21 Best Watch Winders Guide
To use a watch winder or not to use a watch winder?
A watch winder is a must-have to any watch enthusiast’s collection. For someone who owns multiple automatic watches, a watch winder is really a must-have.
An automatic watch only has so much power-reserve – often 24 to 48 hours, and the issue is that if you don’t wear your watch, it will eventually stop when you don’t wear it. This means that every time you are going to choose a new watch to wear, you need to wind it up, set the time, and potentially set the date and other functions, depending on the type of watch.
By using a watch winder, you ensure that your automatic watches are constantly charged with energy and hence do not stop. This means that no matter which watch you want to wear, it is ready to go.
What is a watch winder and how do you use it?
A watch winder is an electronic watch-storing device in which you put your watch to keep it running when you are not wearing it. When an automatic watch runs out of energy, it stops. But a watch winder rotates your watch in a way that keeps it charges and ensures that it continues running.
Automatic watches are loaded with energy by the movement of your wrist thanks to a rotor that rotates when subject to gravity and movement. But if you have many different watches, it can be difficult to wear them all within their power reserve timeframe in order to avoid any of them to stop. Furthermore, having to constantly choose watch solely to keep them running can be rather stressful. This is where a watch winder comes in handy. Whilst automatic watches can be manually wound, it is not always advisable to do so, as an automatic watch is made to be worn via the rotor. By keeping your automatic watch always running, you prevent the need of having to manually wind it when it has stopped.
Note that watch winders only work with automatic watches since their goal is to get the rotor to rotate and thus power the watch. As such, a winder won’t work with a manual or quartz watch.
Many people are afraid of overwinding a watch when putting it in a winder, but you need not to worry. Automatic watches are built in a way so they cannot be overwound. Furthermore, you can set most winders to settings so that they don’t wind the watch more than necessary. Because watches store energy, it only needs to be wound occasionally and not constantly.
If you only own one watch, a watch winder may not be crucial for you – assuming that you wear it all the time. However, even if you only have one watch, a watch winder can be a nice decoration for your home and a great place to store your watch when you are not using it.
But most importantly, watch winders are particularly helpful for people who own several watches. Obviously, you cannot wear more than one (or two) at the same time. And therefore, they risk stopping.
Having a watch winder for all your watches also helps you keep them gathered in one place and keeps them presented in a nice and appealing way that allows for easy access.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Best watch winders
Below, we have listed a large number of watch winders of many different types and the number of watches. There are a lot of watch winders to choose from on the market, but their main purpose is all the same – although some functions can vary. There are watch winders for only one watch, and there are watch winders that can keep tens and tens of watches running at the same time. The price for a watch winder is therefore quite wide, ranging from less than 100 USD up to several thousand for the most sophisticated and luxurious alternatives.
In the list, we have included watch winders of all types and designs so you should be able to find one you like. The cheaper alternatives will naturally be of inferior quality than if you choose to invest in a cheaper one. Also, the more expensive watch winders are often also made in higher quality and premium materials such as wood, carbon fiber, etc. Further on, we’ll also go through everything you need to know about selecting. watch winder.
Cheopz Safe Watch Winder for 6 Watches + Jewelry Storage with Lock
This is a serious watch finder for the most devoted watch enthusiasts. It is for someone who wants everything and more in their watch winder. This winder has space for 6 watches as well as 3 drawers below where you can place jewelry and other valuable items (or watch-related items if you like to keep things stored in one place).
It is built as a safe which means it offers great security for your watches. It has a solid steel construction with an 18mm explosion-proof glass window, dual locking bolts& a pry-resistant hinge bar, a detector alarm system, and pre-drilled holes for wall/floor mounting to prevent anyone from carrying it away. It also has a customizable 1-10 digit code. The winder has an LCD display touch panel on the door. The winders are powered by silent gear-driven Japanese motors. Via the LCD controller, you can set 5 TPDs & 3 rotation directions for each watch holder. You also have the ability to control the internal motion-sensing LED light on and off.
Apart from being safe, it also looks quite good as well. It is finished with a high-quality black microfiber leather exterior and red microfiber leather interior. The glass allows you to see the watches inside even when the door is closed.
