Automatic watches are marvels of mechanical engineering. Powered by the movement of the wrist, they eliminate the need for manual winding — as long as they’re worn regularly. But what happens when your watch isn’t on your wrist?
That’s where watch winders come in.
🔄 What Does a Watch Winder Do?
A watch winder is a device that gently rotates an automatic watch to keep its mainspring wound. It mimics the natural motion of the wrist, ensuring your watch stays running even when not worn for days or weeks.
Most winders offer programmable settings such as:
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TPD (Turns Per Day): Usually between 600–1000
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Rotation direction: Clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating
❓ Who Needs One?
You may benefit from a watch winder if:
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You own multiple automatic watches and rotate between them
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Your watch has complications (date, moonphase, perpetual calendar) that are tedious to reset
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You store watches in a safe or cabinet and want them ready to wear at any time
⚠️ Myths and Misconceptions
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“It overwinds the watch.” ❌
Modern automatic movements have slip-clutches to prevent overwinding. -
“It damages the movement.” ❌
A quality winder mimics natural motion and does not strain the mechanism.
✅ The Bottom Line
A watch winder isn’t essential for everyone — but for serious collectors or anyone with more than one automatic timepiece, it’s a convenient and protective tool that keeps your collection ready, accurate, and moving.