Introduction
For watch enthusiasts and collectors, a watch winder is an essential accessory for keeping automatic timepieces running smoothly. However, with so much misinformation circulating online, many people are left wondering whether watch winders are truly necessary or if they can damage a watch’s movement.
In this article, we’ll debunk common myths and reveal the facts about watch winders so you can make an informed decision about how to care for your automatic watches.
Myth #1: Watch Winders Overwind Automatic Watches
Fact: Modern Automatic Watches Have a Built-in Clutch System
One of the most common concerns is that a watch winder might overwind an automatic watch, causing damage to the movement. However, this is not possible with modern automatic watches.
- Most automatic movements include a slipping clutch mechanism, which disengages the rotor when the mainspring is fully wound.
- Once the watch reaches its optimal power reserve, it stops drawing energy from the rotor, preventing overwinding.
- A quality watch winder with adjustable rotation settings ensures your watch receives just the right amount of movement.
Bottom Line: Watch winders do not overwind watches—they simply keep them at a steady optimal power level.
Myth #2: Watch Winders Are Unnecessary for Automatic Watches
Fact: Winders Preserve Accuracy and Reduce Maintenance Needs
Some people believe that if they don’t wear their automatic watch every day, they can simply wind and reset it when needed. While this is technically true, it can be inconvenient—especially for watches with complex calendar, moon phase, or GMT functions.
- Watches with complications can take time to reset properly, especially perpetual calendars and moon phase watches.
- Regular movement helps keep lubricants evenly distributed, reducing wear and tear over time.
- A watch winder ensures your timepiece is always ready to wear, without the hassle of manual resetting.
Bottom Line: A watch winder is particularly useful for collectors with multiple watches who rotate them frequently.
Myth #3: Watch Winders Can Damage a Watch’s Movement
Fact: A Properly Designed Watch Winder Mimics Natural Wrist Motion
A common misconception is that leaving a watch in a winder can wear out the movement faster. However, when used correctly, a quality watch winder actually helps maintain the movement rather than harm it.
- A good watch winder replicates natural wrist movement, ensuring that the lubricants inside the movement stay evenly distributed.
- Using the correct Turns Per Day (TPD) settings prevents unnecessary stress on the movement.
- Stopping and starting a watch frequently due to long periods of inactivity can cause more strain than continuous movement.
Bottom Line: A well-calibrated watch winder extends the lifespan of an automatic movement, rather than damaging it.
Myth #4: All Watch Winders Are the Same
Fact: Build Quality, Motor Type, and Settings Matter
Not all watch winders are created equal. Many cheap winders on the market use low-quality motors that can be noisy, unreliable, and lack proper rotation settings.
When choosing a watch winder, consider the following:
✔ Motor Quality – Look for ultra-quiet, durable motors from Japanese or German manufacturers.
✔ Rotation Settings – Your winder should support clockwise, counterclockwise, and bidirectional rotations.
✔ Turns Per Day (TPD) Customization – Different watches require specific winding cycles; a winder with adjustable settings prevents overwinding.
✔ Materials & Aesthetics – A high-end winder should complement your luxury timepieces with premium materials like wood, leather, or carbon fiber.
Bottom Line: Invest in a high-quality winder that offers silent operation, customizable settings, and durable construction.
Myth #5: Quartz Watches Need a Watch Winder Too
Fact: Watch Winders Are Only for Automatic Watches
Quartz watches do not require a watch winder because they run on batteries rather than mechanical movement.
However, solar-powered quartz watches (like Seiko’s Solar series or Citizen’s Eco-Drive) do require light exposure to stay charged. For these, a light-exposure watch case might be a better alternative.
Bottom Line: If you own only quartz watches, a watch winder is not necessary. But for automatic watches, it remains a valuable tool.
Myth #6: Leaving a Watch Unwound Doesn’t Affect Its Performance
Fact: Long Periods of Inactivity Can Cause Issues
Some collectors believe it’s fine to leave an automatic watch unwound for long periods. While a watch won’t break from inactivity, prolonged disuse can lead to issues such as:
- Lubricants settling unevenly, which may affect performance over time.
- Seals and gaskets drying out, reducing water resistance.
- Increased risk of inaccuracies once restarted.
Regular wear or a watch winder helps prevent these problems by keeping the movement in motion.
Bottom Line: A watch winder prevents long-term inactivity issues, ensuring a watch stays in peak condition.
Final Thoughts: Are Watch Winders Worth It?
After debunking the myths, it’s clear that a high-quality watch winder is a great investment for any automatic watch owner.
✔ Keeps watches ready to wear
✔ Prevents lubricants from settling
✔ Reduces maintenance needs
✔ Showcases timepieces elegantly
At Chronos 1907, we design premium watch winders that offer ultra-quiet motors, customizable settings, and luxurious finishes to protect and enhance your collection.
Discover the perfect watch winder today and keep your automatic timepieces in pristine condition.
