How to Use a Watch Winder Properly

If you own more than one automatic watch, you've likely experienced the frustration of picking up your second watch only to find it's stopped. A watch winder solves this — but only if you use it correctly.

What Is a Watch Winder?

A watch winder rotates your automatic watch to simulate wrist motion, keeping the movement wound and running when you're not wearing it. This means your watch is always ready — correct time, correct date, full power reserve.

Setting Up Your Watch Winder

Step 1: Determine Winding Direction

• Clockwise only
• Counter-clockwise only
• Bi-directional (both)

Check your watch's manual. Most modern automatics are bi-directional.

Step 2: Set Turns Per Day (TPD)

| Movement Type | Typical TPD | |---|---| | ETA 2824 / 2892 | 650–800 | | Rolex (3135, etc.) | 650–800 | | Sellita SW200 / SW300 | 650–800 | | Seiko automatics | 800–1,000 |

Step 3: Choose a Winding Schedule

• 8–12 hours on (simulating daily wear)
• 12–16 hours off (simulating overnight rest)

Common Mistakes

• Using a winder with a manual wind watch — won't work
• Leaving a watch on the winder for weeks — increases wear
• Using a cheap winder — inconsistent rotation, noisy motor

Our Archive Single Watch Winder features programmable TPD, directional control, and silent operation in an obsidian-finish housing.

When Not to Use a Winder

• Manual wind watches
• Quartz watches
• Long-term storage (months+) — let it stop
• Before servicing — winding a poorly running watch won't fix it

Explore our watch accessories including winders at Watchlove.