 Whether you’ve already bought an automatic watch or are still deciding, consider protecting your investment with a watchwinder. Read below to learn why a watchwinder is worth your time. Do I need a watchwinder?If you own more than one automatic watch, or if you occasionally don’t wear your watch, then you will appreciate the convenience of a watchwinder keeping your watch wound. If your automatic timepiece is left sitting for any amount of time, the lubricating oils tend to clump, which can cause errors in accuracy and wear on the balance wheel. For the mechanical health of your watch, the watchwinder ensures that your entire timepiece stays properly lubricated. You’ve made an investment in buying your fine timepiece, and a watchwinder is necessary to keep the mechanics in excellent condition.The more complicated your watch, the more beneficial you’ll find a watchwinder to be. Perpetual calendars, moonphases, multiple time zones, and other uber-complicated timepieces can be quite a nuisance to reset—so save yourself the hassle.  Considering the proliferation of watchwinders on the market, what’s the value for the dollar? How about I go for the inexpensive one and spend the difference on another watch?To some extent the price is about aesthetics . . . if you’re spending a significant amount of money on your watch, then you would naturally want to house it in a winder of attractiveness and quality. The effectiveness of the winder is a prime factor as well. Very low prices often mean you’re not buying a true winder; instead, you’re buying a cheaply-made box with a motor that spins your watch in one direction constantly, which will eventually damage your watch.  Can a watchwinder damage my watch?If it’s not an actual winder. There are many watch storage boxes with motors attached that cause the winder to continuously spin your timepiece. These are often made of plastic or particle board, sell for very low prices, require a manual shut down (versus the winder automatically programmed to “rest” your watch at appropriate intervals) and ultimately break down within a short period of time. The overwinding also stresses your watch, which means that the end result is damage to your watch and a higher toll on your bank account if you skimp on the winder. This is why it’s crucial that you buy your watchwinder from an authorized dealer, who can ensure that the product is, in fact, a watchwinder and not a “spinner.”A true winder allows for winding and resting—a closer approximation of how your wrist would wind your watch. The resting period is necessary to prevent your watch from being overwound. Your winder should be fully automated and controlled by an internal circuit, and your winder should function to automatically turn on a winding cycle without your intervention. The idea is to have the convenience of not having to monitor anything, so a true watchwinder will ensure that your watch is always ready to wear.
Watchwinders are a worthwhile investment to ensure that the inner workings of your watch run smoothly. They also save you time. A fully wound watch doesn’t need to be reset, so you have the convenience of wearing your watch whenever you wish. The price is a low priority in light of these factors. The fully-wound accuracy a watchwinder imparts is a peace of mind; rather than resetting hours and minutes you may save them, confidently wear your watch, and live your time well.
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Demystifying The Watchwinder
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