Volta 31-560120 Signature Series watch winder for 12 watches
This is a perfect watch winder if you have a lot of watches. With space for 12 watches, it is enough for most people.
The watch winder has a really sleek design with a base that stands on metal bars. The winder has a carbon fiber finish. With the front glass, you are able to see all your watches inside. And with the LED lighting inside turned on, it will showcase your timepiece beautifully
This winder is not only functional but can also work as a really nice touch to your interior. Using the LCD control, you can set each winder to the desired settings for your watch.
CHIYODA Automatic Watch Winder for 24 Watches
Now this is the watch winder for the most devoted watch collector. With a whopping 24 slots for watches, you will likely not run out of space. And with the see-through glass in the front, you will be able to admire your timepieces, whether they are just sitting there or being wound. As a finishing touch, it has LED light built-in as illumination, so even in the dark, it works as a really sleek touch to your interior, but also makes it easy to access your watches.
This serious watch winder is finished in high gloss Black and Camphor wood patchwork pattern which gives it a luxury touch. Would you want any less for your watches? It has a soft velvet interior to prevent any scratches on your watches. It is equipped with an LCD control touch screen which allows you to individual set watches. The case also has a LED light built-in as an illumination. It is equipped with several different winding modes, both clockwise and counterclockwise. The motor is a Japan MABUCHI Belt Driven motor inside that is extremely silent.
Cheopz Safe Watch Winder Box for 12 Watches
This is yet another very serious and high-quality watch winder for the most devoted watch collector. It has slots for 12 watches and is also built as a safe in order to keep your watches locked and secure. This creates a good combination between safe+ winder, as it is otherwise difficult to put a watch winder inside a safe. Yes, this watch winder has a quite high price tag, but it’s not unreasonable when you consider it is essentially both a safe and 12 watch winders all in one.
It is very similar to the other Chepz safe mentioned above, but the major difference is that it has a place for 12 watches instead of 6 as the jewelry slots have been removed in favor of more winders. The case is made in solid steel with an 18mm explosion-proof glass viewing window which allows you to see the watches even when the door is closed and locked. Furthermore, it has dual door locking bolts & a pry-resistant hinge bar as well as an intelligent detector alarm system. Int can also be mounted to the wall via the pre-drilled holes in the safe.
If you want a high-quality watch winder that can fit a lot of watches, and keep them safe at the same time, this is definitely a great choice.
WOLF 456002 Viceroy Single Watch Winder
This is a single watch winder with a place for one watch. If you compare this single watch winder with many others on the market, it may seem expensive. But bear in mind that not all winders are created equal.
Wolf is one of the most famous brands when it comes to watch winders. In other words, it is not just any generic watch winder. The Wolf is one of the highest quality watch winders you can get on the market, so if you are looking for a quality winder that is robustly built and well-finished, this is a great choice.
The winder is finished in black leather and looks rather sleek. It has a glass window which allows you to see the watch inside. It also has a clever feature that is patented by WOLF, which is that it counts the precise number of rotations. A benefit of this winder is that it gives the option of both battery or power with a Universal Power adaptor. It also comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
9 Watch Winder with LED Backlight
This is a cheaper alternative to those that need a winder that can hold more watches. This winder has room for 9 watches. It has a clean design with a high-gloss finish. This enables it to blend in rather well in, for example, your living room, office, etc. It also has a glass cover that enables you to see all the watches inside. Apart from the 9 watch slots, it also has a large storage drawer with 2 watch storage space and slots for other jewelry.
The motor has 15 available winding programs.
It is equipped with a LED backlight that gives it a really nice effect in darkness.
Rapport London Evo Cube Watch Winder
Rapport London is another well-known watch winder brand that makes high-quality winders. This is not just any generic one-watch winder, but a qualitative and sleek one that will last for a long time.
The clever thing about this winder is that it is made to mimic the action of a watch being worn. Its cube shape makes it rather small and great if you won’t want a winder that takes up too much space.
