A watch winder, also commonly known as a 'watch winder box', is a device that will keep any automatic watch in tip-top condition. Timepieces equipped with such a mechanism belong to the premium class of watches and are a popular gift choice. Why are these watches so prestigious? They can wind themselves, as long as you wear them regularly! A watch winder, on the other hand, is a perfect gift idea for someone who has several such watches in their collection and can't wear them all at once.
How does a self-winding watch work?
An automatic watch has an advanced mechanism inside its case, and among them, a certain element that allows the spring – responsible for precise timekeeping – to wind itself. This element is the rotor (also known as an oscillating weight). Even the slightest movement of the hand is enough to rotate the rotor.
The rotor is responsible for winding the spring in the watch
This way, you always have a well-wound watch on your wrist and don't have to worry about it running slow, constantly adjusting the time, or the watch stopping altogether (which is particularly common in models powered by a classic battery).
How does a watch winder work?
Now that we know how our automatic watch works, we can move on to the device designed to keep it in the best possible condition.
A watch winder, as its name suggests, is equipped with a function that performs a very simple, yet essential task for our unworn watch. Namely, it simulates the movement of the hand, which in turn sets the winding mechanisms inside the timepiece in motion.
You place the watch on the holder, making sure it fits snugly. Then, you simply switch on the watch winder, and it takes care of the rest. It's as easy as pie!
An unused watch breaks down faster
Types of watch winders
Watch winders are categorised by the number of watches they can rotate simultaneously, and the features relating to the rotation itself. Thus, you will find watch winders for one, two, or three watches, which will allow you to take proper care of your collection of precious timepieces. For enthusiasts who have amassed a significant number of them, entire watch cabinets are also available, equipped with watch winders and storage compartments.
You can recognise a good watch winder by whether it has the ability to adjust the number of rotations. This type of personalisation is very important because it allows you to tailor the parameters to different classes and types of watch mechanisms. For example, the most popular mechanisms require 600-650 rotations in both directions per day, while more complex ones may need 800-850.
You'll find this type of adjustment in the Goodwood watch winder from Dulwich, which allows for three-stage rotation adjustment for each slot.
TPD - Turns per Day
Watch storage boxes
To properly look after an automatic watch, which, given its price, is quite a prestigious gadget, its proper storage and care will also be essential. Special watch boxes, which are often also equipped with a watch winder function, can be helpful in this regard.
A watch box is also a way to impressively display your collection of timepieces in a home display cabinet. Many contemporary models are crafted from the highest quality materials, which further emphasise the exclusivity and uniqueness of the stored products.
An interesting example here could be the Heritage leather box series from the English brand Dulwich Design – available in versions with a watch winder for one, two, or three watches and several colour options.
