To watch winder or not watch winder?

[Watch Professor]

Originally Posted by JetRanger

It's a bit of a trade off, IMHO.

Using a winder may (and I stress MAY) have a tendency with some watches and certain winders to create wear patterns in various parts of the movement, if it is subjected to the winder over very long time periods (e.g., many years). Watch winders typically are not programmed, nor are they normally capable of, moving the watch in pseudo random ways, such as in trying to simulate the almost random movements of the human wrist.

This downside has to be compared to the potentially larger disadvantages of constantly having to constantly wind the watch. Winding your watch from dead stopped to fully wound requires that you crank the axle of the main winder around-and-around (no big deal), but much more importantly, you have to unscrew and then screw down the crown, each and every time you complete this winding cycle. So, if you were to do this say, every few days, that's about 150 to 200 times a year (since you may decide to tighten the mainspring sometimes even when there's juice left in the mainspring). In a few years, you may have unscrewed and then re-screwed in the crown many 100’s of times. As great as Rolex is, these are simply wonderful mechanical devices, but they are neither “magical” or bullet proof, nor infinite in their abilities. The crown stem has very fine threads on it, yet the crown is capable of exerting large torque forces as you screw it in and tighten it. Eventually, winding the crown out and then back on the stem tube this many times will cause unavoidable mechanical wear issues. Yes, I realize that at the time of overhaul, Rolex quite often will replace the stem tube. But, why buy problems for yourself that you don’t need to have?

In some regards, obviously the ideal choice from a purely mechanical point of view is to own and wear just ONE Rolex, on a daily basis. All is good here. Once you own multiple Rolexes, you face the dilemma of how to best rotate your line-up, and minimize the negative effects I alluded to.

I'd say the very best bet would be to write Rolex, and see if you can get a formal answer on this. Perhaps write to their world wide HQ in Geneva, and see if they will address this issue. In my personal opinion, while I really respect and admire Rolex (both in terms of their fine product line and the company itself), they may choose to not field such a hugely complex issue. When you take a deep dive into the issue of the various pros and cons of using winders, the complexity of the analysis that a mechanical engineer would need to cover to adequately address this question becomes almost mind boggling. There’s also the marketing blowback potential that they may not want to stir up, no matter which way they answer this question. I suspect that “Mum’s the Word” in the case of getting a formal written answer. Let’s not even get into the legal issues! Suppose they formally recommend in writing that Yes, it’s great to use a winder. Which one do they recommend, if any? And, what happens when some jerk sues because their watch failed supposedly prematurely, due to the use of a winder? Not worth the headaches, I suspect!

A short answer to the last section is that Rolex sells its own
winders. Check out Orbita winders. They are the "Rolex" of winders.

[timeisfathaoftruth]

For me there is no reson to buy one. I actually enjoy winding and setting mine once in a while.

[mikelprz]

My watchwinder is still in Thailand.. damn! I miss it. Could really use it now.

[Johny]

buy a genuine rolex winder.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I have a friend who's DJ shows significant wear on one side of the bezel from where his thumb has rubbed it while winding over the years

I guess a winder would eliminate that.

Well myself and now my sons wear and wind two of my old Rolex OPs from the late 1960s early 1970s.These have been in daily use for 30 plus years both original crowns and only a few tube replacements at normal service and both have original bezels.IMHO automatic watches are designed to be worn by people only, and not on a expensive box machine, and while on a machine its in the same position for hours,days or even weeks .Now most people move in a huge diversity of manners, causing a fairly even distribution of motion of the watches winding mechanism and escapement positions.Now because a watch winder is normally limited to a very small number of directions and types of movement normally just back and throe.

IMHO a badly designed winder could in theory damage a watch and cause wear from excessive and repetitive movement on the same plane and axis to the escapement wheel pinions.And today because the oils used in most modern watches today including Rolex, and when properly serviced are not very prone to clotting or coagulating like the old mineral oils. So its not a problem to just rest a watch for a month or longer then just wind reset and go, must take all of 30 seconds to do.But if stored for longer than a month just give them a small wind to keep the tiny amount of oil around the movement.Think of it this way to the original poster, if you had a choice of two watches one thats been on a winder for a few years.Or a watch that was new old stock unused unworn which one would you choose.

Things like crown and crown tubes are both serviceable items and are often replaced at normal service time.So have no fear about unscrewing and winding a Rolex thats what the winding crown is for.Myself been winding resetting Rolex watches now for more years that I can remember, and never had a problem auto or manual.

[tomchicago]

all RSC says re: winders is to use bi-directional settings. The Wolf 2.7 is highly random and programmable. Rest periods, etc.

Originally Posted by JetRanger

It's a bit of a trade off, IMHO.

Using a winder may (and I stress MAY) have a tendency with some watches and certain winders to create wear patterns in various parts of the movement, if it is subjected to the winder over very long time periods (e.g., many years). Watch winders typically are not programmed, nor are they normally capable of, moving the watch in pseudo random ways, such as in trying to simulate the almost random movements of the human wrist.

