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What are watch winders? A lot of you with digital watches may not even know these handy little devices exist. They are used for automatic or self-wind watch maintenance. Your timepiece may be of great value and significance to you, which warrants it proper love and care. A watch winder should be kept in your watch toolbox as a staple piece.
You may need to wind your watch if you haven’t used it in a while, or for regular maintenance. Even a watch winder itself can be a collector’s item. With regular use of a watch winder, you can be sure to keep your ticker ticking for many years to come.
Automatic watches are worth the higher price tag, but they do dwindle and stop if you leave them in your drawer for long periods. Breathe new life into your watch with the right watch winder. To know what qualifies as a good watch winder, scroll down to our top 10 list!
View The Best Watch Winders Below
1. TRIPLE TREE Double Watch Winder
Made of sturdy materials, this single winder is equipped with a Japanese silent motor, an acrylic glass window. There are four rotation modes, which make it easy to use and highly compatible with multiple automatic watches. Overwinding your watches can be detrimental, but this watch winder is programmed to avoid that.
The soft and flexible watch pillow will accommodate watches of any size. Triple Tree includes an AC adapter, which powers the watch winder. The D size batteries, however, are not included. Other than the wood shell and piano paint, the watch winder accessories are made from stainless steel, giving it more durability.
Pros:
+ Programmed not to overwind
+ Silent Japanese motor
+ Stainless steel accessories
+ Compatible with most automatics
Why We Like It – The four winding modes including standby, clockwise counterclockwise, or both. It’s easy to find the best fit.
2. JINS&VICO Watch Winder
With the illumination digital display and multiple pillows, this is a high tech watch winder. The craftsmanship is impressive; it includes beautiful wooden finish and a silent Japanese motor powered by an AC adapter. The LCD touch screen allows you to set each winder for different watches manually.
The beautiful LED blue glow will light up your timepieces for display. It fits most watches and has settings for TPD and rotation. Clockwise counterclockwise or both so that you can adjust the turns per day. The beautiful finishing and build quality, plus the capacity to hold more than four watches, make this watch winder look like it belongs in a Kingsman movie!
Pros:
+ LCD touch screen controls
+ LED light display
+ Silent Japanese motor
+ Individual settings for each winder
Why We Like It – There are so many things we like about this watch winder, but the best one would be the LCD touch screen controls.
3. TRIPLE TREE Single Watch Winder for Automatic Watches
If you only have one beloved timepiece you want to accompany you through the years, then a single watch winder will be enough. The beautiful craftsmanship features three types of textured leather or solid wood. See your favorite watch through the acrylic glass. The mabuchi motor is silent and durable. It will run for many years to come.
The flexible pillows can hold watches of any size, and the watch winder runs with two AA batteries or an AC adaptor. The super-compact little box fits easily into drawers in your desk or your dresser. The excellent customer service is always reachable, and an 18-month warranty backs the product.
Pros:
+ Beautiful finish
+ Japanese mabuchi motor
+ Compact size
+ Soft watch pillows
Why We Like It – The classic finish is well-crafted and can last for years. Place your watch inside this automatic watch winder and view it through the acrylic glass.
4. WOLF Heritage Single Watch Winder
The watch winder Wolf Heritage features a patented rotation program. The rotation includes pause and sleep phases that are preprogrammed to give your watch the best turns per day. The watch cuff on this single watch winder is improved and enhanced to hold heavier watches. It either operates on an AC adapter or works with D batteries.
Watch winder Wolf heritage also comes in multiple automatic watch winders that can hold more than four watches. As a luxury leather goods company, you can be sure the quality of your new single watch winder is the best.
Pros:
+ Single automatic watch winder with patented tech
+ Watch cuff can hold heavy watches
+ Powered by AC adaptor or D batteries
+ Excellent craftsmanship
Why We Like It – The patented technology is something that is revered, giving your watch the best turns per day and accommodates different watches.
5. JQUEEN Double Winder
These beautiful and luxurious double automatic watch winders can wind up to two watches. Choose different finishes and observe your watch as it’s wound through the little display window. You won’t be able to hear the quiet Japanese mabuchi motor while it works away.
The anti-magnetic design will keep your watch safer in the box and more accurate than before. Double ones are large enough to accommodate two big watches to give you the most out of the space.
Pros:
+ Sturdy
+ Large enough for two big watches
+ Beautiful finish
+ Japanese mabuchi motor
Why We Like It – Watchwinders need to be able to handle watches of any size, and the JQueen double watch winder can fit two large watches.
6. CHIYODA Watch Winder
This automatic single watch winder 100% handmade. The solid wooden box features a baked piano paint varnish that elevates the elegance of the exterior. It also uses the silent Japanese mabuchi motor to deafen any operating noises. One of the best things about this watch winder is the 12 settings.
