Watch Cases and Winders: Are Watch Winders Worth It?

The Watch Winder Debate: Do You Really Need One?

For anyone who owns automatic watches, the question of whether to invest in a watch winder inevitably comes up. Watch winders promise the convenience of keeping your watches ready to wear, but is this really necessary—or even the best approach? In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using a watch winder, and whether storing your watches in a simple case might actually be the better option.

The Purpose of a Watch Winder

A watch winder is designed to keep your automatic watch moving when you’re not wearing it. Since automatic watches wind themselves through the natural movement of your wrist, they stop when left idle for a few days. A winder steps in to simulate that wrist movement, ensuring your watch stays powered and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

The Benefits of a Watch Winder

• Convenience: If you have multiple automatic watches in rotation, a winder saves you the hassle of resetting the time and date each time you switch. For complications like perpetual calendars or moonphases, this can be especially helpful—setting those features isn’t exactly a quick task.
• Preservation of Lubricants: A common argument in favor of winders is that they keep the internal lubricants from settling or thickening over time, potentially reducing wear and tear. How much of a difference this actually makes? Well, opinions vary.
• Showcasing Your Collection: Many winders also serve as display cases, adding a touch of elegance to your collection while keeping it functional. If you love admiring your watches even when they’re not on your wrist, a winder does double duty as storage and a display piece.

The Downsides of Using a Watch Winder

• Wear and Tear: While a winder keeps your watch running, it also keeps the movement in constant use. Some argue that this leads to unnecessary wear, especially if the watch isn’t being worn regularly. Like any machine, the more it runs, the more it may eventually need servicing.
• Power Consumption: Winders require electricity or batteries, introducing a minor ongoing cost. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth considering whether the convenience justifies keeping it plugged in or stocked with fresh batteries.
• Overwinding Risk: Although many modern winders are designed to avoid overwinding, not all are created equal. Using a winder that isn’t perfectly suited for your watch could put unnecessary stress on the movement once fully wound.

Storing in a Watch Case: The Simpler Alternative

On the other hand, storing your automatic watches in a regular watch case is a straightforward, cost-effective solution. Sure, the watch will stop after a few days of rest, but this approach has its own set of perks:

• Less Wear on the Movement: When your watch isn’t running, its components aren’t under strain. For collectors who don’t rotate their watches frequently, this can mean less wear over time, potentially extending the period between services.
• Minimal Effort: For watches without complex features, manually setting the time and date is quick and easy—likely just a minute or two of your time. This makes the need for a winder feel less urgent for most.
• Cost-Effective: Watch cases are far cheaper than winders, and they don’t require electricity or maintenance. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to store your watches without adding to their wear, a simple case might be all you need.

What’s the Trade-Off?

Ultimately, the decision between a watch winder and a case comes down to your personal preferences and the types of watches you own.

If you have watches with complicated movements—think perpetual calendars or moonphases—a winder can save you the effort of resetting them, which can be tedious. For more straightforward watches, however, the convenience of a winder might not outweigh the potential for added wear.

If you frequently rotate through your collection, the convenience of a winder is hard to beat. You can grab a watch and go, without worrying about adjustments. But if you’ve got a favorite daily wearer and others that you only bring out on occasion, a case might be the smarter—and simpler—choice.

For long-term preservation, the debate continues. Some say a winder prevents oils from settling, while others believe a resting watch incurs less wear. The reality probably lies somewhere in between, and regular servicing will likely address any issues from either approach.

Final Thoughts

So, is a watch winder worth it? That depends on your collection, your habits, and how much convenience matters to you. If you’ve got complicated watches or love the idea of keeping your collection on display and ready to go, a winder offers practicality. For others, a simple case—and the occasional winding—might be the better route. Either way, understanding the trade-offs will help you make the right choice for your watches and lifestyle.