Do You Really Need a Watch Winder? A Practical Guide

Watch winders are devices that keep automatic watches running when not worn. They rotate the watch to simulate wrist movement, maintaining power reserve and keeping complications set. But are they necessary?

The main advantage of watch winders is convenience. If you own multiple automatic watches, winders keep them ready to wear without needing to set the time and date. For watches with complex calendars or moon phases, this saves significant time and effort.

However, watch winders aren't essential for most collectors. Automatic watches are designed to start and stop regularly—it doesn't harm them. Setting a watch takes only a minute or two, and many collectors enjoy the ritual of winding and setting their watches.

Potential downsides include unnecessary wear on the movement. Constantly running a watch means constant wear on pivots, jewels, and lubricants. While modern watches are robust, some watchmakers argue that watches should rest when not worn. Additionally, cheap winders with incorrect rotation settings can actually harm watches.

If you decide to use a winder, choose quality. Look for adjustable rotation settings (turns per day and direction), quiet operation, and proper watch securing mechanisms. Single-watch winders start around $100, while multi-watch units can cost thousands. Brands like Wolf, Orbita, and Rapport offer reliable options.

Consider your collection before investing. If you wear the same watch daily, you don't need a winder. If you rotate between two or three watches, manual winding is manageable. Winders make most sense for large collections or watches with complex perpetual calendars that are difficult to set.