What Is a Watch Winder (and Do You Really Need One?)

November 28, 2025

Luxury watches are prized possessions, and not all of us like to wear them every day. We may save them for special occasions or take them off to engage in rigorous activities. Unfortunately, when the watches aren’t worn, the power reserve runs out, forcing you to reset the time. A watch winder eliminates this inconvenience.

If you are interested in adding a watch winder to your collection, you may wonder how it works, how to choose one, and how to ensure it’s the right choice for your needs. This article tells you all you need to know.

What is a Watch Winder?

Despite the name, a watch winder does not wind your watch manually. Instead, it keeps the date, time, and other calendar functions up to date, and prevents the power reserve from depleting by replicating natural wrist movement.

Winders are only helpful for automatic mechanical watches that self-wind through movement. They are not for:

Manual Wind Watches, which are wound by turning a crown
Quartz watches, which are battery-powered and require a battery replacement when they stop running

How Does a Watch Winder Work?

Watch winders are battery or AC-powered and gently oscillate to mimic wrist movement and keep watches wound. A quality watch winder will allow you to set it as follows:

Unidirectional Rotation: Mimics a watch that can only be wound in one direction, common in certain Patek Phillipe vintage models
Bidirectional Rotation: Alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise movements. This is the most common setting, available in watches like Omega and Tudor.
Rotations per Day: Optimize your watch winder with rotations per day that match natural wrist movements, typically between 650 and 1200. Ensure there are breaks to replicate real-world wear and avoid unnecessary strain.

Look in your owner’s guide for recommendations regarding the optimal TPD and direction for your watch. If you no longer have your owner’s guide, contact the manufacturer or try to find it on a site like Manuals+. An authorized dealer like Precision Watches can also guide you in the right direction.

How to Choose a Watch Winder?

It’s imperative to choose a high-quality watch winder to prevent damage to your watch. Here are some things to look for.

TPD and Direction: Ensure the watch winder allows you to adjust it for these settings.
Intermittent Cycles: The winder should allow you to set it for intermittent cycles with rest periods to better replicate the movements of human wear.
Power Options: AC adapters are convenient for home use, while batteries support portability. Choose the one that best suits your needs, or purchase a winder that offers both capabilities.
Cushion & Fit: The winder should feature a secure, adjustable holder that prevents strain on the bracelet.
Build Quality: Features like stable gearing, quiet operation, and solid construction indicate a solid build.

Do I Need a Watch Winder?

Watch winders are recommended for watches with complex functions, such as annual and perpetual calendars, and those with multiple time zones and calendar combinations, as they are difficult to set. A watch with a simple date model is easier to deal with, so you don’t need to be as concerned about resetting it if it loses power.

Additionally, watch winders are not necessary for people with quartz or manually wound watches, or for those who wear their watches often and don’t risk frequent power reserve depletion.

Can a Watch Winder Damage a Watch?

A watch winder should not damage your watch, provided it is set correctly. In fact, the movement should keep the watch lubricated to ensure optimal functionality.

However, always keeping your watch on a winder when it’s not in use can cause wear and tear issues. Keep in mind that power reserves typically deplete after 24 hours. Therefore, it may not be necessary to place your watch on a winder overnight if you plan to wear it daily.

Precision Watches Supports Your Watch Service Needs

Precision Watches understands the responsibility that comes with owning a luxury watch, and we want to help our clients maintain their watches for as long as possible. That’s why we offer a wide range of authorized watch repair services. As authorized dealers, we are familiar with the inner workings of various luxury brands and offer a specialized approach.

We’re proud to offer Wolf watch winders, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, whisper-quiet motors, and precise rotation settings that keep automatic watches running in perfect condition. Whether you own a single timepiece or an extensive collection, Wolf’s high-quality winders provide both functionality and elegant presentation.

Explore our current selection of Wolf watch winders and other luxury watch care essentials at Precision Watches. Our expert team can help you choose the right winder for your watch and guide you through proper care techniques to extend its longevity.

FAQs

Can a watch winder overwind my watch?

No, modern watch winders feature a slipping bridle to prevent overwinding.

Why should I use a watch winder?

A watch winder provides many benefits. In addition to preventing the power reserve from running out and causing complex setting issues, a winder can help avoid errors during manual winding, such as dropping or damaging the watch. It also preserves lubrication.

Are watch winders noisy?

No, most watch winders use quiet motors. However, to be sure, you can look for winders with positive customer reviews and <10-20 dB ratings. If the noise bothers you, you may also place the winder in a closet or another secluded space.

Should I fully wind my watch before putting it on a winder?

Yes, you should put your watch on a winder when fully wound. Then let the device maintain it.

Do winders magnetize watches?

A quality winder should not magnetize your watch. It should shield motors and not feature strong magnetic latches.

Do screw-down crowns need to be secured on a winder?

Yes, screw-down crowns should be secured before the watch is placed on the winder to avoid damage.