Should You Use a Watch Winder?
Should You Use a Watch Winder?11/22
If you own an automatic watch, you’ve probably come across watch winders and wondered whether you actually need one. Are they essential tools, or just luxury accessories? The answer depends on how you wear and store your watch.
This guide explains what a watch winder does, when it’s useful, and when it’s not necessary — so you can decide what’s right for your collection.
What Is a Watch Winder?
A watch winder is a device that gently rotates your automatic watch to keep it wound when it’s not being worn. Since automatic watches rely on wrist movement to generate power, a winder mimics that motion to prevent the watch from stopping.
Watch winders are commonly used for:
Automatic watches with date or complication functions
Watches worn infrequently
Multi-watch collections
Display and storage purposes
When a Watch Winder Makes Sense
A watch winder can be useful in certain situations, especially depending on how often you wear your watch.
1. You Own Watches With Complications
If your watch has complications such as:
Date or day display
GMT
Moonphase
Perpetual calendar
resetting it can be time-consuming. A winder keeps everything running and ready to wear.
2. You Rotate Between Multiple Watches
If you own several automatic watches and rotate them throughout the week, a winder prevents them from stopping between uses.
This adds convenience and keeps time-setting to a minimum.
3. You Want Easy Grab-and-Go Convenience
A winder keeps your watch:
Running
Set to the correct time
Ready to wear instantly
This is ideal for busy lifestyles or collectors who prefer simplicity.
4. You Want Organized Storage and Display
Many winders double as display cases, protecting watches from dust while showcasing them neatly. This can be both practical and visually appealing.
When You Don’t Need a Watch Winder
Despite their benefits, watch winders are not essential for everyone.
You Probably Don’t Need One If:
You wear the same automatic watch daily
You don’t mind resetting the time and date
Your watch has a simple time-only movement
You own only one automatic watch
Modern automatic watches are designed to stop safely without damage when not worn.
Can Watch Winders Damage a Watch?
A properly designed, high-quality watch winder will not damage a modern automatic watch when used correctly.
However, problems can occur if:
The winder runs continuously without rest
Rotation direction or turns-per-day settings are incorrect
The motor produces excess vibration
The watch is already overdue for servicing
Using a quality winder with adjustable settings helps avoid unnecessary wear.
Best Practices When Using a Watch Winder
To use a watch winder safely:
Choose one with adjustable turns per day
Match the winding direction to your movement
Avoid cheap, unregulated motors
Don’t leave unserviced watches running indefinitely
Store in a cool, dry environment
When used properly, a winder is a convenience tool — not a requirement.
Watch Winder vs Manual Winding
Manual winding your watch occasionally is perfectly safe and often preferred by purists. If you enjoy interacting with your watch, you may not need a winder at all.
Both approaches are acceptable depending on lifestyle and preference.
Final Verdict: Should You Use a Watch Winder?
A watch winder is not essential, but it can be useful.
Use a watch winder if you:
Own multiple automatic watches
Prefer convenience
Want your watch always ready to wear
Enjoy displaying your collection
Skip it if you:
Wear your watch daily
Don’t mind resetting it
Prefer simplicity
There’s no right or wrong choice — only what suits your habits.
Watchstreet Tip
At Watchstreet, we focus on helping collectors make informed decisions. Whether you use a watch winder or not, proper care, authenticity, and thoughtful ownership matter more than accessories.
A well-maintained watch will always reward you with longevity, reliability, and lasting value.