As it is a product of quality, it is constructed in wood with several lacquer coats. Furthermore, the pillow for the watch is made in black rubber. The winding mechanism is designed to essentially be silent, which can be an issue with some winders that sound too much. The motor has several different winding programs which can be adjusted with the button.
It also has a rechargeable battery which means it can operate without a plugged-in charger all the time. Depending on the program, it can operate for about 35- 45 days using its battery.
Jins & Vico Watch Winder for 12 Watches + 6 Storage Spaces
This Jins Vico watch winder has a place for 12 watches as well as 6 additional storage spaces. Finished in wood and sleek black materials. Thanks to its sleek and modern design, it will make a perfect interior detail.
The Jins and Vico watch winder is equipped with blue illumination that lights up the inside in the dark. This makes the evening display of your watches really beautiful whilst also providing some light in dark environments and surroundings. It has an ultra-silent motor that operates very silently, as well as a glass front that allows you to see all the watches inside.
The Jins and Vico watch winder has a touch display from which you manage all the different operating modes and settings.
Orbita Sparta Bold Single Watch Winder
This is a unique and interesting one-watch winder. It has a place for one watch, but it is not built like your ordinary winder. This single watch winder is designed to make the watch hang free in the open air. There are both pros and cons to this. This means it is not protected, but also that it can acquire dust over time. At the same time, some may see this as a benefit as it looks rather cool, makes the winder smaller, but also allows for easy access to the watch.
It is battery-operated but also compact. Oh, it is made in the USA and has a high build quality.
8 Watch Winder with Telescopic Watch Holders
A watch winder for 8 watches. It has individually programmed rotors and 18 available winding programs. It is operated via an LCD screen.
This watch winder is available in a number of different designs and finishes.
This winder is rather straightforward and simple, and it is one of the more affordable alternatives for someone who is looking for a winder that can hold many watches.
Brick Stackable Watch Winder
We absolutely love this watch winder with a place for one watch.
Its design is really unique as the glass in front of the watch is domed. Not only does this give a great view of your watch but it also makes for a nice design. This watch winder is available in several different colors and variations.’
It is also quite small and compact so it can sit perfectly on your desk. This is a big recommendation from us if you are looking for a small, compact, sleek, and elegant watch winder for a single watch that won’t take up your whole desk.
WOLF 301853 Chloé Single Watch Winder with Cover
As mentioned, WOLF is one of the most established brands when it comes to watch winders. With that said, you won’t be disappointed with the quality of this one.
This watch winder has a place for one watch and is made in a nice cream leather design. On the top, the leather is laser cut. It has a glass cover and locks in a glass cover.
Like all WOLF watch winders, it comes with a 2-year warranty and the winder counts the precise number of rotations.
Heiden Monaco Quad Watch Winder in Black Leather
We absolutely love the design of this watch winder. Why? Because it is different and unique. Instead of being a regular rectangular/square shape, it is built almost similar to a speaker system, with a place for one watch per level. This watch is high-quality and made in premium materials. It has premium cross-stitched leather and a soft gray linen interior. It has room for 4 watches.
It uses Japanese Mabuchi Motor and Gear design. The manufacturer states that you won’t even hear the winder when it is on because it is so quiet. A great plus of course! The watch winder is designed in the USA. The winder comes with a 1-year warranty.
Heiden Monaco Eight Watch Winder in Black Leather
This is another winder from Heiden, similar to the one above. However, this one has room for 8 watches. As it is premium-built and rather large, it is more expensive, but it is reflected in the product. This includes cross-stitched leather and a soft gray linen interior. Furthermore, it has a Japanese Mabuchi Motor and Gear design which is almost completely silent. The winder has many different winding functions – more specifically 12 different setting combinations. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. It has a clean design with a glass cover so you have a clear view of your watches.
Versa Quad Watch Winder for 4 watches
This a more affordable option with room for 4 watches. But still, it has a rather clean design, with a stand for its foot that enables it to stand stable. It has a clear front cover and blue LED interior light that illuminates the watches in darkness.
The motor has up to 12 different setting combinations and will turn for approximately 5 minutes, then rest.
