What is an Automatic Watch Winder?
A watch winder is a box or device that rotates the rotor of an automatic watch. This turns the mainspring in the movement and keeps it ticking, ensuring the power reserve is fully charged.
A good winder will have a number of settings to adjust how many times per day it turns (TPD), as well as the direction. It should also be able to turn clockwise, anti-clockwise or both.
Features
An automatic watch winder is a piece of equipment that gently rotates your watch in a way that mimics the motion of your wrist. This allows it to keep functioning without wearing the movement down, and is an important part of keeping your luxury watch in top condition.
While some people have a misconception about the use of an automatic watch winder, this device is actually a very valuable addition to any collection of luxury watches. Not only is it a safe and convenient way to store your watch, but it also ensures that it remains fully wound throughout the day.
Despite this fact, there are some negative aspects to using a watch winder. The first of these is that it can wear down the lubricant in your automatic watch, which reduces the friction between the parts. This may eventually lead to problems with the movement.
Another negative aspect of an automatic watch winder is that it can be noisy when running. This can be a problem for people who live in an area where noise is a concern. However, some winders come with sound-absorbing components to reduce disruption.
The best automatic watch winders are quiet and reliable. They can accommodate up to two or four timepieces and can be used with either battery power or an AC adapter.
Some winders can also be connected to a smartphone so that you can set them and control them from anywhere. This can be particularly useful for people who are tech-savvy and enjoy interacting with their timepieces.
Finally, a good automatic watch winder can help protect your watch from moisture and bumps. This can be especially important for high-end luxury watches, which can be susceptible to damage if they are stored in a drawer or jewelry box next to other metal objects that could nick or scratch them.
A good watch winder will also be able to protect your watches from dust and dirt. This will prevent automatic watch winder them from fading, which can cause the movement to break down more quickly.
Functions
A watch winder is a convenient storage solution for watches that don’t need to be worn regularly. It keeps your watch wound in a way that mimics the motion of a person’s wrist and can be configured to make a set number of turns per day (TPD).
Most collectors agree that watch winders are a useful tool for those who own automatic watches that they don’t wear frequently. But there are also some people who believe that they can be damaging to the movement of a watch.
One of the main reasons why automatic watches need to be winded is because their power reserves run out after a few days. If you don’t wear your watch regularly, it can quickly run out of power and have to be wound up to reset its power reserve.
Another reason why you need to wind your watch is that it will help keep the lubrication inside the movement of your watch fresh and uniformly distributed. This is important as it helps reduce friction between the moving parts and prolongs their life.
The lubrication of your watch will dry up, become clumpy and lose a certain viscosity level when it is stopped or slow down for a prolonged period of time. This is not healthy for your watch.
Keeping your watch constantly running will put minimal stress on the movement, so it is not harmful to your watch. However, it is still important to follow a regular service schedule and not leave your automatic watch sitting on a shelf for too long.
If your watch has a complicated movement, such as a calendar, a moon-phase or a perpetual calendar, it can be difficult to properly set the date and time once it stops working. This can be a time-consuming task and can damage the crown of your watch, which is where most of the wear occurs on mechanical watches.
To avoid this, it is important to use a watch winder. The function of the watch winder is to make a certain number of rotations in a specified period of time, slowly rotating in both directions and providing a uniform distribution of lubricating oil.
Design
A watch winder is an electronic device that keeps an automatic watch wound when it is not being worn. A watch winder can be battery operated or plugged into an outlet. It is designed to replicate the movements of a wrist and can keep a watch’s power reserve active, which may help the wearer stay on time.
A typical automatic watch has a mainspring that is wound by the movement’s gear train, which spins in order to tell time. The movement is also protected by a slipping clutch device inside that disengages the winding mechanism when the mainspring reaches maximum tension, thus preventing it from being overwound.
In comparison, mechanical watches do not use a mainspring; they use gears that rotate to tell the time and other functions on the watch. The gears are lubricated to reduce friction and increase the life of the watch.
When a mechanical watch is not being worn, the lubricating oils can coagulate and clog up, reducing its efficiency. A watch winder helps to keep the watch’s lubricants circulating, extending its lifespan and keeping it running properly.
While a watch winder is not necessary for all automatic watches, it does make sense for many collectors and enthusiasts to have one. This is because automatic watches are very prone to being left out of action for long periods, which can lead to damage to the watch’s movement.
Some people believe that a watch winder will protect their automatic watches from this potential harm, but it automatic watch winder is important to consider whether or not the winder actually does its job as intended. For example, some brands of winders will vary in their revolutions, which can put more stress on the movement than if the watch were being manually wound.
A good winder will be able to adjust how many times per day it turns (TPD), and will likely be programmable for both uni-directional and bi-directional rotations. It will have a guide that will explain the TPD and direction a model would need to wind if placed on the winder.
While there are many different types of watch winders available, most models have a simple design and will hold one or more watches. They usually come in a box or container that can be placed on a shelf, desk, or countertop. They are often made of wood or plastic and are relatively inexpensive.
Cost
A watch winder is an essential tool for watch collectors and enthusiasts. It helps keep their collection of automatic watches wound when they are not being worn.
If you are looking to add a watch winder to your collection, there are several things you need to consider. Among these are the material used, level of programming, and brand name. These factors can all affect the cost of a watch winder and can range from under $100 to well over thousands of dollars.
For those who are on a budget, we recommend the Jane Choi Automatic Watch Winder, which is available on Amazon for just PS25/$28. This model allows you to wind up to 600 times per day, and comes with a pair of control knobs so you can set how it operates.
This model is a great option for those who are on a budget because it is so affordable and it offers amazing value for money. It can be plugged into the mains or powered by AA batteries. The controls are easy to use and it can be configured in different ways.
In addition to saving you time, a watch winder can also help prevent damage. Some people worry that leaving their watches unwound will cause the lubricants in them to coagulate and damage them. However, experts say this is not a problem with modern watches and many watches that have been properly serviced are not prone to clotting.
Another issue that can be caused by putting your watch in a watch winder is overwinding it. This can put excessive pressure on the main spring that powers your watch and could potentially harm it. This is why it is important to choose a watch winder that offers pause or stop functions and is compatible with your particular watch.
If you are unsure about which model is right for you, we recommend speaking with your local horologist. They can help you find the best automatic watch winder for your needs and budget.
A good rule of thumb is to only own automatic watches that you will wear regularly. Otherwise, a watch winder will only add to the hassle and wear and tear of owning these watches.