Complete Guide to Watch Winding

The world of watchmaking thrives on a perfect balance between tradition and innovation. At the heart of every mechanical watch lies a complex universe of cogs, springs, and gears that require careful attention. Winding plays a key role in watch maintenance, particularly for automatic watches, which, contrary to popular belief, do not run indefinitely without intervention.

Whether you're a passionate collector or simply the owner of a beautiful automatic watch, you've probably wondered how to keep your timepiece in perfect working order when you're not wearing it regularly. This is precisely where the automatic watch winder comes in, a useful and elegant accessory that we invite you to discover in detail in this comprehensive guide.  

1. The different types of watches and their winding mechanism

Hand-wound mechanical watches

Hand-wound mechanical watches represent the most traditional form of watchmaking. They rely on a mainspring that, once manually wound via the crown, gradually releases its energy to power the movement. This type of watch requires daily intervention from its owner to maintain optimal spring tension and thus ensure timekeeping accuracy.

The act of hand-winding, while tedious for some, is often appreciated by purists who see it as a ritual that allows them to create a special bond with their timepiece. However, this daily operation requires a certain rigor and proper technique to avoid damaging the mechanism.

Automatic (self-winding) watches

The major innovation of automatic watches lies in their ability to be wound without direct manual intervention. Equipped with a rotor (oscillating weight) that pivots with the natural movements of the wrist, these watches convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy to wind the mainspring.

This technical feat, while remarkable, nevertheless has a limitation: the automatic watch only winds when worn. Without regular movement, the spring gradually relaxes and the watch stops after 24 to 72 hours depending on the model (power reserve). This is particularly problematic for collectors who own several watches or for those who do not wear their automatic watch daily.

Quartz watches and their specificities

By comparison, quartz watches operate using a battery that powers an electronic circuit and vibrates a quartz crystal at a stable frequency. Their battery life is measured in years rather than hours, and they do not require winding. While highly accurate and practical, they lack the mechanical complexity and soul that make mechanical and automatic watches so appealing.

Winding Automatic Watches: Necessity and Procedure

Automatic watches , although they wind themselves with the natural movements of the wrist, may sometimes require manual winding. This is especially true if the watch has not been worn for some time. To wind an automatic watch, turn the crown clockwise several times until you feel a slight resistance. This indicates that the spring is fully wound.

It is important to note that automatic watches should not be wound too tightly. Overwinding is unnecessary and can potentially cause damage to the internal mechanism.

2. The importance of regular reassembly

Consequences of not winding a watch

Prolonged stoppage of a mechanical or automatic watch is not without consequences. Beyond the obvious inconvenience of having to reset the time and date, the entire internal mechanism suffers. Lubricating oils tend to solidify and lose their properties when the movement remains stationary for too long, potentially causing premature wear when restarting.

Furthermore, some complex watches incorporating complications such as perpetual calendars or moon phases require tedious adjustment after stopping, sometimes only achievable by a professional watchmaker.

Movement life

Regular winding significantly contributes to extending the life of the watch movement. By keeping the components moving, the oils remain properly distributed, protecting the parts from wear and corrosion. This constant circulation also prevents the formation of friction points that could damage the delicate workings of the watch.

Professional watchmakers agree that a regularly wound and serviced watch can run for generations, while a neglected watch will require more frequent and costly servicing.

Chronometric precision

The accuracy of a mechanical watch is directly related to the tension of the mainspring. An insufficiently tensioned spring results in variations in rate and a loss of precision. By ensuring optimal winding, you guarantee your timepiece a constant amplitude and therefore better chronometric accuracy.

This stability is particularly important for chronometer-certified watches, whose precision is an essential attribute that often justifies their higher value.

3. Hand winding techniques

How to properly wind a mechanical watch

Winding a mechanical watch is a delicate and methodical process. Here are the steps to follow for optimal winding:

1. If possible, remove the watch from your wrist to ensure a comfortable grip and avoid twisting the crown.
2. Turn the crown clockwise in small, even movements.
3. Continue until you feel slight resistance (never force beyond this resistance).
4. For watches with date and/or day, wait until the watch indicates noon before operating these functions.

It is important to note that reassembly must be carried out slowly and smoothly to avoid any damage to the internal mechanism.

Recommended frequency

For a hand-wound watch, the ideal is to wind it daily, ideally at the same time, to maintain optimal mainspring tension. This regularity establishes a beneficial routine for the watch and makes it easier to monitor its performance.

For unworn automatic watches, occasional manual winding may be necessary, but the ideal solution remains the use of an automatic winder, which we will discuss later.

Mistakes to avoid

Several common mistakes can compromise the integrity of a watch during winding:

• Overwinding: Although modern watches generally have protection systems, forcing the crown when resistance is felt can damage the mechanism.
• Wound in incorrect position: Some watches require the crown to be in a specific position for winding.
• Underwater handling: Even with a waterproof watch, avoid handling the crown when the watch is wet.
• Setting the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.: during this period, the date change mechanisms are in motion and may be damaged.

