When you've invested time, energy, and money into curating your collection of designer watches, you’ll want to maintain each timepiece. For many horologists, this means owning high-quality watch winders. But when you dig a little deeper into the topic, you'll find that watch winders are a divisive subject in the watch-collecting community.
With all the opinions circulating online, understanding and shopping for watch accessories can feel daunting. What exactly is an automatic watch winder? What are the best watch winder brands? How do WOLF watch winders compare to other designs? Get all your questions answered in this helpful guide to watch winders.
What is a Watch Winder?
As automatic timepieces are wound by movement, watch winders are devices designed to keep them running when they are not on your wrist. Sometimes called a watch winder box or automatic watch winder, these accessories keep the time, date, and other calendar functions on track, preventing the power reserve from depleting. If you plan on leaving your wristwatch behind for more than 24 hours, a self-winding watch winder is the only way to ensure the timepiece continues to tick accurately.
What Kinds of Watches Need to Be Wound?
While all kinds of mechanical watches technically require winding, only automatic movements can be wound with a watch winder. Manual-wind watches are powered by a main spring that requires hand-winding, typically achieved by turning the crown on the side of the watch case.
For many people, this can be a major factor when it comes to buying a watch. Those who prefer a hands-free method should choose automatic movements. Anyone who prefers the traditional mechanical movement should look into designs with a manual wind. If neither sounds appealing, you can always look into the more contemporary alternative, quartz watches!
Understanding the Complex Inner Workings of Automatic Watches
To understand how automatic watch winders work, you must first comprehend the internal workings of a timepiece. The automatic watch movement features a weighted rotor attached to a central pivot piece—when the wearer moves their wrist, the rotor spins, winding and tightening the mainspring to store potential energy. When the mainspring unwinds, the energy is released and transmitted to the hands of the watch, allowing it to keep time.
When a designer watch is fully wound, it can continue to run for a specified amount of time, known as the power reserve. This can vary from model to model, ranging from several hours to a few days. If the power reserve runs out, the timepiece will stop working.
How Do Automatic Watch Winders Work?
Automatic watch winders operate by slowly rotating a timepiece within a protective case or device to simulate the natural motion of a wrist. This carefully crafted action ensures that the mainspring remains wound, allowing for accurate timekeeping, even if the watch isn’t being worn.
To achieve this, the watch winder rotates the wristwatch at preset intervals (TPD or Turns Per Day) and in specific directions according to the design's requirements. The best watch winders even incorporate natural rest periods, reflecting real rest patterns a timepiece would endure on someone's wrist.
Can Automatic Watch Winders Damage Your Watch?
It's a common misconception that self-winding watch winders are bad for your timepiece, but we're here to finally dispel the rumor. While the consistent winding of a watch winder can slightly increase wear and tear on the movement, modern watches are purposefully engineered to withstand this minimal stress. With the right TPD and direction settings, a watch winder is the best way to ensure your wristwatch keeps time for years to come.
The only time problems may arise is when a watch is kept on a self-winding watch winder for years without routine maintenance. It's important to note that even the best watch winders are not a substitute for professional servicing.
Can Wristwatches Be Overwound in a Watch Winder
Ask any professional watchmaker and they'll tell you—automatic watches cannot be overwound, by hand or by a watch winder. Modern-day automatic watches feature specially designed parts, such as an infinitely slipping bridle or ratchet system, that ensure the mainspring doesn't become overly tightened. With built-in safety mechanisms found in the best watch winders, you can rest assured knowing your treasured timepiece is taken care of!
Do You Need an Automatic Watch Winder?
If you only own one or two automatic watches that you wear regularly, you may not need to invest in a self-winding watch winder. But if you only wear your luxury watch on occasion or if you collect high-end models with complex calendar displays and unique bonus features, your timepieces will benefit from being perpetually wound on the best watch winders in the business.
If you're someone who has multiple designer watches and rotates them out to fit the occasion, then you need to ensure the others are well taken care of when stored away. Luckily, many of the best watch winder brands design double, triple, quadruple, and even octuple winders to fit your whole collection!
Invest in a Watch Winder if Your Favorite Timepieces Include:
- Annual, complete, and perpetual calendars
- Multi-time zone tracking
- Moon phase displays
Exploring The 5 Main Types of Watch Winders
Before you can buy the best watch winder, you need to understand what each design is capable of. Automatic watch winders are often separated into five categories (though they can fall under multiple at once):
1. Single-Watch Winders
A single-watch winder is ideal for those who own a single automatic timepiece. Small, compact, and easy to store around the house, this is the best watch winder to gift anyone who's recently invested in their first TUDOR timepiece.
2. Multi-Watch Winders
If a watch winder is capable of holding and winding more than two timepieces, it's classified as a multi-watch winder. These can accommodate three to a dozen wristwatches at a time. If you're dedicated to keeping a large collection of watches in working condition, consider investing in these larger designs.
3. Programmable Winders
A programmable model allows you to set or program the desired number of turns per day and the direction itself. There are plenty of programmable single watch winders, but if you have more than one watch, it's highly recommended that you find a design that allows you to adjust each head's settings according to the specific needs of every watch in your collection.
