Choosing an Automatic Watch Winder
What is the Best Watch Winder?
The simple answer is of course very easy however there is an exacting science behind a device to which you entrust the care of a beautiful and often expensive watch. A winder for an automatic watch is sometimes known as a watch winder box and is in fact itself a watch which is designed to maintain the movement of an automatic watch while it is being stored. They come in many sizes and styles and it can be a little difficult to know what to look for when you go to buy one. Increasingly, there are many cheap versions being sold so knowing what to look for can actually save you money and frustration by learning what to avoid.
Who Needs a Watch Winder?
In short, anyone who has an automatic watch which isn’t worn daily should have one. If you wear a watch each day, your arm and wrist movements throughout the day will keep your watch wound. If you don’t, the watch will gradually lose power as it unwinds until one day when you go to wear it, it no longer displays the accurate time or date. This is more likely to happen if you have several automatic watches because you will only wear one watch at a time, allowing the performance of the others to decrease. There are some watches which will let you know when rewinding is necessary and moving them about will generally get them going again, however they will require resetting each time this occurs. A winder will solve this problem for you.
How Does a Winder Work?
Basically, a winder rotates the watch on a turntable inside the winder. It will rotate the watch at various turns each minute that you can set based on the requirements for your watch, although more complex winders can be pre-set and some will run until you switch it off. Some turntables gently swing while others rotate in a circular motion, some will move in a clockwise direction and others will turn the opposite way. Many will even have the capability to be set at a particular number of turns each day. Yet others will have a daily repeat setting which you can select as part of a pre-set schedule and some might have more than one turntable. Knowing and understanding these features can help you to choose the best watch winder for your watch.
What Questions Should I Ask About a Winder?
- Are the number of turns programmable, or are there multiple set turn options? Ex. 650, 850, 950 TPD.
- What are the rotation options? Clockwise, counterclockwise, bi-directional or a custom rotation.
- Can the number of winds per day be programmed, or is it set? Does the winder stop after a period of time, or do you have to manually stop it?
- If you have a heavy watch or a watch with a large watchband, be sure your winder will support the weight, the band, and rotate properly.
- How is the winder powered? AC or batteries, or is there the option for both?
- If you are considering a dual, triple, quad or larger winder, be sure the each motor can be programmed separately.
- Is this the best winder for my money? Read online watch winder reviews to get an idea of what other people think.
Winder Buying Tips
As a connoisseur of fine watches if you think your watch collection might expand, make sure to purchase a large watch box which can accommodate many watches, or is expandable. It will look great as well as fulfill a functional purpose.
- For travelers, a slim yet sturdy watch winder made from leather which can hold two to four special watches will fit into cabin luggage and protect them from damage.
- Make sure to purchase a winder with a quality motor. These will generally start at $100 and should not damage your watches.
- You need a winder with more than one motion setting so as to minimize stressing one part of the watch mechanism more than others. It should move in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions so that wear is evenly spread. You should be able to set the direction yourself, or have the capability for it to automatically change direction.
- It’s also good to purchase a watch winder which comes with a built in programmable timer which will avoid the stress of overwinding on your watch. You want to make sure it remains correctly wound but without stressing the internal mechanism.
Best Watch Winders
| Description | Image | Dimensions | Winding | Our Rating | Price | Review Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors Choice | WOLF Viceroy Single Watch Winder |  | 8 x 5.2 x 6.5 in | Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise | |||
Best Value | CHIYODA Single Watch Winder |  | 5.1 x 5 x 5.9 in | Auto Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise | |||
| Brookstone Single Watch Winder |  | 9.9 x 8.2 x 6.2 in | Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise | |||
| Wolf Heritage Single Watch Winder | | 8.9 x 5.4 x 6.8 in | Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise | |||
| Heiden Quad Watch Winder |  | 22.8x16.4x11.3 in | Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise | |||
Highest Rated | Wolf Savoy Single Watch Winder |  | 8 x 8 x 10.25 in | Bi-directional, clockwise, counter-clockwise |
Watch Box Tips
- Make sure to check the quality of the wood of the winder before purchasing. It should be aged to ensure that moisture inside the wood is non-existent via the process of kiln drying. This prevents warping and cracking of the box as well as ensuring that the lid and hinges are perfectly aligned. Cheap winders are often made from untreated casing and particle board which will buckle and warp, or result in air bubbles in the casing.
- Check for the coating on the wood to see if it has been hand polished, particularly with many separate layers of polyurethane coating. This will ensure the winder effectively has the capability to resist temperature changes, is heat resistant as well as scratch resistant. It should be a maintenance free purchase.
- A suitable watch box should always prevent your watches from becoming scratched and dented so it should always be completely lined with a very soft fabric. It should also have a padded bottom to avoid scratching or damaging the top of your dresser or nightstand.
The functionality of a quality automatic winder should never compromise the functionality of your watch or watches, but rather ensure that it is protected and suitably wound while it is being stored. The watch winder and the watch box which houses the winder should be considered as a necessary investment in the ongoing maintenance of your automatic watches, particularly if the watches are expensive. You will want to ensure they remain operational by being wound and ready for you to wear, any time, any place.
