Watch Winder: Advantages and Disadvantages 🔍

Discover the secrets of watch winders : a precious ally or a superfluous luxury? Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of watchmaking.

Key points to remember:

• Need for activity : Automatic watches require regular movement to function optimally.
• Preservation of precision : A winder keeps the watch moving, guaranteeing its precision.
• Protection against wear : Limits wear by avoiding frequent manual winding.
• Convenience : Your watch is always ready to wear, without the need for readjustment.

Watch winders, these elegant and functional devices, are often the subject of debate among watch enthusiasts.

They represent a practical solution for owners of automatic watches, keeping their watches moving and ready to use. But what is the real impact of these devices on your precious timepieces?

Why Run Watches?

Automatic watches are designed to wind using the natural movement of the wrist. Without regular activity, they may stop, requiring manual winding and readjustment of the time.

That's where the watch winder comes in, simulating wrist movement to keep the watch running.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Watch Winders

Benefits	Disadvantages
Maintaining accuracy	Initial investment cost
Wear prevention	Energy consumption
Comfort and practicality	Need for adjustment depending on the watch
Investment preservation	Storage space required

Should an Automatic Watch Be Winded?

In theory, an automatic watch designed to wind with the movement of the wrist does not need to be manually wound if worn regularly.

However, when it is not used for several days, it may shut down. Using a winder can then be useful to maintain the correct time and date, thus avoiding frequent handling of the crown.

Expert Tip: If you own multiple automatic watches or often alternate between different pieces, a watch winder can be a great way to ensure all of your watches are ready to use and kept in the best possible condition.

By integrating a watch winder into your maintenance routine, you optimize not only the functionality of your automatic watches but also their longevity.

This investment, although not essential for everyone, represents significant added value for collectors and watch enthusiasts keen to preserve the quality and precision of their watches over the long term.

How to Wind a Watch with a Screw-In Crown?

Automatic watches with a screw-down crown require special attention to avoid damage. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Unscrew the Crown : Turn it counterclockwise until it releases from the screwed position.
2. Winding the Watch : Turn the crown clockwise approximately 20 to 40 times for complete winding. Feel the tension but stop before it becomes too tight.
3. Screw the Crown back in : Lightly push the crown against the case while turning it clockwise, making sure it is secure to maintain water resistance.

Expert Tip: Always handle the crown with care, especially when screwing down, to prevent crossed threads or damage to the watch's waterproof seal.

Can an Automatic Watch Lose Value If Not Worn?

The fear that an automatic watch may lose its value if left unworn is common among collectors. Although the physical condition of a watch significantly influences its value, a well-maintained watch, even if not regularly worn, can retain or even increase in value over time.

Proper storage, such as using a watch winder, can help keep the watch in optimal condition, thereby preserving its value.

Why Does My Rolex Stop When I Set the Time?

It can be confusing to see your Rolex or other automatic watch stop while setting the time. This phenomenon, often related to movement design, is generally a normal feature aimed at improving accuracy.

When setting the time, especially in models with a stop (hacking) mechanism, the movement stops to allow precise time adjustment. This function is particularly useful for synchronizing your watch with a time reference.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Watch Winder

Although watch winders offer convenience and keep your automatic watches ready, they come with considerations:

• Benefits :
  • Keeps watches ready to wear with accurate time and date.
  • Reduces movement wear due to manual winding.
  • Can extend service intervals by keeping lubricants evenly distributed.
• Disadvantages:
  • Not all watches benefit equally; some may not require the constant movement provided by a winder.
  • The cost and space requirement can be significant, especially for high quality models.
  • Risk of overuse if not correctly adjusted according to the specifications of the watch, could lead to possible wear.

And you, what is your experience with watch winders? Have they changed the way you take care of your automatic watches?