Keep Your Self-Winding Watch Ticking with a Watch Winder
If you own a self-winding watch, you know that keeping it ticking when you're not wearing it can be a challenge. That's where a watch winder comes in. A watch winder is an excellent choice for keeping your timepiece running smoothly, especially if you are like me and own more than one time piece with moonphase complications such as Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin and a Vacheron Constantin FiftySix.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your watch winder:
Make sure it's placed in a stable location: The winder should be placed on a level surface to prevent any damage to the winding mechanism or the timepiece itself. If the winder is not stable, it can cause the watch to become misaligned, resulting in an incorrect time.
Set the winding direction and turns per day: The watch winder has the ability to adjust the winding direction, ensuring that the watch winds in the same direction it would if it were being worn on the wrist. It also has a setting for turns per day (TPD), which is ideal for most self-winding watches.
Store the watches properly: Before placing your watches on the winder, make sure they are clean and free of any debris or moisture. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the case and crystal, and store the watches in the watch winder with the crown facing upwards.
Observe the winding process: Check on the watches periodically to ensure that they are winding properly and that the winding mechanism is functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, stop the winder and check the timepiece for any problems.
By following these tips, you can keep your self-winding watches ticking smoothly with the watch winder. Whether you're a collector or simply want to keep your timepieces in top working order, a watch winder is an excellent investment for any watch enthusiast.
A watch winder is an excellent choice for keeping your self-winding watches running smoothly. Make sure to follow these tips to get the most out of your winder and keep your timepieces ticking for years to come.
My watch winder: Wolf Viceroy Double Winder with Storage
My watches and their settings:
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Full Calendar (2460)
Direction: Bi-directional
TPD: 650
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin
Direction: Couter Clockwise
TPD: 800
I'm not a hoarder, I'm just a highly selective and discerning watch enthusiast with a small, but mighty collection of timepieces.
For very complicated watches,winders are very useful. For a an automatic without moonphase/perpetual calendar features I don't see the need. I simply allow my watches to run down and wind them when they come up in the rotation again. It's never been a problem over 50 years and a boatload of watches.
I suppose if you only have a couple of watches it works.
For very complicated watches,winders are very useful. For a an automatic without moonphase/perpetual calendar features I don't see the need. I simply allow my watches to run down and wind them when they come up in the rotation again. It's never been a problem over 50 years and a boatload of watches.
I suppose if you only have a couple of watches it works.
Like you, that was my initial plan to allow them to run down and wind them when I’m ready to wear them. I’m unable to do this for all my time pieces in my small collection but for the two with more complications it was worth having them on a watch winder.
For very complicated watches,winders are very useful. For a an automatic without moonphase/perpetual calendar features I don't see the need. I simply allow my watches to run down and wind them when they come up in the rotation again. It's never been a problem over 50 years and a boatload of watches.
I suppose if you only have a couple of watches it works.
It is cheaper than hiring a butler to walk your watches... Or attaching them to small children...
It is cheaper than hiring a butler to walk your watches... Or attaching them to small children...
You know that’s a pretty good idea, I have a newborn 👶🏽 maybe I should try that 🤣
For me it's not feasible. I have 32 mechanical watches. I've accepted that I will need to set the time each time.
For me it's not feasible. I have 32 mechanical watches. I've accepted that I will need to set the time each time.
Yes, I agree with you on that. For 32 pieces it would not be feasible to have them all in a watch winder, however for a few in rotation it could work. For me, I have two moon phase time pieces which take some time for me to set the date, day, time and moon phase if I’m trying to get out of quickly. For the other time pieces it’s much easier to set while on the go.
Yes, I agree with you on that. For 32 pieces it would not be feasible to have them all in a watch winder, however for a few in rotation it could work. For me, I have two moon phase time pieces which take some time for me to set the date, day, time and moon phase if I’m trying to get out of quickly. For the other time pieces it’s much easier to set while on the go.
This is why I stick to simply 3 hand watches for automatics. For complications and chronographs, I buy quartz. I particularly love meca quartz for this reason.
Like you I have a number of my watches in winders. Some of them are in winders for the convenience and a few to continue a theme I have running.
Whether you like winders or not, there’s something mesmerising about them and I have some of mine on display so I can look at them (my watches) throughout the day.
I got the same winder:
The expanding cuffs that hold the watch into place were too big and strained my bracelets (16cm wrist). So I used some velcro and pieces of foam instead.
I will never buy another WOLF winder, not after the experience I’ve had with mine, involving random beeping at all hours. When I asked WOLF to repair it, I was told that no parts were available and that the model had been discontinued so they couldn’t fix it.
Diy final version
My timer is set at about 6 hours and does not completely wind them up. $50.00 bucks worth of hardware.
For very complicated watches,winders are very useful. For a an automatic without moonphase/perpetual calendar features I don't see the need. I simply allow my watches to run down and wind them when they come up in the rotation again. It's never been a problem over 50 years and a boatload of watches.
I suppose if you only have a couple of watches it works.
I keep the pieces that I have on current rotation on winders (four watches) but other than that I dont worry about them...
Diy final version
My timer is set at about 6 hours and does not completely wind them up. $50.00 bucks worth of hardware.
You could get a cheap two watch winder on Amazon for cheaper than $50 bucks.
You could get a cheap two watch winder on Amazon for cheaper than $50 bucks.
mine does 4 watches so that would cost me $200.00 to do that.
Big flex! I love it .. look so dope!👍