If you own an automatic watch, chances are you’ve come across the idea of using a watch winder. Some collectors swear by them, while others consider them unnecessary. So, what’s the real story—are watch winders essential, or just another accessory marketed to watch enthusiasts?
Let’s take a closer look.
An automatic watch winds itself using a rotor that responds to the movement of your wrist. When the watch is left unworn for too long, it eventually stops. A watch winder is a motorized device designed to prevent that. It gently rotates your watch to simulate wrist movement, keeping the mainspring under tension and the watch running. This can be especially helpful if your watch has a date complication, moonphase, or a perpetual calendar—features that take time to reset if the movement stops.
You own multiple watches: If you rotate between several watches throughout the week, a winder keeps the unused ones ticking. It saves you from having to reset the time and date every time you switch.
You have watches with complex complications: Timepieces with annual calendars, perpetual calendars, or moonphase displays benefit from continuous operation, as these features are often tedious to set accurately.
Convenience matters to you: If you value the simplicity of picking up a fully wound watch each morning without adjustment, a watch winder adds that layer of ease.
You wear the same watch daily: If your automatic watch rarely leaves your wrist, it winds itself naturally and doesn't need external help.
You enjoy the manual winding ritual: For some, winding a watch and setting the time is part of the ownership experience. In that case, a winder may feel unnecessary.
You’re concerned about quality or cost: Low-cost winders may not offer proper movement settings and could harm your watch through over-rotation or vibration. It's crucial to choose one that allows you to control Turns Per Day (TPD) and rotation direction.
This is a common concern—and one that deserves context. This is a common concern—and one that deserves context. A poorly made winder that runs non-stop can wear out a movement over time. Some argue that constant movement causes premature wear. But most quality winders operate intermittently, simulating real wrist movement—not continuous spinning. If you choose a winder with adjustable Turns Per Day (TPD) and direction settings, there's little risk. In fact, keeping the movement lubricated and active can even benefit the long-term performance of some mechanical watches. The key is moderation and using the right settings for your specific movement.
A watch winder is not a must-have for every automatic watch owner. But for collectors, or anyone who cycles through multiple watches, it offers real-world convenience. It also makes sense for watches with complicated features that take time to reset. Rather than thinking of it as essential or optional, think of a winder as a tool—one that serves a purpose when used correctly, but isn't required for everyone.
