Automatic Winder Question

[BigBoss722]

I recently purchased my second Rolex. When I ordered the new one I ordered a winder for the old one. That way I could switch it on the fly and not have to worry about winding or setting time.

I had the pleasure of speaking with my AD's watchmaker lately and he actually recommended that I not have the watch on a winder. He said letting it sit wouldn't be an issue. I've always heard and read the opposite but I guess with modern lubricants I'd have nothing to worry about just letting it sit; while keeping it running puts wear on the contacts.

Curious of what your guys' thoughts/experiences are.

[Hard_Six]

[Speed]

Just about 2 million threads on this topic. No worries, you're new.

Net / net a watch on a winder puts unnecessary use on your watch.

Do you keep your car running in the garage when not in use? Likely not.

Winders can come in handy for seriously complicated watches where it is a PITA to reset.

[Rockrolex]

Do a search for "winder" on TRF and you'll find many threads on this topic.

[BigBoss722]

Thanks for the reply Speed.

I'll be sure to use the search function next time.

Cheers.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Speed

Just about 2 million threads on this topic. No worries, you're new.

Net / net a watch on a winder puts unnecessary use on your watch.

Do you keep your car running in the garage when not in use? Likely not.

Winders can come in handy for seriously complicated watches where it is a PITA to reset.

Best answer regardless of where you look.

It's a personal decision, but I don't see the point, myself.

Winding and setting a watch are the least of my worries.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by BigBoss722

Thanks for the reply Speed.

I'll be sure to use the search function next time.

Cheers.

Again - not a problem...Point was you can get a huge range of perspectives. Some folks just like these devices for display purposes. I have to admit, there are some very nice looking units.

[drm20]

I was obsessed about finding the perfect winder. After reading countless articles, I decided on a nice watch box. I don't think you need one. Part of the joy is winding and setting it

[kilyung]

It takes literally what(?) 1 minute to wind and set a watch? A winder is a waste of money (better spent towards another watch or a timegrapher) unless you have an annual or perpetual calendar. Those are sometimes a pain to set.

[Tony64]

An endless topic of debate it seems, with spirited opinions on either side.

I'll add this one, according to A. Lange & Sohne: "Your Master Watchmaker Recommends: Keeping the rotor of an automatic watch in motion with a watch winder not only has a positive effect on the lubrication of its bearing, it also eliminates the need to adjust the calendar."

Use a winder, don't use a winder - it's all good. Don't be necessarily swayed by internal combustion analogies, or someone else's idea of how to best spend your money. Too many experts on a topic that's more about personal preference and convenience than settled science.

Myself, I use them for perpetual calendars and don't see much a need otherwise. I don't however feel that a quality winder will damage your watch.

Welcome to the TRF.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tony64

An endless topic of debate it seems, with spirited opinions on either side.

I'll add this one, according to A. Lange & Sohne: "Your Master Watchmaker Recommends: Keeping the rotor of an automatic watch in motion with a watch winder not only has a positive effect on the lubrication of its bearing, it also eliminates the need to adjust the calendar."

Use a winder, don't use a winder - it's all good. Don't be necessarily swayed by internal combustion analogies, or someone else's idea of how to best spend your money. Too many experts on a topic that's more about personal preference and convenience than settled science.

Myself, I use them for perpetual calendars and don't see much a need otherwise. I don't however feel that a quality winder will damage your watch.

Welcome to the TRF.

The main and only reason that some high end brands recommend a winder for watches that have many many complications in simply because some are quite hard to set.But with Rolex watches that have at most a simple date complication, a machine winder is not needed except the two attached to your arms called wrists.