A watch winder works by mimicking a wearer's natural wrist movements to keep an automatic watch running, activating the internal rotor which winds the watch's mainspring to maintain its power reserve.
The watch is placed on a rotating support that gently turns the timepiece in controlled cycles, either clockwise, counter-clockwise, or alternating directions, with settings for the number of turns per day (TPD) to match the watch's specific requirements.
This prevents the lubricants from drying out, the watch from stopping, and the time and date from needing to be reset.
This video explains how a watch winder works and demonstrates its function:
How an Automatic Watch Works
- Rotor: Automatic watches have a weighted, self-winding rotor inside.
- Motion: As the wearer moves their arm, the rotor spins.
- Winding: The spinning rotor winds the mainspring, which stores the watch's power.
- Power Reserve: This power keeps the watch mechanism running for a period, known as the power reserve.
How a Watch Winder Works
- Attachment: You place your watch on the winder's cushioned holder.
- Powering On: The winder is powered by an AC adapter or batteries.
- Winding Cycle: A motor gently rotates the watch in specific directions (clockwise, counter-clockwise, or bi-directional) and for a programmed number of turns per day (TPD).
- Maintenance: This controlled motion activates the watch's rotor, which keeps the mainspring wound and the watch running.
This video demonstrates how to use a watch winder:
Key Benefits and Features
- Preserves Lubricants: Continuous motion helps prevent the oils inside the watch from coagulating or drying out, extending the watch's lifespan.
- No Time/Date Reset: Keeps the watch at the correct time and date, even if you don't wear it daily.
- Customizable Settings: Many winders allow you to adjust the winding direction and TPD for different watch movements.
- Power Options: Winders can be powered by mains electricity or batteries for flexibility in placement.
You can watch this video to see the internal mechanism of a watch and understand how a winder interacts with it:
