What Is A Watch Winder And Do You Need One
If you own an automatic watch, you’ve probably come across the term watch winder. Maybe you’ve even seen one sitting on someone’s shelf, humming quietly as a collection of watches slowly spins inside. It looks cool — but what exactly does it do, and do you actually need one?
The Basics: What a Watch Winder Does
A watch winder is a small motorised box designed to keep your automatic (self-winding) watches running when they’re not being worn. Automatic watches rely on the natural movement of your wrist to wind the mainspring — that’s what keeps the watch ticking.
When you take it off and leave it on the bedside table for a few days, it’ll eventually stop. The next time you want to wear it, you’ll need to reset the time, date, and any other complications (like moonphase or GMT).
That’s where a watch winder comes in. It mimics the motion of your wrist, keeping the watch’s rotor spinning just enough to maintain the power reserve.
The Practical Benefits
1. Convenience
The main benefit is simple: your watch is always ready to wear. No more winding, setting, or adjusting when you want to grab it and go. This is especially handy for collectors who rotate through several watches during the week.
2. Protection and Storage
A good watch winder also doubles up as a storage solution. Most winders come with padded slots or cushions to hold your watches securely, protecting them from dust, scratches, and sunlight.
3. Display and Style
Let’s be honest — a watch winder also looks seriously cool. There’s something undeniably satisfying about seeing your collection gently turning in a sleek, glass-fronted case. It adds a touch of theatre and sophistication to your setup, and let’s face it — it always impresses friends.
Do You Actually Need One?
The short answer: not necessarily.
If you only wear one automatic watch most of the time, you’ll naturally keep it wound just by wearing it. But if you own multiple pieces, or watches with complex calendar or moonphase movements, a winder can save you time and effort.
For collectors, it’s as much about care and presentation as it is practicality. For casual wearers, it’s more of a luxury accessory — not essential, but definitely nice to have.
Choosing the Right Watch Winder
If you decide to get one, look for a winder with adjustable turns-per-day (TPD) settings and bi-directional rotation options. Different watches have different winding needs, so flexibility is key. Also, go for quiet motors and quality build materials — especially if you plan to keep it on display in your bedroom or office.
Final Thoughts
A watch winder isn’t a must-have for everyone, but it’s a smart, stylish accessory for anyone serious about their automatic collection. It keeps your watches ticking, your display looking sharp, and your friends a little bit jealous — which, if we’re being honest, is part of the fun.
