Today on Reddit, I came across a discussion where watch enthusiasts shared their views and experiences with using watch winders, especially for higher-end or expensive watches. The conversation revealed a balanced mix of appreciation and skepticism. Here is a breakdown of the most frequently mentioned advantages and disadvantages.
Convenience and Time-Saving
✔️A winder saves the hassle of resetting complicated watches. For models with perpetual calendars, annual calendars, or moon phases, it keeps everything in sync without manual adjustments.
❌For simple three-hand watches without a date, setup is quick anyway, making a winder less valuable.
Keeping Watches Running
✔️A winder prevents a watch from stopping, ensuring it is always ready to wear with accurate time and complications set.
❌Constant operation means the movement is always under tension, which can increase wear and potentially shorten service intervals.
Display and Storage
✔️A winder can serve as a central storage solution, offering both practical organization and an attractive way to display a collection.
❌It takes up space, and some argue that the display aspect is unnecessary.
Quality and Noise
✔️High-end winders often run quietly, offer adjustable speeds and rotation directions, and can be tailored to a specific movement’s needs.
❌Cheap winders may be noisy, wear out quickly, or even affect timekeeping if poorly made.
Cost and Experience
✔️For those who value convenience, the investment can be worthwhile.
❌Quality winders are expensive—sometimes costing as much as a mid-tier watch. They can also remove the small pleasure of manually winding and setting a timepiece.
Conclusion
Reddit discussions show that watch winders divide opinion. If you own complicated automatics, a winder can be a genuine time-saver. But for simpler watches, the cost and potential downsides may outweigh the benefits. In the end, whether you need one depends on how you enjoy interacting with your watches.