4. Display Winders
Just because your timepiece is getting its much-needed R&R, doesn't mean it has to be tucked away in the back of the closet. Unfortunately, sometimes the more technologically advanced watch winders aren't meant for display. If you're searching for a model that showcases your wristwatch as it winds, then you need to find one with transparent covers and interior lighting.
5. Portable Winders
If you're a frequent flyer and dedicated to watch maintenance, you may want to invest in a portable automatic watch winder. These models are lightweight and slim, designed to slip into your luggage without taking up too much space. The best portable watch winders run on batteries, so you never have to worry about finding a power source at your hotel or campsite.
The Most Important Qualities to Look for in an Automatic Watch Winder
Similar to selecting a designer watch, purchasing an automatic watch winder is an extremely personal and game-changing choice. Many companies will claim to have the best watch winders on the market, but don't be fooled into buying the first one you see! If you're interested in buying a self-winding watch winder, keep an eye out for these essential design details:
Program Settings and Options
When it comes to finding the best watch winder for you and your collection, the programmable settings are the most important feature to consider. A high-quality winder will have a variety of options for the TPD (or Turn Per Day rate as patented by WOLF watch winders), often ranging between 650 and 1800 daily turns. The "correct" TPD will depend on the watch's make and model.
The best watch winders will also support multiple rotation directions. Preferences can vary between different designer timepieces— if you can find an automatic watch winder that offers clockwise, counterclockwise, and bidirectional options, you'll have found a versatile design worth your money.
AC or DC Power Sources
Once you've determined the automatic watch winder has the program settings you need, consider the power source. When watch winders were first invented, battery-powered devices were the only real option. Nowadays, you have more choices.
An AC-powered watch winder features a power cable that plugs into a main socket, making it the best watch winder choice for countertop display. If you're looking for the best watch winder for travel or cord-free style, you'll likely prefer a wireless DC design that runs on batteries. As timepiece technology advances, there are more and more models that can run on both batteries and plug-in energy for endless versatility.
Build Quality and Design
When comparing different automatic watch winders, take a closer look at their overall design. Cheaply made winders often feature fake-wood finishes, thin plastic, and flimsy lining materials, and can be unreliable and improperly magnetically shielded.
If you're shopping in person, it may be easy to spot the difference in build quality. If you're browsing online, make sure to read the description. The best watch winders are often handcrafted and are made of:
- High-quality wood
- Leather
- Glass
- Metal
- Piano lacquer
Position of the Watch in the Winder
In order to ensure an optimal force of gravity in each rotation, watches should be propped up vertically within the automatic watch winder, with the dial facing outwards. When you strap in your timepiece, make sure it's securely fastened to prevent it from falling out and breaking.
Cushions, Pillows, and Padded Holders
The best watch winders are thoughtfully constructed. If the holder has a built-in cushion or pillow, make sure it's sturdy enough to keep your Rolex watch from moving. Quality automatic watch winders often feature softer internal materials, including:
- Microfiber
- Velvet
- Suede
- Leather
- Memory foam
- Silicone
Level of Noise
For years, the biggest complaint about automatic watch winders was the level of noise made while they ran. These days, thanks to helpful manufacturing discoveries, the majority of designs have found ways to minimize the sound. If you plan on keeping your WOLF watch winder in a room with high foot traffic, you'll want a device that is as silent as possible.
Overall Aesthetics and Style
Let's face it—your TAG Heuer Formula 1 wristwatch deserves to be stored and wound in something that’s equally stylish. Unless you plan on keeping your automatic watch winder tucked away in the corner of your closet, you should prioritize finding one that fits in with your home décor and suits the vibe of your timepiece collection. From wooden retro designs to futuristic minimal models, there's bound to be a watch winder in your style.
What's the Best Watch Winder in the Business?
With impeccable designs, a dedication to precision, and patented TPD technology, WOLF watch winders are widely considered some of the best available. Though the company has evolved since it first got its name for silversmithing and box making in 1834, WOLF remains family-owned and has gained world recognition as one of the leaders of the watch winding industry. If you're searching for innovation and handmade craftsmanship, the WOLF models are the best watch winders for you.
The Most Popular WOLF Watch Winder Designs:
- WOLF Palermo Single Watch Winder: this feminine rose gold design can wind one timepiece at a time and offers additional jewelry storage on the top of the box for all your David Yurman designs
- WOLF Cub Double Watch Winder: features a rich vegan brown leather exterior and space for two watches
- WOLF Cub Single Watch Winder: available in a bright red hue or a punchy pink shade, this device features one winding module
- WOLF British Racing 4 Piece Watch Winder: perfect for a new collector, this black automatic watch winder uses AC power and can hold up to four timepieces at a time
- WOLF Roadster Sextuple Module Watch Winder: with a lockable glass cover, pebbled faux leather interior, and wood veneer faceplate, this model can keep six timepieces wound at once
If you care about keeping your favorite timepieces running accurately, automatic watch winders are a necessary investment. Whether you plan on storing these useful contraptions on your bedside table next to your men's wedding band for easy everyday access or in your walk-in closet for a luxurious look is up to you. Finding the best watch winder for your collection is the secret to ensuring your timepieces tick for every special moment life throws your way.
