Ref. 06 · Topic
Winders and boxes
A watch winder keeps an automatic running while you are not wearing it. It is a convenience, not a necessity: letting a simple automatic stop and setting it again does no harm.
- Common TPD settings
- about 650, 800 or 950 turns per day
- Direction
- clockwise, counterclockwise or both, by movement
A winder turns the watch for a while and then rests, repeating through the day. The turns per day (TPD) and the direction should match the movement: most need roughly 650 to 950 TPD, and many wind in both directions. Makers and winder brands publish the figure for common movements, so check it before you set the winder.
A winder is most useful for watches that are slow to reset, such as a perpetual calendar, a moon phase or a day and date you set often. A modern automatic cannot be overwound by a winder: a slipping spring in the barrel stops the mainspring from winding further.
For storage, a box with soft cushions and a lid keeps dust and scratches off. Keep watches away from strong magnets such as speakers and phone cases with magnetic closures, which can make a movement run fast.
Common mistakes
- Running a winder far above the TPD the movement needs.
- Placing a winder or box next to a speaker or another strong magnet.
- Buying a winder for a simple automatic you wear most days.
Pages on this topic
- Watch winder TPD settings by brand and movementHow to choose turns per day and rotation direction on a watch winder, where to find your movement's figure, and the TPD settings popular winders offer.Explainer
- Watch winder not turning: fixesWatch winder not turning? Check power, batteries, mode, rest cycles, lid sensors and the cushion before you assume the motor is dead or buy a new winder.Fix
- How to use a watch winderHow to use a watch winder step by step: pre-wind the watch, fit the cuff, set turns per day and direction, then check it after a day. Plus how a winder works.How-to
- How to store automatic watches when not wornLet an automatic stop, wind it weekly, or keep it on a winder. How to choose, and where to store watches away from magnets, heat and moisture.How-to
- Do you need a watch winderDo you need a watch winder for your automatic watch? When a winder saves time, when simply resetting the watch is fine, and what to look for if you buy one.Explainer
- Are watch winders bad for automatic watchesDo watch winders damage watches? How the slipping clutch prevents overwinding, the real wear trade off, magnetism concerns and settings that keep a winder safe.Explainer
Gear for this topic
- Best watch winders with storageFive watch winder and storage boxes from DUKWIN, Versa and Wolf compared by watches wound, storage spaces, TPD settings, rotation directions and power.Gear guide
- Best watch winders for automatic watchesEight watch winders from $150 compared by watches wound, turns per day settings, rotation directions, power source and motor, as stated on each listing.Gear guide
- Best watch winders for luxury watchesSeven high-end watch winders compared by turns per day settings, direction control, cuff or lock type, capacity and power, from Wolf, Barrington and Orbita.Gear guide
- Best single watch windersEight single watch winders compared on stated turns per day, rotation direction, power source, watch fit and cover, from Wolf, Barrington and Orbita.Gear guide