Triple Tree Single Watch Winder
We love this single watch winder as it is clean and will blend elegantly into your home. It is also priced at below 100 USD which makes it great value for money. It has a fine solid wood construction and uses an acrylic glass window which allows you to see the watch as it is being wound. Furthermore, the Japanese motor of which it is powered by is extremely silent. As it is small, it can easily fit into – and be a nice touch – to any office table or similar.
CHIYODA single Watch Winder
We love this single watch winder from Chiyoda. Unlike most other watch winders which are square or rectangular, this has a slightly oval design and a circular glass window which is reminiscent of a boat or Submarine window. It is powered by a Japan MABUCHI motor which is long-lasting and extremely silent.
The case is made in wood and is Deluxe Piano Baking varnished.
And at only 30 USD, it is one of the cheaper alternatives. This is definitely great value for money when it comes to watch winders.
WOLF 270102 Heritage Double Watch Winder
Another favorite from WOLF is the 270102 Heritage Double watch winder. Like all their winders, it comes with a 2-year warranty, has a really nice design, and is high-quality, made in durable materials. This winder has a faux leather exterior, chrome clasp closure, and control turn knobs with tempered glass cover.
The rotation program has pause and sleep phases pre-programmed.
Versa Automatic Single Watch Winder
This is an elegant and sleek single watch winder. It is really affordable, too, at about 40 USD.
It is powered by a Mabuchi Japanese motor and gearbox design with 12 different setting combinations. Versa Watch Winders are the Best Selling Watch Winders on Amazon. Of course, due to its lower price, you can’t expect the same quality and long-lasting durability as some of the higher-priced alternatives.
It comes with a 1-year warranty.
WOLF 270002 Heritage Single Watch Winder
This watch winder from WOLF is similar to the above previously mentioned Heritage model, but this winder is made for a single watch.
It offers the quality you expect from WOLF products. It features a glass cover, chrome finished hardware and lock-in cuff. It is made ina. Really nice leather that makes this watch not only a tool but a great-looking product that you won’t have to hide.
It is pre-programmed to 900 turns per day.
A plus is that it offers both battery or power options, so you won’t have to deal with ugly cords unless you want to.
JQUEEN Six Watch Winder with 7 Extra Storages
The last watch winder we will share in this article is the Queen watch winder for six watches. Apart from the six watch winders, it also has 7 extra slots for watches, so you can take turns with the watches you place in the winders, or where you can store manual or quartz watches.
It is powered by a Japanese super silent motor that, according to the manufacturer gives no running noise.
This winder has a nice design and is made in wood which gives it a sleek look. It uses acrylic glass and piano lacquer for wood. It is not only a winder but a lovely interior design detail.
Bonus premium alternatives
Watch Winder for 12 Automatic Watches
For the serious and most devoted watch collector, this watch winder with room for 12 watches is a must. It has a sleek and modern design with a carbon fiber finish and a large window at the front which gives a great view of the watches inside. If you don’t like the carbon fiber finish, it is also available in a few other designs as well. For better visibility in low-lit conditions, it has built-in LED lights which not only makes it possible to find the watch you are looking for but also to display your watches beautifully in your home.
It has an LCD display which shows you the information about the operating modes of the winders which are operated via touch control. The winding motors have 18 available winding programs with the ability to set the turns per day from 600 to 2100.
Automatic Watch Winder Diamond Decorated Walnut
For the devoted watch collector who wants a luxurious and high-quality watch winder that also works as beautiful decoration inside a home, this is a great alternative. It has a beautiful and luxurious walnut finish with a glass window at the front for good visibility of the watches inside. It is operated via touch controls and has an LCD display which shows the different modes. The watch winder gives you the ability to set the winders to different modes including direction, rotations per day, and more.
Itis powered by a Japanese silent motor with noise as low as 10 db.
Is a watch winder bad for your watch?
There are some people who argue that you shouldn’t use a watch winder as it can damage your watch, but there is little truth to this. The argument that exists is that if your watches run all the time, it will wear them out quicker, but the fact that watches are built to work constantly, and so operating under non-stressful conditions such as in a watch winder won’t really have excessive wear to your watch. A risk of not keeping your watches running, however, is that oils dry out, and also that you need to wind them manually frequently when they stop. This can be even more ”damaging” for an automatic watch over time.
