Watch winders
My collection is starting to grow. I’m at 10 watches I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying some more over the next couple of years. Is it worth me buying a large watch winder? I like it for storage, and if it can wind the watches sure, what are your guises thoughts? any recommendations on companies or more affordable watch Winder cases?
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nat
New to watch collecting love micro brands and vintage styles .
Sacramento, CA, USA
Member since
Last active: 4 days ago
Check Benson. I had 3 Wolf Winders previously but don't own one now. All had minor quality control issues not related to winding. They make great display cases as I also did not constantly wind them.
I owned 5x different Amazon winders not bc they’re trash but bc I kept buying watches. I’d buy them and when I outgrow the size I sell/buy another. The last 6 months I haven’t owned a winder (I started to have anxiety that the winder being out in the open (bedroom) , robbers can easily steal it) but currently shopping for one again. I’ll post a few winders I’ve owned!
Welcome to WC Nat! Personally, I would not buy a storage solution that has multiple winders unless you simply like the looks. A few points of consideration:
Where are you storing this? If near your bed, be prepared for lots of noise. If you have a partner, they may kick it out of the room.
Winders will create more wear and tear on your movements.
Where is the winder made and what motors power it? While that looks nice, cheaper motors may magnetize your watches. You do not want to buy inexpensive winders.
If you are looking for a storage solutions, there are lots of threads on the topic. Couple recommendations:
Rothwell is pretty popular. Very good value for money.
Wolf is a step up from that. You can get good deals on them from Gilt.
Deferichs makes a nice custom watchbox if you prefer a more natural look.
Worn and Wound tool box is an awesome well built solution that stores well.
Bosphorus Leather makes exceptional cases if you want to get a luxury storage solution.
Check Benson. I had 3 Wolf Winders previously but don't own one now. All had minor quality control issues not related to winding. They make great display cases as I also did not constantly wind them.
Thank you !!!!
Welcome to WC Nat! Personally, I would not buy a storage solution that has multiple winders unless you simply like the looks. A few points of consideration:
Where are you storing this? If near your bed, be prepared for lots of noise. If you have a partner, they may kick it out of the room.
Winders will create more wear and tear on your movements.
Where is the winder made and what motors power it? While that looks nice, cheaper motors may magnetize your watches. You do not want to buy inexpensive winders.
If you are looking for a storage solutions, there are lots of threads on the topic. Couple recommendations:
Rothwell is pretty popular. Very good value for money.
Wolf is a step up from that. You can get good deals on them from Gilt.
Deferichs makes a nice custom watchbox if you prefer a more natural look.
Worn and Wound tool box is an awesome well built solution that stores well.
Bosphorus Leather makes exceptional cases if you want to get a luxury storage solution.
Thank you for the break down!!! This really helped me with decision making!
I owned 5x different Amazon winders not bc they’re trash but bc I kept buying watches. I’d buy them and when I outgrow the size I sell/buy another. The last 6 months I haven’t owned a winder (I started to have anxiety that the winder being out in the open (bedroom) , robbers can easily steal it) but currently shopping for one again. I’ll post a few winders I’ve owned!
Those are some nice cases!! Thanks for pics and suggestion!!
Winders are a waste of money and only add unnecessary wear and tear to the movement. 🤷
Buy it but at a sub $600 price from AliExpress if you can manage. I couldn't tell if your priority is to keep the watches wound or just keep them aesthetically on display. Cheaper winders are available if appearances aren't too important for you. I have this great looking watch case (stationary housing, no winders) since 2018/19 that I bought for $220 back then. I wasn't particular about winding my watches so this case sufficed.
I'm now quartz/solar heavy as destiny has decreed but do retain a handful of automatic watches so got myself this 2 weeks ago.
If you foresee that you'll go auto-heavy in the coming years, get winders with a good number of slots but not too many or you'll make impulse purchases to fill up the slots too fast without due consideration for whether it's a watch that you really want. You could consider getting a small or mid size case with winders first and then upgrade your storage as your collection grows.
Don't really desire watch winders for the simple fact that they keep the watch running therefore constant wear and tear, in my mind accelarated service intervals. I usually wear my watches on rotation anyways on a daily basis and enjoy the time spent winding them for a charge. Makes me feel my connection to the piece. If I need a grab and go piece there is always my g-shocks for that purpose. 😉
You’re stirring up a hornets nest.
I’d caution against buying one unit that houses many winders unless you can replace the individual winders. Because they will eventually fail and you’ll be left with one unit with some winders that work and others that don’t. I have the Boxy winders that can be individual or can be stacked on a base unit that can power all the stacked winders. That way when one fails, just replace that unit.
It depends…..watch winders are cool, but I like to let my watches run down and sit, less wear and tear on the components inside. My oldest automatic watch is like 7 years old, never needed serviced. So, it’s nice to have them running and “on time” but also it’ll require servicing faster.
The only reason a person needs a watch winder is because they don’t want to wind and set a mechanical watch. And winders are useless for a manual wind watch.
Personally, I don’t use one. Have one but stopped using it years ago.