What is a watch winder how does it work

A watch winder is a device designed to keep automatic (self-winding) watches wound and running when they are not being worn. Automatic watches rely on the motion of the wearer’s wrist to spin a rotor inside the watch, which winds the mainspring that powers the watch. When the watch is not worn, this motion stops, and the watch will eventually run out of power and stop. A watch winder simulates the wrist’s movement by rotating the watch periodically to keep the mainspring wound and the watch running accurately, preserving the time and any complications like date or moon phase settings.

How a Watch Winder Works

The watch winder holds the watch securely on a rotating platform or cuff inside a box or case.
It slowly rotates the watch on a turntable, usually sideways, mimicking the natural wrist movements that wind the watch’s mainspring.
The rotation can be set to occur intermittently rather than continuously, with adjustable settings for the number of turns per day (TPD) and direction of rotation (clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional) depending on the watch’s movement requirements.
This controlled rotation keeps the watch’s mainspring charged, preventing it from stopping and maintaining accurate time and function without manual winding.

Why use a watch winder?

Keeping watches running: If you don't wear an automatic watch regularly, it will stop running and you'll need to reset the time and date when you put it back on. A winder keeps it ready to wear.
Protecting the movement: Frequent manual winding can potentially damage components of the watch. A winder provides a gentle, automatic winding process.
For watch collectors: Collectors often use winders to keep a rotation of watches running.

In summary, a watch winder is a mechanical device that keeps automatic watches running by simulating wrist movement through controlled rotation, ensuring the watch remains wound, accurate, and ready to wear even when not in use.