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If you’ve invested in an automatic watch (or several), you’ve probably heard mixed opinions about watch winders. Some say they’re a must-have for any collector. Others insist they’re unnecessary—or worse, harmful.
So what’s the truth? Can a watch winder actually damage your timepiece, or is it just misunderstood?
In this article, we’ll walk through the mechanics, pros, concerns, and when a watch winder makes sense—based on real-world usage and watchmaker insights.
Part 1: What Does a Watch Winder Actually Do?
Automatic watches rely on wrist motion to stay wound. Inside, a rotor spins with movement, tightening the mainspring and powering the watch. If you stop wearing it, it eventually stops ticking—usually after 36–48 hours.
A watch winder mimics wrist movement by slowly rotating your watch at intervals. The goal? To keep the watch running so you don’t have to reset the time, date, or complications every time you wear it.
But this leads to an important question: Is keeping your watch running all the time a good idea?
Part 2: The Good—Why Watch Winders Can Be Helpful
Watch winders aren’t just about convenience. There are technical benefits, especially if you own multiple watches or those with advanced features:
Keeps complications accurate: Moonphase, perpetual calendars, and GMT functions can be tedious to reset. A winder keeps them on track.
Even lubrication: Some believe that continuous motion helps distribute lubricants evenly across the movement. This is debated—but the logic is there.
Ready to wear anytime: For watch enthusiasts who rotate through several watches, it saves time and effort.
Used occasionally and correctly, a winder can fit naturally into a collector’s routine without any harm.
Part 3: The Concerns—Are There Risks?
This is where opinions split. Let’s break down the main points of concern.
❗ 1. Increased Mechanical Wear
Every time a watch moves, the gears, pivots, and escapement are working. A winder keeps the movement active—even when you’re not wearing it. Some watchmakers argue this means more total wear over time.
That said, modern automatic movements are designed for daily use. So unless you’re keeping the watch running 24/7 for months at a time, wear shouldn’t increase significantly.
❗ 2. Lubricant Aging Happens Anyway
One myth is that stopping a watch will cause lubricants to “dry out.” But as Fratello explains, watch oils age whether the movement runs or not. Keeping a watch in motion won’t necessarily delay service intervals.
In other words: running or not, a watch still needs service every few years.
❗ 3. Poor-Quality Winders Can Be Harmful
This is the real red flag. Low-end winders may:
Rotate too frequently (wrong TPD)
Spin in the wrong direction for your movement
Lack rest modes, keeping your watch wound nonstop
Emit magnetic fields from poorly shielded motors
Any of these can hurt your watch’s accuracy—or worse, damage the movement.
Part 4: Do You Actually Need One?
If you wear one automatic watch daily: You probably don’t need a winder. Your wrist will keep it powered naturally.
If you rotate multiple watches: A winder can be useful to keep them ready without manual winding.
If your watch has complex features: Like annual calendars or moonphase, a winder saves you the headache of resetting everything each time.
So it’s not about “good” or “bad.” It’s about how (and whether) a winder fits your lifestyle.
Part 5: How to Use a Winder the Right Way
If you’re going to use one, here’s how to do it safely:
✅ Match your watch’s winding specs
Look up your watch’s recommended TPD (Turns Per Day) and rotation direction—clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating. Then set the winder accordingly.✅ Use rest intervals
Good winders have sleep modes or timed cycles to mimic real wrist movement. Avoid non-stop spinning.✅ Choose quality
Look for a winder with quiet motors, anti-magnetic shielding, and adjustable settings. Avoid cheap models with no controls.✅ Give your watch breaks
Let your watch rest occasionally. It’s okay to let it stop between wears.
Final Verdict: Not Bad, Just Misunderstood
A watch winder, by itself, is not bad for your watch. In fact, for the right watch owner, it can be a helpful tool—especially when used correctly.
But a poor-quality device, the wrong settings, or using it when you don’t need it? That’s when problems arise.
If you understand your watch and use a winder thoughtfully, there’s little to worry about. Your watch will thank you—with accurate time, fewer resets, and fewer surprises.
