which have swiss movements. A few of the other watch forums I am subscribed to have this discussion, was just looking to start it here.

I currently have a Wolf Winder. My Breitling spends majority of its life inside the Wolf. Over 2 years now, no problem, still keeps excellent time and longevity.

Lets hear your thoughts and opinions!

- Adrian

 

[ottomatic]

I stopped using them. I was reading the winder argument on one of the forums and someone pointed out that as long as the watch is running, movement parts are being subjected to wear. It's common sense, but I hadn't given it any thought. Now I keep them in a nice watch case instead.

 

[agd47]

I like the idea of them and been tempted a few times to buy one but there was a good point said on this forum along the lines of you wouldn't leave your car in the drive turned on waiting for the next time you use it. Seemed quite sensible.

 

[Ralphy]

I agree, but have also read that if you do not use them regularly that you should use a winder to ensure you keep all the parts lubricated properly so you do not develop problems.

Maybe its not needed if you have a great rotation going. I am considering getting one as I would like to rotate mine through as I am not wearing them on a strict rotation.

I would love to see other opinions though, as this is a great topic of discussion!!!

 

[SUMIKITO]

The best way to keep a watch not being used is in its box, and once a month or so, flip the box upside down, sideways, right side up, etc. It keeps the lubricants spread out evenly. Now, an interesting thing about winders : Most if not almost all owners of mechanical watches, be it a $50 one or a $50,000 Patek, do not own or use watch winders. Even the most avid collectors don't use them. They just shake or wind their watches once in a while. enjoying them as they are. So.....that's something to think about.

 

[Ralphy]

I tend to agree with what you are saying. My buddy has a winder and owns a few gen Tag's and Rolex's and he loves it. I have seen both sides, so I am torn. My wife has no idea what to buy me for the holidays, lol, and I was thinking a winder might be a nice gift.

Maybe I should think about something else. Thanks for the insight!

 

[GeorgeJung]

I like the idea of them and been tempted a few times to buy one but there was a good point said on this forum along the lines of you wouldn't leave your car in the drive turned on waiting for the next time you use it. Seemed quite sensible.

I came across that exact post. On the contrary, a mechanical watch is not combustable. I agree with both sides of the discussion, so tough.

Heres a question. Say you wear watches in rotation, and one will shut off every week. I feel like constantly recalibrating (winding crown down, spring, etc.) can not be too good also, as per leaving it in the winder.

A part of me feels bad for my Breitling, lol. Poor guy hasn't slept in months!

 

[SUMIKITO]

AD's can keep their mechanical watches unwound for long periods of time. Some expensive ones live a very long life in their safes. Unwound. Most AD's do not sell watch winders after the sale. Most don't even carry watch winders of any sort..........[like a compass for a car] ..................Go figure..............

 

[freeboy]

I have a fantastic four bay programable winder that sis unused.. for me as my collection rew keeping all my watches running became a chore.. anyone want a nice winder ? lol

joke

 

[GeorgeJung]

AD's can keep their mechanical watches unwound for long periods of time. Some expensive ones live a very long life in their safes. Unwound. Most AD's do not sell watch winders after the sale. Most don't even carry watch winders of any sort..........[like a compass for a car] ..................Go figure..............

I wouldn't mind keeping the watch un-wound if I do not use it in rotation, that does not concern me. My concern would be if the watch is in a 2 day a week rotation, after it dies, every week I am winding it back up constantly.

 

[tommy_boy]

I also have a winder sitting in a closet.

I wear my watches so the lubricants are put to work often enough. And I like to set them.

If I am in a hurry, I have four or five quartz watches so that I can grab and go.

 

[sub4me]

I've never used one. Thought about it but never seemed to make sense to me.

 

[Fettekatze]

You'll still have to set the time again anyway since it'll be off by a minute or two or five after sitting so long in the winder, so it's not like you're saving time by not having to set the time again.

 

[SUMIKITO]

This 'watch winder' trend occurred when they [smart merchants] found out that there was a 'market' for them among the 'new' mechanical watch buyers. Anything for a buck, they say. I believe they have their place in any watch lovers tabletop. But to believe that they are a 'must have item' is false. ...As they say in marketing, "produce it, and they will come" ......a couple of nice words, and they will believe it. So get them out there men, sell, sell, sell ! "" ...........and so it goes............

 

[andrew87]

Watch Winder not a Requirement

Watch winder isn't a necessity because it is a luxury item, therefore, people have set this trend, who have a good collection and wide range of watches and are interested in putting them in winders. I am not particularly a big fan of watch winders but I got one for my Ulysse Nardin Santa Maria from timescape. I really like that watch and thought it's okay to have a watch winder for one of my favorite watch

 

[chronomate]

A watch winder makes sense for watches that won't be worn long term since they help preventing the oil inside the movement from gumming, which may happen if the watch won't be moved at all for a long time.

 

[agd47]

I was also on the fence and I've recently purchased a winder and it arrived today. It winds in a programme of clockwise then anti clockwise for three hours then stops for nine hours. The motor is completely silent and the rotation is very gentle and not at all like what some of the against posts would have you believe that it's like a 1400 rpm washing machine! So far I'm happier having my watches in the winder than having to wind up and set the date every week.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

 

[jai04]

I never used one. I just rotate my watches and wear them atleast once in 1 or 2 months. I just don't see the need for it as I feel good when I wind my watch. If it runs out of power and I need to wear a watch, It's a sign for me to switch my rotation.

 

[chronomate]

I have one with 6 bays. Not that I needed it since I rotate my watches and 6 bays would by far not enough anyway for all of them. But it really looks nice and presents the watches in a nice way. It's just decorative. Besides one watch that I actually don't wear at all (very old Dugena automatic of my father) I even put hand winding watches into it :laugh:

...just because they look so nice in it :smile:

BTW, the old Dugena was oiled and serviced last time 10 years ago and still, it runs properly and even keeps good time. Had I have it buried deep down in some drawer, I'm sure the movement would already be dry since years.

 

[adamweby]

I use mine all the time. I just think it looks good. I made the mistake of buying an cheap ebay one. after that died I ponied up for a good one. I'm happy with it.