An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a mechanical watch that is wound by the wearer's wrist movements. Behind this lies a whole mechanism. Indeed, the energy stored by the wearer's movements activates the watch's movement, enabling it to rearm the barrel spring, and thus wind itself. All Automatic Watches are equipped with a power reserve, which corresponds to the length of time a watch can run without being wound or worn. The power reserve varies from model to model and from brand to brand, but most mechanical watches have a power reserve of around forty hours.
What is an automatic watch winder?
An automatic watch winder is an electronic device designed to keep your automatic watches perfectly wound. If you have a large collection of chronographs, or if you're a watch enthusiast, an automatic watch winder could be the ideal accessory to add to your collection.
An automatic watch is a mechanical watch with automatic winding. It is equipped with a rotor that rotates thanks to the wearer's wrist movements, and this rotation keeps the spring always wound. Automatic watches also contain a manually-wound crown. If the watch stops working, you have to wind it by hand by turning the crown, in order to store energy inside the movement. The movement of a watch corresponds to the set of driving parts that enable it to function properly: balance wheel, mainspring, escapement, barrel spring, escape wheel, cogs, gears, etc. However, daily wear of the watch creates enough rotation in the rotor to keep it running for between 35 and 45 hours.
If you usually take your automatic watch off your wrist for more than 24 hours, a winder can help you monitor the health of your watch, and ensure that it stays perfectly wound and on time.
How does a watch winder work?
An automatic watch winder works by slowly turning your watch inside a case to wind its mechanism. It saves you having to wind your watch manually if you haven't worn it for several days or weeks. Watch winders are therefore a definite asset if you have several watches that you like to turn, and if you want to avoid your watches coming to a complete standstill, which could damage them over time.
The advantages of an automatic winder
Adding an automatic watch winder to your valuable timepiece collection offers many advantages, here are just a few:
- A winder protects your watches from scratches and abrasion.
- Keeps your watches dust-free.
- It keeps your watches wound and on time.
- Your tocantes won't lose any of their value, because their condition remains impeccable.
- It preserves watch mechanisms and gears.
- It protects your watches from magnetic fields.
- Very quiet operation thanks to a new-generation motor.
- It provides a secure place for your watches (key lock, fingerprint lock, etc.).
- Several rotation programs allow you to adapt the winding cycles to your needs.
- A luxurious, high-end accessory, it will enhance your collection of luxury watches.
- It drastically improves the life of your automatic watches, notably by increasing the longevity of moving parts and gears.
Which watch winder to choose?
There are a few different features to consider when buying an automatic watch winder. Since the purpose of a watch winder is to take care of your watch, make sure it's as well adapted as possible to your needs. The following features should be taken into account when choosing your winder:
Unit size
The number of winding positions is undoubtedly the most important feature when choosing your automatic winder. You need a winder that can accommodate as many watches with automatic winding movements as you own. This way, you'll be sure to always have your watches wound and on time. A little additional advice: make sure you take into account the evolution of your collection in the medium/long term, i.e. if you know that the number of your automatic movement timepieces is likely to evolve, then don't hesitate to buy a larger or smaller winder. It's sure to save you money!
Rotations per minute
Rotations per minute, or per 24-hour period (TPD = Turns Per Day), are extremely important when purchasing your watch winder. Since most automatic watches need minimal movement to stay wound, an adjustable winder will wind your watch in the most natural way possible and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Dual direction of rotation
Not all watch winders are made for all watches. Some watches wind themselves with a single rotation, and a double rotation could actually be damaging or counter-productive for this style of watch. You'll need to look for a device that allows you to specify the type and direction of rotation. At Portinot, the majority of our automatic winders are equipped with a system for specifying the direction of rotation.
Rest periods
As mentioned above, the natural wear and tear of a mechanical watch includes rest periods. Some affordable watch winders are not equipped with a smart function allowing rest periods for your watch, but the vast majority of mid-level and luxury watch winders do. The resting period is the most essential factor to consider if you want your complication watch (window, date, GMT, tourbillon...) to be in good health and work for years to come.
The power source
You're going to want a reliable power source for your watch winder, because if the device's batteries go dead without you knowing it, it defeats the purpose of storing your watch in a winder. Look for an automatic watch winder that comes with an auxiliary power source, or USB device. You can be sure that your wristwatch isn't simply stored in a beautiful coffin, but rather in a cozy little home that keeps running as long as your watch is stored there.
The design
With the extraordinary number of beautiful watches available on the market, there are undoubtedly an unlimited number of options when it comes to watch winders. Models in precious wood, bamboo wood, ash, oak, with a leather finish, or carbon... Custom-made winders to suit the design of a specific watch style are readily available. There are also complete winding boxes that can hold up to 24 of your favorite watches, and keep them wound simultaneously. Some devices also act as "safes", with metal locks, code or fingerprint releases... The sky's the limit when it comes to automatic watch winders.
Can a winder damage my watch?
The short answer is no. Watches with an automatic winding system have a mechanism in the movement that disengages the winding gears from the mainspring when it has been fully wound. However, you have to bear in mind that a watch that is worn naturally on your wrist has moments of rest during the day. That is, there are periods when the rotor doesn't move, since your hand isn't moving. Giving your automatic watch moments of rest is healthy for its internal rotor. If you own a watch from a luxury brand (Omega, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Hamilton, Louis Pion...), don't hesitate to contact them or check the user manual for their recommendations.
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