WWW (Why Watch Winder)?

[Whodat]

Obviously, having a winder is convenient. Above and beyond that, is there any reason to do have one?

I have read here that watches run more accurately if they are fairly fully wound.
I think I saw somewhere that there can be a problem with lubrication pooling or some such thing with prolonged inactivity. (Is this true, and if so, how often does a watch need to run to keep this from happening?)

On the other hand, presumably if the watch is always running, that's more wear on the mechanism.

So on the whole, is a winder good for the watch, or just for its owner?

[sheriffd2]

Great question, I'll be following this thread as I've wondered this myself.

[chirs1211]

I've wondered this too, i've been toying with the idea of a winder for a while, be nice to know if they really are worth it or just a luxury.
Chris

[WatchCases.com]

We've had a ton of customers that broke the stem of their watch by hand-winding it. Stem repair is probably going to cost more than a winder.

[chirs1211]

I guess that depends on the watch and the winder, as we all know prices vary wildly on both.
As the auto's in my collection aren't high end i was only thinking along the lines of a very low budget winder as usage will be minimal, cant imagine dropping several hundreds or even thousands on just a winder.
Chris

[omega564]

They are a nice accessory and are ok for new watches . The lubrication concern really goes back to older natural lubricants which would congeal and get sticky when not used . The modern synthetic lubricants don't have these attributes , and remain stable for much longer periods . I would definitely NOT recommend them for vintage watches ,due to the unnecessary wear on parts that are next to impossible to replace . AS to the stem issue , if the stem breaks while performing it's given task ,then there is something wrong with the watch . Watches are designed to be wound and set often . The only time I recommend a winder to my customer is the case of annual and perpetual calendars . It takes about 45 seconds to wind and set a watch and I find that winding and setting my watch puts me in touch in the morning .

[Whodat]

Thanks Omega564. That's a really helpful answer.
Even with modern watches & lubricants, is there a duration of inactivity that would be considered harmful?

[omega564]

Wind them every month or two ,and you shouldn't have a problem .They are a beautiful way to store your watches . I'm being strickly mechanical about this .

[JBHII]

Omega564 is correct, if you have a small collection (2 or 3) watches you rotate, you likely don't *need* a winder. However, they are such a convenience. Mine is a gorgeous piece of furniture in my bedroom which holds not only my watches, but also pens, cufflinks, and pocket knives.

[omega564]

That's beautiful .I really like the shape !!