Do you rotate through using a few watches each week? Do you have certain watches that you don’t wear all the time? Or are you just a diehard fan of cool watch gadgets?
If you say ‘yes!’ to any of the above, chances are, you have considered getting a watch winder for your automatic watch.
A watch winder is one of those tools that watch enthusiasts have different views on. It is a tool that keeps an automatic (or self-winding) watch running when the watch is not being worn.
Credits to: Fashion Runway Blog
How an automatic watch works, is that its rotor (an oscillating weight used to wind the mainspring in an automatic watch) pivots when someone wears the watch. This pivoting movement is then transferred to the mainspring, and as a result, winds the watch and allows it to run. Thus, when the automatic watch isn’t worn regularly, it stops running. By using a watch winder, it then keeps your automatic watch running.
But oppositions of watch winders claim that watch winders cause the danger of over winding. Though not immediate, over winding could result in a very gradual, slow grinding of the mainspring, which tires up the watch. Unnecessary wear and tear to the watch movement could also be added, requiring more frequent servicing. In short, they believe that watches should be given time to stop and rest.
Here's what we think.
We believe that the use of a watch winder in the short-term is useful, not harmful. Especially for someone who rotates through a few different automatic watches, the use of a watch winder is highly convenient. It removes the need to reset the time, date, or other mechanisms that might be halted when the watch is left unused. Also, keeping the watch running will prevent the lubricant in-between the watch mechanism from drying up and damaging the watch.
Having said that, not all watch winders are made the same. There are numerous watch winders out there, some are carefully calibrated to specific movements and brands, some more affordable and some costlier. Find the watch winder that suits your watch model and movement best.
Some tips we have in choosing a suitable watch winder are:
· Opt for a winder that alternates the direction of rotation to maximise movement of your watch.
· See how the watch winder holds your watch: Does it hold your watch securely? Will the rotation accidentally scratch certain parts of your watch?
· Find a winder that allows you to set a certain amount of winds per day that best suits your watch.
· Choose a battery-powered winder over a plug-in one (or one that has both options). The former is mobile, allowing you to store it securely in a safe.
· Don’t skimp on the cost as some cheap watch winders have motors that are more prone to failure and less durable components.
· Check the material used for the holder/cushion. Lower quality material will become sticky over time and might stain your watch.
However in the long-term, we will not advise leaving your watch on a watch winder for years or even months. Even though the watch winder is constantly rotating bi-directionally, the rotation on the winder is still incomparable with the movement on your wrist. Wearing your watch on your wrist will definitely provide greater movement in different directions.
So which team are you on? Are you for watch winders or is there no need for that? Let us know in the comments!