You can choose between 4 different turns per day and clockwise counterclockwise or both directions. The diversity of the functions make this option suitable for almost any watch on the market. There also happens to be a double watch winder option at a slightly higher price for those who are looking.
Pros:
+ Single watch winder with multiple functions
+ 100% handmade
+ Elegant exterior
+ Fits almost any watch
Why We Like It – You can wind any watch with the 12 settings, four different turns per day settings, and three directional settings.
7. MerLerner Automatic Watch Winder
This is a beautiful and sleek design made to fit four watches. The MerLerner multiple automatic watch winder allows you to put your timepieces on full display. All the other products on this list boast a silent motor, and so does this one from Merlerner. There are five program settings and multiple rotation modes that will carefully wind your watches. It’s easy to use, and despite the beautiful exterior, the construction is tough and robust. Made with fire-retardant wood and alloys, this watch winder is guaranteed to be more durable than all the others. It can not only wind your beautiful wristwatches, but it can also store and display them oh so proudly.
Pros:
+ Four pillows and six storage cases
+ Five program settings and multiple rotation modes
+ Tough construction
+ Durable
Why We Like It – As opposed to a one watch winder, this automatic best watch winder is spacious and can wind four watches at once.
8. Versa Quad Watch Winder
This quad watch winder looks like a small black shelf. There are three functions, and 4 turns a day and will not wind your watch continuously. It prevents overwinding by winding for approximately 5 minutes then slips into sleep mode.
One of the best things about this watch winder is the ability to control and set each winder individually. It also features the quiet Japanese motor and a spring action pillow that can hold watches of any size. It’s okay if your watches are large statement pieces, as there is enough room in these best watch winders for oversized watches.
Pros:
+ Each winder can be individually set
+ Features 4 watch winders
+ Can hold watches of any size
+ Prevents overwinding
Why We Like It – We love how something that’s meant to maintain our watches also looks out for them by not overwinding them.
9. CHIYODA Watch Winder
Chiyoda makes an appearance on our list again with this single watch winder. The piano baked varnish is flame retardent and extra durable. The handmade wooden box encases a quiet Japanese motor that’s virtually noiseless. There are 12 modes to choose from and 4 TPD settings that keep the watch moving when it’s not sitting on your wrist.
It draws its power from aa batteries or an AC adapter. Just make sure you do wind up your watch before placing it in this winder. It comes with an 18-month warranty and all the little knick-knacks you need to keep these watch winders in tip-top shape.
Pros:
+ Piano baked varnish
+ Handmade wooden box
+ Multiple settings
+ 18 months warranty
Why We Like It – Your purchase comes with a warranty and a full package to care for, not only your watch but also the winder itself.
10. Versa Automatic Single Watch Winder
The design of this little spherical winder is a breath of fresh air compared to the traditional square shapes. There are 12 settings combos with 4 TPD and three directions. Powered by a Japanese motor, this single best winder for your watch only uses the best and top quality materials.
A demagnetized design, it will not cause harm to your watch Each part is manufactured to be precise, and then is assembled by hand to create the perfect single watch winder. There are additional attachments included to help house larger watches.
Pros:
+ 1-year warranty
+ Demagnetized design
+ 12 setting combinations
+ Can support larger wristwatches
Why We Like It – The amount of care that went into crafting these spherical single winders is commendable.
Watch Winders Buyer’s Guide
Automatics can come with a high price tag, and that’s why we would still expect them to function even after years of sitting in your drawer. To also prevent overwinding and proper support, you would expect your watch winder to have certain preventative features in place. Not only should the box complement and highlight the elegance of your watch, but it should also keep your investment safe and sound inside. Watch winders should be a combination of functionality, beauty, and form. How can we ensure the winders we purchase are the best? Read on to find out!
Single, Dual, Trio, Quad and More
There are single and double winders out there, and these are the most common. However, if we were asked what the best watch winders would feature, we would say quad (four) or more winders, plus storage space to delightfully display your timekeeping tools. The more winders you have, the more watches it can house and maintain.
You can decide on how many you need by looking at your watch collection. How many watches do you own? How often do you switch them out? It’s also worth it to note that watch winders, even dual and quad, can come in just one device. The size will be bigger, but you will not have these square cases strewn all over the house. The bottom line is, if you have quite a few watches and you don’t switch them out often, then you should purchase the best watch winders for two watches or more.
Materials
This case will be responsible for keeping your expensive investments safe. It’s only natural that you would want these little houses to be constructed with high quality and durable materials. A big problem with some watch winders is magnetization. This depends on where you live and the environment.
A great way to prevent this would be to find designs that are demagnetized or find boxes made with PU leather. This material keeps static away. You may have also seen piano baking varnish, which is very sought after due to the durability. Most should also come with an acrylic window for you to gaze lovingly at your expensive collection.