Here are just a few that will help you narrow down and decide on the best watch winders. Check out some of the more popular winders listed below and you should be able to find one that will meet your needs.
Single Watch Winders
CHIYODA Single Watch Winder - This silent Japanese watch winder is a quality handmade piece with an appearance to match. Customers appreciate the quality that goes into this winder featuring a wooden case and an acrylic organic glass display that permits viewing of your quality watch. This is one of the highest rated single winders at an affordable price. Click here for full review.
Wolf Designs Viceroy Collection Module 2.7 Single Watch Winder - A quality winder from a reputable company that makes quality products. The winder has three direction settings and can be powered by AC or batteries. Your watches will fit securely and it handles large watches with ease. Click here to read full review
Wolf Cub Single Watch Winder - This single watch winder from Wolf comes in a variety of colors to match your style or decor. These winders are meticulously manufactured and are backed by a reputable company with a long history of quality products. The winder works well with heavy watches and a variety of watch brands. Read full review
Heiden Prestige Single Watch Winder - A classic simple design, this winder will add elegance to your existing furnishings. It features three directional winding options and up to 15 TPD settings. This winder comes in a black or brown finish to match your decor. The winder is quiet, but doesn't handle large watch bands well. This is a mid-level winder at a great price. Click here to read full review
Wolf Savoy Single Watch Winder - The WOLF 454510 Savoy Single Watch Winder is a very attractive winder with a case that is beautifully finished. The winder includes a LCD display and storage for 3 additional watches. Read full review
Panagea S400 E Single Watch Winder - The Panagea provides a stylish storage solution when you are not wearing your timepiece. It will accommodate a range of watch sizes and the fact that it is equipped for winding automatic watches as well, makes it a great choice. Click here to read full review
Orbita Tourbillon One - High end, high quality, modern watch winder with a high end price. Tourbillon function (watch the video in the review to learn more). The crystal glass watch winder has all the functions you could want in a winder. The watch is rotated at a slightly different angle with each turn, meaning that tiny variations in accuracy caused by gravity are evened out over time. Click here to read full review
Belocia Single Watch Winder - The Belocia Single Watch Winder comes in an attractive leather like case and includes a number of winding options. This highly rated winder is a great low priced option. Read full review
Double Watch Winders
Wolf Designs Module 2.7 Roadster Double Watch Winder - Beautiful craftsmanship with a Makassar wood face, faux black leather exterior. Everything about this winder exudes class. The Roadster is able to wind two watches each with separate winding mechanisms and is able to accommodate up to 4 additional watches in the extra storage area. Wolf produces a quality product that will keep you happy for years. Click here for full review
Heiden Double Watch Winder - The exterior is available in multiple finishes (leatherette, burl wood or walnut) with a glass front to display your valuable watches. It has three directional settings for each winder as well as four rotational settings ranging from 650 to 1850 TPDs and can accommodate large watches. Click here to read full review
Versa Automatic Double Watch Winder - The Versa double winders is one of the most popular watch accessories available online. This is a great winder if you need to keep a couple of timepieces wound, but don't want to spend the money for a mid to high end model. Even though unit is made out of plastic, it is still attractive and includes some nice features at a bargain price. Read full review here
Kendal Dual Winder runs very quietly and is powered by an AC adapter however it can also run on two AA batteries if required. The winder includes a storage compartment for three additional watches and the entire unit can be locked if necessary. This is a traditional looking wooden watch winder that will complement any bedroom decor. Read More
Diplomat Mahogany Wood Finish 2 Watch Winder includes multi-directional rotations which include rest periods, this winder is a good value and will keep your automatic watches wound and ready for use. It has an attractive yet functional interior and the external mahogany finish is also stylish enough to grace any dresser. Read review
ORBITA Sparta Dual Deluxe Watch Winder uses the ROTORWIND system which mimics the swinging action of a wrist instead of a direct rotation movement. This benefits the watch’s longevity so is a useful mechanism to have available. The movement is provided via two programs, being a standard ten minutes and an extended fifteen minute program. Read Review
Triple Watch Winders
Wolf Designs Meridian Triple Watch Winder - The winder has superb features which include three choices of directional rotation as well as an impressive choice of turns per day. Each watch can be set individually in terms of the winder settings and even with all three watches winding, the unit operates silently. Click here for full review
Wolf Roadster Triple Watch Winder - The winder features adjustable rotation options from 300-1200 tpd. Three watches can be independently would with each having its own settings. You can store up to 5 additional watches in the top storage. It also includes a removable travel case that holds one watch and accessories. Read our review
Quad Watch Winders
Heiden Quad Watch Winder - Customers are pleased with the performance of this quad winder and most feel it is a quality product at a great price. Heiden is a reputable brand with a good track record, if you are looking for a quality quad winder with individual winder settings, then check it out. Read our latest review
Heiden Prestige Quad winder - Features 4 individual winders each with its own settings for both TPD and direction. This winder accommodates a wide range of watches, including oversized watches and can be powered by both AC and batteries. Read review