This downside has to be compared to the potentially larger disadvantages of constantly having to constantly wind the watch. Winding your watch from dead stopped to fully wound requires that you crank the axle of the main winder around-and-around (no big deal), but much more importantly, you have to unscrew and then screw down the crown, each and every time you complete this winding cycle. So, if you were to do this say, every few days, that's about 150 to 200 times a year (since you may decide to tighten the mainspring sometimes even when there's juice left in the mainspring). In a few years, you may have unscrewed and then re-screwed in the crown many 100’s of times. As great as Rolex is, these are simply wonderful mechanical devices, but they are neither “magical” or bullet proof, nor infinite in their abilities. The crown stem has very fine threads on it, yet the crown is capable of exerting large torque forces as you screw it in and tighten it. Eventually, winding the crown out and then back on the stem tube this many times will cause unavoidable mechanical wear issues. Yes, I realize that at the time of overhaul, Rolex quite often will replace the stem tube. But, why buy problems for yourself that you don’t need to have?

In some regards, obviously the ideal choice from a purely mechanical point of view is to own and wear just ONE Rolex, on a daily basis. All is good here. Once you own multiple Rolexes, you face the dilemma of how to best rotate your line-up, and minimize the negative effects I alluded to.

I'd say the very best bet would be to write Rolex, and see if you can get a formal answer on this. Perhaps write to their world wide HQ in Geneva, and see if they will address this issue. In my personal opinion, while I really respect and admire Rolex (both in terms of their fine product line and the company itself), they may choose to not field such a hugely complex issue. When you take a deep dive into the issue of the various pros and cons of using winders, the complexity of the analysis that a mechanical engineer would need to cover to adequately address this question becomes almost mind boggling. There’s also the marketing blowback potential that they may not want to stir up, no matter which way they answer this question. I suspect that “Mum’s the Word” in the case of getting a formal written answer. Let’s not even get into the legal issues! Suppose they formally recommend in writing that Yes, it’s great to use a winder. Which one do they recommend, if any? And, what happens when some jerk sues because their watch failed supposedly prematurely, due to the use of a winder? Not worth the headaches, I suspect!

[tomchicago]

Originally Posted by Johny

buy a genuine rolex winder.

where can you find these?

[Mystro]

I have been using a Orbita winder for 12 years. I love it. Stick with a programmable winder from Orbita or Wolf.

[tomchicago]

Originally Posted by Mystro

I have been using a Orbita winder for 12 years. I love it. Stick with a programmable winder from Orbita or Wolf.

Mystro do you find that time on the winder regulates your watch (versus laying it flat)?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

all RSC says re: winders is to use bi-directional settings. The Wolf 2.7 is highly random and programmable. Rest periods, etc.

Well dealing with Rolex Bexly for the last 30 years and with many visits and talking to the many watchmakers there.Not once did any recommend a watch winder for Rolex watches.But today Rolex have brought out there own watchwinder so watchwinders = very easy $$$£££££.And because Rolex watches wind both ways it don't really matter what program.And while on your wrist the winding rotor on average would wind more than most programed winders.The problem with most winders they just move in just one position only.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well dealing with Rolex Bexly for the last 30 years and with many visits and talking to the many watchmakers there.Not once did any recommend a watch winder for Rolex watches.

So true!

I remember when the 'official' position of ADs was that you don't need one. But when the Rolex winder came out, it became imperative that you kept the watch in motion.

Marketing hype if there ever was any.

[Bdel]

If it is a auto, you dont really need to wind it. When it comes time to wear my Polar ExpII for the week. I put it on when I am getting dressed in the morning. I eat breakfast and drive to work. Once at work, i set it according to www.atomictime.net. There is enough wrist movement for 1/2 hour or so to get it going.

[Johny]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

where can you find these?

at the ads.

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by paverman

IMO it's a question of how many watches you have in your rotation and what complications those watches have. For a simple no date sub, for example, it's no big deal to simply wind, set and wear. If on the other hand you're talking about day/dates, annual or perpetual calanders, it becomes more of a hassle to re-set after setting "dead" for a period of time.

I have two quad winders in operation that keeps all my beauty's breathing and I love the idea of just reaching in, selecting my daily wear and heading out the door.

My only experience with winders is with Rotolution. They offer dual and quad models that are simply beautiful and at what I believe are very competitive prices (for what you get). Mine are a rich cherry wood with glass, lockable doors and are completely programable. Each of the winders can be individually set to any speed in either cw, ccw or both directions. I would highly recommend.

This is what I use, but only for my Rolex's... Someday I will get another for the rest...

These are GREAT Winders, mine has been flawless for the last 1.6 years...

[sandcrab]

It seems to me that if Rolex wanted you to put your Rolex into a watchwinder than Rolex would be in the market of selling watch winders. They are not...you be the judge.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by sandcrab

It seems to me that if Rolex wanted you to put your Rolex into a watchwinder than Rolex would be in the market of selling watch winders. They are not...you be the judge.

I'm guessing you haven't seen the new Rolex Watch Winder.

$850 for a single winder. ADs now say a winder is a great idea!

[George Ab]

They are fine sitting, and winding every month or so. That said, I love mine. For those that don't like winders, they have never owned a non-quickset date watch.

Here is an article on watchwinders: http://www.timezone.com/library/itsa...78004898352948

Sometimes you can find the MTE (JFA) for a couple hundred bucks on the boards. I have had mine for over ten years. I have it set up on timer inside my safe, silent and nice. Just grab a watch and go. I prefer the metal holders (appropriately protected) vice the plastic as the plastic break over time. I just missed two (each) that sold on an auction site for $100 shipped.

Cyclotest/Cyclomatic is another relative inexpensive winder. The Automatic Watch Final Test Bergeon 5802 is a tad over $600. http://www.casker.com/watch-winder.html

If you have multiple complication watches it is a great way to go.

Then there is this guy... ya gotta love it. http://showcase.netins.net/web/patri...%20Winder.html