Attachments
Attachments are necessary if you have extra-large watches, although some of the best watch winders will come with pillows that can already support watches of any size. If you do happen to have watches of varying sizes, this is a necessity you cannot forgo. Sometimes you can buy a whole different watch winder to accommodate these larger watches, but having one that can fit all sizes would be the most ideal and what we would look for in the best watch winder.
Individual Settings
If your new winder is just for one watch, then there’s no need for individual settings. However, different directional controls and TPD is important because every watch has different needs. Individual settings are important for watch winders that come with more than one slot. This way, you can wind multiple watches at once and save time.
Motor
The standard motor and the superior choice would be the Japanese mabuchi motor. It’s noiseless and reasonably priced. Not only that, they are of top quality and durability. These motors reflect craftsmanship that is reliable, durable, but not the completely top of the line. They’re similar to Japanese quartz, which is utilized by affordable watch brands and does the job well but is less coveted than Swiss quarts. So if you do not need the top of the line motor, but just something that will do the job well for many years to come, look into the Japanese noiseless motor.
Appearance and Finish
This last part is for your pleasure only. We have introduced many different finishes, textures, and colors. Now that we have learned PU leather is best for demagnetization, we hope you are veering towards this option. What’s great about PU leather is its ability to be manufactured in different colors and textures, so it will be easy to find one to your liking.
Of course, wooden boxes have a traditional and more authentic feel to them, and ones with a piano baking finish are very durable. The best part is the appearance and finish shouldn’t affect the performance of your watch winder for the most part so you can feel free to go crazy and get what you like.
Extras
We were very impressed with the LCD touch screen and LED light-up option that’s offered by JINS&VICO, so we threw in this extra section for all the extra flash and frill you may want. The WOLF designs also have storage compartments so you can display and care for your time tools. We wonder how many fancy products we can find with features that outdo the last.
Warranty/Guarantee
The last part is the buyer’s protection. Since a well-made watch winder could cost you a few hundred dollars, you need it to be “insured.” With so many moving components, things could easily break down. We’re suggesting 1-2 years warranty, and if you can find manufacturers that are willing to throw-in a satisfaction or money-back guarantee, then that product should skyrocket to the top of your list.
Benefits of a Watch Winder
These potentially expensive gadgets seem like a luxury for some. Is it really necessary? Now, if you have a Breitling, Rolex, or Patek Phillippe among others sitting at home, investing in a little bit more luxury might be necessary. A regular Swatch watch (not to say they aren’t good) or a fashion trend like an MK watch may not need to be wound up. A lot of them function on quartz movement anyway.
While we no longer need to oil the gears, it’s still a smart investment that goes towards the diligent care of your timepiece. Aside from the care, it also keeps your watches safe. Being enclosed in a case can prevent dust accumulation, scratches, and other potential dangers while keeping them on a proud display.
What is a Watch Winder?
Maybe even after reading through our list, you are still confused about what exactly these devices are. They are normally used for automatic watches. You may be thinking “automatic” means it moves by itself. You are right, but it doesn’t mean the watch ticks forever. The watch relies on your movements to keep on working.
This means that when you stop wearing it, the watch will inevitably stop ticking. But that’s okay because you can revive it with a watch winder! It’s like restarting a heart. A winder keeps the watch moving even when it’s not being worn. Of course, you can choose to self-wind your watch, but having a watch winder makes sure they are good to go right when you pick them up.
Are Watch Winders Bad for Watches?
Not if it’s of good quality! Well-made watch winders take into consideration all factors that may harm your watch and work to prevent them from cropping up. This includes demagnetization, settings to prevent overwinding, and maybe even individual settings for each winder. Watch winders that are not well-made will, more than likely, harm your watch.
They may not have the sleep phase setting, which pauses the winder. You should also make sure that you are using the watch winder correctly. To find ones that won’t do any damage to your watch, just refer to our buying guide and top 10 list!
Do I Need a Watch Winder?
You don’t need a watch winder if you don’t mind winding your watches every so often and right before you put them back on. But for the lovely ladies and gents with enough watches to open their own store, they may not have the time to wind each of them every time. This is when a watch winder could be a saving grace and a big time saver!
Conclusion
An expensive timepiece only comes with more expensive accessories and maintenance pieces. For the upkeep and care of your beloved wristwatch, getting a watch winder is a no-brainer. If you find yourself tired of winding your timekeeping tools manually, then just pick up a winder with one slot to see how well it does for you. When you’re set on investing in one, there are options with LCD screens and controls that will blend luxury and utility into one!
Did You Know?
Even a caregiver needs proper care from time to time. Make sure you clean and touch up your watch winder so it can properly care for your watches.
Expert Tip
Finding the right settings for the watch winder can involve a bit of simple math. Decide on how many TPDs you need for your watch to keep in shape. Then figure out how many turns each cycle in your watch winder has. You take 1440 (min in the day) and divide your TPD to figure out the proper setting. Now, if you have more than one watch winder, chances are they can be set individually, so you would need to calculate the result of this equation multiple times.