Do I Need a Watch Winder for my Watch?
For automatic watch enthusiasts, maintaining the precision and functionality of their timepieces is crucial. Enter the watch winder—a device designed to keep your watches running smoothly when they're not on your wrist. Whether you own multiple watches, have complex models with intricate features, or simply want the convenience of never resetting your watch, a watch winder can be an invaluable tool.
The Convenience Factor
The primary appeal of a watch winder is convenience. Automatic watches rely on the movement of the wrist to stay wound. If you’re someone who likes to switch between multiple watches, you might find it tedious to reset the time and date on a watch that has stopped. A watch winder keeps your watch running, so it’s always set correctly and ready to wear.
Maintenance and Longevity
A lesser-known benefit of watch winders is their role in maintaining the watch’s movement for a longer period of time. Inside an automatic watch are tiny, intricate parts lubricated to reduce friction and wear. These lubricants can settle or become unevenly distributed if the watch remains stationary for extended periods. Regular use, simulated by a watch winder, ensures that the lubricants remain evenly distributed, potentially extending the life of your watch.
Can a Watch Winder Damage my Watch?
A watch winder will not significantly wear out your watch if used correctly. It’s essential to match the winder’s settings to your watch’s requirements, such as rotation direction and turns per day. You can find your turns per day for your watch here. High-quality winders mimic natural wrist movements and maintain the watch’s lubricants, preventing unnecessary wear. While continuous use might slightly accelerate wear, this is generally minor and outweighed by the benefits of consistent winding and maintenance. Proper use and a good-quality winder ensure your watch stays in optimal condition.
Handling Complex Timepieces
Watch winders are particularly useful for watches with complex features. Watches with perpetual calendars, moon phases, or multiple time zones are not only more challenging to reset but also benefit from consistent motion. For these intricate timepieces, a watch winder can save you from the hassle of frequent adjustments.
Assessing Your Needs
Whether you need a watch winder largely depends on your habits and the watches you own. If you wear the same watch daily, a winder might not be necessary. However, if you have a collection of automatic watches and enjoy having them on display, a winder can be incredibly convenient. Additionally, for those with high-end, complicated watches, a winder is almost indispensable.
Cost vs. Benefit
While watch winders can be pricey, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the benefits. The Barrington Single Watch Winders come at an affordable price of £225.00 and come in a multitude of colours to choose from.
In conclusion, a watch winder offers significant benefits, particularly for those who own multiple or complex automatic watches. It ensures convenience by keeping your watches running and ready to wear, maintains the movement's longevity by evenly distributing lubricants, and prevents damage when used correctly with proper settings. While the cost of a quality winder can be high, the benefits of consistent winding, ease of maintenance, and readiness of intricate timepieces often outweigh the expense, making it a valuable investment for serious watch enthusiasts.