4. Automatic watch winders: an essential solution

How a winder works

A watch winder is an ingenious device that mechanically replicates the natural movements of the wrist to keep an automatic watch wound. It typically consists of a silent motor that rotates a watch holder, according to programmable parameters tailored to each type of movement.

Quality watch winders like those offered byRotation Horlogère offer various programming options allowing the rotation cycles to be precisely adapted to the specific characteristics of each automatic watch.

Advantages over hand winding

The automatic winder has many advantages over manual winding:

• Consistency: it ensures regular and optimal winding, without the risk of forgetting or overwinding.
• Protection: it keeps the lubricating oils circulating, thus preserving the movement components.
• Practicality: particularly useful for collectors who own several automatic watches.
• Preserving complications: Watches with complex complications remain up to date and do not require tedious adjustments after stopping.
• Aesthetics: Beyond their technical function, modern watch winders are often elegant decorative objects that showcase the watches they contain.

Types of watch winders available

The market today offers a wide variety of watch winders adapted to different needs:

• Single watch winders: designed for a single watch, they are an economical and efficient solution for the owner of a single automatic timepiece.
• Multiple watch winders: Capable of holding two to twelve or more watches, they are ideal for collectors.
• Programmable winders: The most sophisticated models allow you to customize settings such as the number of turns per day (TPD), rotation direction and rest cycles.

5. How to choose your automatic winder

Technical criteria

Selecting a suitable winder is based on several essential technical characteristics:

• Number of revolutions per day (TPD): generally varying between 650 and 1800 TPD depending on the movement, this parameter must correspond to the specifications of your watch manufacturer.
• Rotation direction: Some watches require clockwise rotation, others counterclockwise, and some bidirectional rotation for optimal winding.
• Duty Cycles: The best winders alternate periods of activity and rest to avoid potential overwinding.
• Power: Consider whether the winder runs on mains power or batteries, as each option has its advantages depending on the intended use.

Aesthetic criteria

Beyond its technical function, a winder is also a decorative object that highlights your collection:

• Materials: From precious wood to leather, including lacquered or carbon fiber finishes, the choice is vast and influences both aesthetics and durability.
• Design: Minimalist or elaborate, the style of the winder must harmonize with your interior and highlight your watches.
• Lighting: some models include LED lighting which enhances the timepieces and makes them easier to observe.

Value for money

Investing in a quality watch winder should be considered based on the value of the watches it will house:

• For luxury watches, a high-end watch winder with durable and quiet components is recommended.
• For a more modest collection, intermediate models offer a good compromise between functionality and cost.
• It is generally not recommended to opt for entry-level winders that are too basic, as they risk wearing out your watches prematurely or not ensuring efficient winding.

The watch winders offered byRotation Horlogère are designed to offer excellent value for money, with models suitable for different ranges of automatic watches.

6. User guide for an automatic watch winder

Correct installation of the watch

To ensure the winder's efficiency and the safety of your watch, follow these installation steps:

1. Make sure your watch is properly wound before placing it in the winder.
2. Carefully secure the bracelet or clasp around the support provided for this purpose.
3. Check that the watch is centered and its weight is balanced.
4. For watches with a prominent crown, use the supplied adapters if necessary to avoid excessive pressure.

Optimal setting

Properly setting your winder is crucial for winding efficiency:

1. Consult your watch manual or manufacturer's website for recommended TPD and rotation direction specifications.
2. Program your winder accordingly, keeping in mind that overwinding is as detrimental as underwinding.
3. For watches with a large power reserve, adjust the rest cycles accordingly.
4. If you have multiple watches with different needs, opt for a winder with independently programmable compartments.

Winder Maintenance

Like any mechanical device, your winder requires regular maintenance:

1. Dust the inside and outside of the winder regularly with a soft cloth.
2. Periodically check that the rotation mechanism is working properly.
3. For battery-operated winders, replace them at the first sign of slowing down.
4. Place your winder away from direct sources of heat, humidity or magnetic fields that could affect both the winder and the watches.

Conclusion

Regularly winding mechanical and automatic watches is a fundamental aspect of their maintenance, directly linked to their longevity and precision. Using an automatic watch winder is undoubtedly the most effective and practical solution for watch enthusiasts keen to preserve their precious timepieces.

Beyond its purely technical function, a quality watch winder like those offered byRotation Horlogère becomes a valuable showcase that enhances your collection while ensuring its proper functioning. This investment, relatively modest compared to the value of the watches it protects, quickly proves to be wise both practically and economically.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply the owner of a beautiful automatic watch, feel free to explore our range of automatic watch winders, specially selected to meet the requirements of even the most discerning watch enthusiasts. Your watch will thus faithfully accompany you for many years, even generations, while maintaining its precision and value.

Discover our selection of automatic watch winders and give your timepieces the care they deserve.