How to choose watch winder – watch winder buyer’s guide
With so many different watch winders to choose from, it can be difficult to know what to look for and which to choose. Here are the most important considerations to make when deciding on a watch winder.
How many slots do you need?
This is naturally one of the most important considerations you need to make. How many watches do you have in your collection and how many watches do you want to keep in the watch winder to ensure they are always running? Even if you have a large collection of timepieces, you may not want to keep them all in a watch winder at all times if you aren’t planning on using them any time soon. This is because using a watch winder will naturally cause increased wear and friction to the movement. Whilst a watch winder isn’t necessarily bad for your watch, just like using a car more will mean it needs to be serviced more frequently, the same goes for watches.
But if you have, let’s say 3 watches that you constantly switch between, then naturally it is a good idea to opt for a watch winder with 3 slots. But it is also important to keep in mind that larger watch winders with more slots normally come with different modes, meaning you can keep some of the slots turned off, whilst others are running. This is a nice feature that allows you to keep all your watches stored in one place but without having the winder activated when you don’t actually need it.
Sound level
The sound level of a watch winder is quite important because a winder with a loud motor can be very disturbing, particularly if you have the watch winder close to your bed and activated during the night. In general, the more expensive, premium and well-made watch winders have motors that are less noisy. Oftentimes, the cheaper watch winders tend to become louder and noisier over time. This is why it is a good idea to check the specifications of the motor that is being used and see if there is any information about its noise.
Modes
The most advanced watch winders are designed with many different modes and settings. Ideally, you want a watch winder that offers many different modes that allows you to set the winders according to your watches’ specific needs. The modes we are normally talking about when it comes to watch winders are turns per day (TPD) and winding cycles. Ideally, a watch winder should have resting periods where the winder stops winding and rests for a bit. This is because a winder does not have to run constantly in order to keep the watches running. And the turns per day settings enable you to select how much the winders should rotate depending on the watches that are stored and how much you need them to be wound.
The purpose of a watch winder is to maintain the power reserve of automatic watches, and if a watch is fully wound, there is no need for the winder to keep winding as this will cause premature wear to the mechanism.
It is also good if the watch winder has a bi-directional rotating mode and does not just rotate in one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Quality
The quality is something you should pay close attention to because there is a huge difference between different watch winders. Quality covers everything from materials used to how long the winder will last. But most importantly, it relates to the motor. High-quality watch winders use high-quality motors that perform well and last for a long time. And as mentioned, noise is closely associated with quality. Cheap watch winder motors tend to become noisier over time and eventually even break.
Material and design
This is more of a preference thing and where you intend to place it. If you are going to keep your watch winder on display in your home, the material and design will naturally be more important than if you will keep it in your wardrobe. Watch winders are available in an endless selection of styles, designs, and materials, so you can be sure to find one that suits your taste. But to make it easier to find the perfect watch winder, it is a good idea to defined this before you start looking so you can narrow down the alternatives.
Holder size
Ideally, a watch winder should be equipped with flexible watch holders/cushions to be able to hold watches with bracelets that are in many different sizes. In addition, they should be able to hold many different watches in terms of diameter size as well.
Benefits of a watch winder
- There are many good reasons why you may want to invest in a watch winder. The most important benefits are:
- Keeps your watch running and ready to use whenever you want to wear them.
- You don’t have to set the time, wind the watch, and adjust various functions every time just because your watch has stopped.
- They look good and can work as a nice interior decoration in your home.
- They allow you to keep your watches stored together in one place.
How long can you leave an automatic watch?
An automatic watch has what is called power reserve. This means that when the mainspring is wound, it stores energy and keeps the watch running. Most automatic watches have a power reserve of 40-50 hours, although some have more and some have less. This means that if you have an automatic watch and leave it for about 40-50 hours without wearing it, the watch will stop – meaning you will have to maually wind it and set the time once you want to wear it again.
More watch winder suggestions
