How to choose a watch winder?

Tags: Selection Guide | Classic

31.12.2025 | 5 MIN

Thinking about a watch winder? Here’s everything you need to know: whether you need one at all, what to consider before buying, how to choose a winder, and how to set it up.

What is a watch winder?

A watch winder is a device that keeps automatic watches running so they don’t stop when you’re not wearing them. In other words, a winder simulates wrist movement, which turns the rotor and keeps the watch wound.

A winder only makes sense for automatic mechanical watches—i.e., automatics. For hand-wound mechanical watches—or quartz watches—winders are unnecessary. You also probably won’t use a winder if you wear just one watch, because regular wear keeps it running.

A winder is usually a box with one or more pillows/holders where you mount the watch. The motor rotates the watch, moving the rotor and winding the mainspring.

Who is a watch winder for?

For owners of automatics who often leave them off the wrist for longer periods and don’t want to reset the time/date every time they switch back. If you own multiple watches and rotate them, a winder can be useful.

If you wear one watch every day, a winder usually won’t add much. And perhaps you’re among those who have a varied collection but don’t mind setting your watches. In that case, you may never use a winder—and that’s perfectly fine.

A winder is most useful for watches with fiddly calendar complications—such as models with an annual calendar, a moon phase, or even a perpetual calendar. These can be a pain to set—and a mistake can, in some cases, even cause damage. Keeping them running is therefore advisable.

The same goes for vintage pieces with a non-quickset date. Setting the date can then take more time, which a winder helps you avoid.

What are the advantages of a watch winder?

Convenience—by far the biggest one.

No need to set more complex calendar complications.

Aesthetics: it’s basically a display case—and the rotating “show” is a nice bonus. Whether at home in the living room or in the office. Like a watch box, a winder can be a thoughtful piece of interior decor, not just a practical helper.

For vintage watches from the era before modern synthetic lubricants, it may be better if they don’t sit in one position for months on end, but are set in motion from time to time.

What are the disadvantages of a watch winder?

A common argument against winders is that keeping a movement running 24/7 increases wear.

Watches are built to be worn—and thus to be in motion. If a winder is set correctly, regular running won’t harm them. That said, it can shorten the interval until the next service.

So if you’re thinking of putting watches in a winder that you don’t plan to wear even occasionally and would just leave spinning for years, it’s better to let them sleep, give them a run now and then, and of course have them serviced regularly.

What to consider when choosing

1. Capacity: think about how many watches you want to keep running—most brands offer modular add-ons.
2. Direction of rotation. Ideally, a winder should offer clockwise, counterclockwise, and bidirectional modes. Which is suitable for your watch depends on the specific movement.
3. TPD (turns per day): different movements need different counts to stay wound. Quality winders let you set the TPD.
4. Power source. Winders typically run on mains power. If you know you’ll place it where an outlet isn’t available, choose one that can also be battery‑powered. Many winders offer both.
5. Materials. The better the materials, the better overall. Not only does it look nicer, but a more robust winder is more stable and often provides better protection against dust and dirt.
6. Watch size. Large watches—especially tall (“thick”) and heavy ones (over roughly 140 g)—won’t fit every winder. This is particularly true of cheaper plastic units that lack space, are less stable, and often have weaker motors. The reverse can also be an issue with small watches, e.g., ladies’ models, which may be too small for the cushion. It’s best to choose a winder with adjustable holders/cushions, or try it in advance.
7. Noise level. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don’t specify noise, but again, the higher the quality, the better the sound damping. Premium winders also offer scheduling of winding or the option to pause winding, for example at night.

On quality winders you can adjust cushion size so the watch fits perfectly.

How to set up a watch winder?

It’s worth remembering that a winder should keep a watch running, not keep it fully wound at all times. Modern automatics can’t be “overwound” thanks to a slipping bridle, it isn’t ideal for them to remain at full wind continuously.

So configure the winder to maintain operation with intermittent winding.

1. Set the correct Turns Per Day (TPD)*. This varies by movement. For typical three‑handers, it’s usually around 650–800 TPD. More complicated movements generally require more.
2. Choose the direction of rotation. Find out how the rotor winds the mainspring in your watch—clockwise (right), counterclockwise (left), or both. For most movements this is easy to look up online or directly from the manufacturer.
3. If your winder allows it, select cyclical winding with pauses. For example, the winder may run for 1 minute and then pause for 3–4 minutes. Better‑equipped winders also offer a night mode that suspends winding overnight, letting the watch “rest.”

For example, Seiko 4R and 6R‑class movements wind bidirectionally and the TPD is around 650. The same applies to ETA 2824 and its variants, including Powermatic 80, as well as Sellita SW200, SW300, and their variants.

This also applies to Japanese Miyota 8xxx and 9xxx movements, which typically wind only clockwise, with a suitable range of 650–800 TPD.

If you’re unsure, start with bidirectional winding at ~650–800 TPD—this works for most movements.

Material matters when choosing—not only for overall stability but also for aesthetics.

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