Is a Watch Winder a Good Investment?

Have you ever had to adjust a perpetual calendar timepiece once it stops ticking? If you’re fortunate enough to own one of these heavy hitters, you know that it might take a good chunk of time to, well, set the time… Maybe it’s time you think about a Watch Winder?

Are you spending money on something other than the next watch? Are you really at that point in your collecting career? Chances are that you are - or you probably will be in the next couple of years. And according to some, this might be good for watch maintenance. 

How to Tell If your Watch Needs a Winder?

To determine the type of movement in a watch, simply observe how the second hand moves across the dial. If you see the second hand ticking and marking each second with an audible “tick,” then you’re looking at a quartz movement. Quartz watches are battery-powered and known for their accuracy.

Watch Movements: Mechanical vs. Quartz

If you choose a quartz movement watch, you won’t need a winder to keep it running accurately. If your quartz watch stops, it likely just needs a new battery, not a winder.

On the other hand, if the second hand moves in a sweeping motion, then you’re likely looking at a mechanical movement. These types of watches feature intricate engineering and incredible craftsmanship. Mechanical watches don’t require a battery, and they fall into one of two categories, one of which may require a watch winder to keep it running accurately.

Mechanical Movements: Manual vs. Automatic

If you choose a manual mechanical movement, you won’t need a winder to keep it running. Manual watches need to be wound by hand to function. In this type, a small spring stores energy as you wind the watch, which powers the mainspring and gears, driving the watch. Depending on the specific watch, you may need to wind it every 24 hours or just once a week. Many manual watches can run for 5 to 10 days before needing another wind.

For this type of watch, it can be helpful to get into the habit of winding it each morning before you wear it.

So, how can you tell if your mechanical watch is manual?

If you have a transparent case back where you can see all the tiny gears and components working together, then you most likely have a manual watch. Regardless of whether you can see the case back, if the watch stops running after 40 hours without being worn, or if it stops while you’re wearing it, then you’re likely looking at a manual watch.

If you see some parts visible on one side while half the case back is covered by a more solid metal piece. Since transparent case backs aren’t as common as solid ones, this isn’t always a foolproof method, so you can also look for the word “automatic” on the watch.

Another clue is that if you gently shake the watch, you may feel the rotor moving inside. This is the technology used in most luxury watches. This type of watch doesn’t need a battery or manual winding to keep running. Instead, automatic watches rely on the natural movement of your wrist throughout the day to generate power.

Typically, watches can store enough energy to keep running overnight without a winder. That said, to keep your watch performing at its best, you’ll want to ensure it stays running—meaning you’ll need to take steps to prevent it from stopping. A watch winder is essential, as these types of watches can usually only run for about 30 to 40 hours without movement.

If you own an automatic watch, especially if you own more than one, a watch winder is an essential accessory that keeps your watches running and accurate. Watch winders not only keep your watches running smoothly but also come in various styles and designs. If you own just one automatic watch, you can find a single watch winder that’s perfect for it. If you have multiple watches, you can opt for a double watch winder to display and protect your entire collection beautifully.

How to Choose the Best Watch Winder

You hop on over to our list of winders and you’re stumped - with so many options how do you make the most informed decision? Here’s what you will need to consider:

Capacity

If you have a collection of two automatic pieces with seven quartz options, then buying a 10-piece winder wouldn’t be the smartest investment. For beginners, a 2 Watch Winder might be plenty, but for seasoned collectors, you might benefit from a larger Watch Winder and Storage Box.

Quality and Price

Now that you have enough space you want to start thinking about keeping your pieces comfy and, of course, saving a few bucks to spend on a new leather strap. More often than not, you ought to rely on reviews along with ranking these by price. What sells (and ranks) well, is probably good. 

The Type of Automatic Watch Winders

All winders are equal, but some are more equal than others. Some winders have nifty little tricks up their sleeve such as being able to turn a set number of times per day, the rotation direction, and various other nifty little tricks to make your life a bit easier. Certainly worth the expense.

Power

While a few select winders rely on batteries to operate, it’s more likely that the Best Budget Watch Winder is going to have to rely on a wall outlet - which is, all things considered, a better option.

Noise Level(s)

Ever heard of a cheap movement? It’s quite loud. Now, imagine your winder in the corner of your bedroom swaying away in not-so-subtle-mechanical-whir - lovely. This is where reviews will tell you the whole story, a high noise level will not only irritate you but also your spouse - more than your last purchase.

The Look

This is certainly not the most important part to consider, but will always remain something that everyone should consider. How does the thing look?! A bright red box in the middle of a Holand-style home filled with wood and stone might not be the best look.

That said, there are typically plenty of different options available ranging from leather to metal and various types of high-quality woods. It might also be a good idea to match your winder to your carry vessel, be it a watch box or watch roll.

In closing: You might need a Mozsly Winder

For anyone who chooses to wear automatic watches, a watch winder is a must-have tool. It’s the only way to keep multiple watches in top condition, and it’s a great way to store and display your watch when it’s not on your wrist. With a little care and maintenance, you can enjoy your watch for many years to come, no matter which type you choose.

Mozsly offers a range of quality watch winders at affordable prices. Our extensive selection includes watch winders, watch boxes, watch roll holders and more These gorgeous automatic watch winders boxes are the perfect match for your collection of luxury timepieces collections. Our top-selling products, including the single Series, double Series, match perfectly with premium watch brands like Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Invicta, Tissot, and Hublot.

FAQs

1. Is it better to keep a Rolex on a watch winder?

Using a watch winder for your Rolex can be advantageous if you do not wear it frequently or own multiple automatic watches. It helps maintain accuracy and reduces the hassle of resetting complicated functions. However, if you wear your Rolex daily or prefer letting it rest, a winder may not be necessary.

2. Can a watch winder replace a watch repair?

While a watch winder is beneficial for maintaining the operational status of an automatic watch when it's not in use, it does not address mechanical issues or repairs that may arise over time. For any problems with the watch's functionality, professional repair services are necessary.

3. Are cheap watch winders okay?

Probably not. Cheap watch winders may expose the watch to vibrations and even magnetic fields that could potentially damage the watch.

4. How long do Watch Winders last?

Depending on the quality of the winder and the frequency of use, the typical service life varies from 3 to 10 years.

5. What are the alternatives to watch winders?

As far as alternatives go, there are none other than wearing your watch 24/7. If you don't, then we recommend using a watch winder to keep your watch running smoothly.