Watch winder?

[Chocaholic]

Seem to have been bit by the watch bug lately. Just acquired another automatic watch (Omega Sea Chrono in transit). I use a winder to avoid the hassle of resetting, but it's really not that much hassle.

Is there a reason beyond convenience to use one? Is it better for the movement to stay running all the time, even during weeks of downtime? I would think that letting them simply stop and rest would reduce wear and extend service intervals, or is it worse to unscrew the crown and reset each time?

Thoughts?

[Rick Lee]

I use one, but it doesn't keep my watches running perfectly. I rotate watches once a week between three of them. So each one spends two weeks at a time on the winder. My old Breitling and newest Sinn stay within seconds of the correct time. My Sinn U2 only stays accurate when it's on my arm and can slow down by as much as several hours while on the winder for two weeks. I just like having them running all the time. And if you have a chronograph, using it will run the reserve down real fast if only powered by the winder.

[shadowjack1]

Winders are good as well as wearing them. But every once in a while, about once a month, wind the watch with the stem the old fashioin way. If you never move the stem, the oils will gum up and cause a problem with the winding mech.

[RPKESQ]

Watch winders can be more complicated than they first appear.

Some are simple, one direction with simple timing controls.

Some are programmable as to rotation direction, duration of rotation, programed reverse rotation, etc.

Automatic or self winding watches need to be exercised. Like all precision machinery non-use is abuse. Also proper maintenance is required. Most should be cleaned, lubricated, adjusted and the seals replaced every 5 years. Some sooner some later.

But a good winder is a good investment if you have a quality mechanical watch.

Quality mechanical watches are adjusted so that the greatest average accuracy is on the wrist. They will often vary much more off the wrist.