The Dangers Of Watch Winders - How To Buy & Use Them Properly - GIAJ#4 

Hello tgv, im 14 and i got into Watches because of you, in fact, you made a video about danger of overprice fashion watches and made me start my collections on Orient Three Stars and i could not be happy than this, and bought Casio Databank DBC611, And Orient Mako II, and i just want to say, Thank You

First I get three hearts on my comments, now one is actually featured in a video.... nothing like a creator that engages with the community. Thank you for your time!

A bit misleading. Let's face it, a movement is wearing out all the time it's running. Modern automatics cannot be 'over-wound', the mainspring is carefully designed to slip in the barrel once fully wound. An inexpensive winder that has selectable rotation and timer will cause no more appreciable wear than wearing the watch. A watch that's rested will wear less since the movement will be dormant, but setting the time & date regularly will put wear onto the day/date ratchets & pawls & the drivetrain clutches. So you're trading wear on some items for wear on other items. In general, the autowind mechanism is designed to be more resilient/tolerant to wear than the setting mechanisms. Daily wear is the ideal, however, given the choice of a winder or manually resetting the watch every few days, the winder gets my vote.

My wife used this video to buy me a watch winder for Christmas and I am over the moon. Big thank you TGV for your good work as it has landed me a Wolf and somehow added to the insane amount of love I have for my wife.

I put my Seiko in my watch winder, now it’s a Rolex.

4:05 the way he smiles when he speaks about his watches u know he’s in love with them!!

You have got to admit, a whole wall of watch winders does look pretty cool though

Rumor has it, if you put a G-Shock in one of these things, it will release the nanobots inside...

Power your automatic with electronics ! Now it's basically like a Quartz ., but with more hassle.

So my drill and zip ties should just be used for interrogations and not winding watches?

Made my Friday in a jiffy! Thanks for another outstanding video, sir.

I've had my Wolf Designs Meridian winder for over four years and it works just as well now as it did when new. Thanks for the informative video.

Bought a Spaceview from your recommended Ebay seller and i have to say its now my favorite watch of my small collection! Keep up the amazing work my friend!

Great advice. My son got me a Wolf for Christmas 2 years ago and I haven’t appreciated how good they are until now.

I use Versa winders from Amazon for my 4 automatics. They have four different TPD settings - 350, 650, 850, 1050. All of my watches require 650 TPD for continued use. I use my Orient power reserve watch to give a loose approximation of how wound the other watches that I haven't been wearing are. When power reserve is at or close to max I switch all of my winders down to 350 TPD. When it's down to 25% power reserve, I switch them back to 650 TPD. It's not much work and I enjoy actively engaging them every couple of days, they never need to be reset and they are not continually maxed out on winding. I'm not endorsing Versa, BTW. I've had mine for a little less than a year and so far they haven't broken. No idea how long they'll last beyond that.

While I would like to get Wolf watch winder, it costs more than most of my watches.

I had no idea you could over wind a watch! Really appreciate this information.

i put my casio f91w in a watchwinder, now its a richard mille

They make sense if you have complications such as moonphase or eternal calendars, when it takes you a long time to get them dialed in correctly after the watch has stopped.

Thanks for this information. I find that frequent use of the stem to set and reset time, date, contributes to the ultimate failure of the stem, crown connection to mechanism. Usually, the first thing to require service on my watches is the stem. For this reason, i use winders. Perhaps I do something that contributes to stem failure, but regardless, the use of winders for multiple automatic watches minimizes overuse of the stem and resetting.

Not just Wolf, if you're in the UK have a look at Barrington winders. Love my 2 watch winder, you can program various amounts of turns per day and change the direction of rotation and even lighting from a remote control or the unit itself. Very nearly totally silent too.

TGV, I have six Wolf double winders. I agree with you they are the best. (quiet, use both batteries and electrical, rotate both directions, and look great.) The reason for double is that allows me to stack them in my safe for a week at a time, running on batteries. Especially when I am gone for an extended period of time. Since most of my collection are annual and perpetual calendars(As you see me wearing a Patek 5205R-001) it behooves me not to let any one of them stop. From most of my research, there is no evidence that quality watch winders wear watches out quicker or extend the life of the watch.

Don't automatics have a "clutch" to prevent over-winding? I thought you didn't even have to worry about hand winding an auto due to its ability to slip.

I have seen comments on other anti-winder videos comparing a constantly running watch to a car that is never turned off. The mechanical forces inside the watch are so light all the moving parts can be stopped with the tip of a toothpick. The forces inside a car motor and transmission are so tremendous and need constant lubrication. Quartz watches have gears to move the hands, and those watches run constantly for years until the battery runs out. I have a Timex that is still going since I bought it in 2011, stopping long enough to have the battery changed every few years. I bought a 2007 Breitling SuperOcean six months ago. I did not know the history of the watch. It had to go back to the watch shop for a problem. The watch was sent to Breitling Connecticut for repair, and while there it received a complete service. All this was covered under the watch shop's warranty, so now I have a new old watch. I learned the watch is wound in both directions. My Breitling goes into an inexpensive but well-built winder at night, and rotates clockwise for four minutes, rests for twenty six, rotates counter clockwise for four minutes, rests for twenty six, etc. until I take the watch out in the morning. The Breitling is happy.

Bought a stowa marine 36 for my first watch after watching your unboxing and I love it! Thank you for sharing it helping me find such a beautiful watch.

Was told by a very reputable NYC watchmaker (affiliated with Sotheby’s Auctions) not to use winders. Just occasionally wind your watch when not in use. However was told to use an appropriate winder for perpetual annual calendar watches.

If you're using a watch winder that stops and starts and rotates bi-directionally, I don't see how that is any different than having it on the wrist. Of course I wouldn't buy a winder that constantly ran. Mine is pretty quiet and the indicator lights really don't bother me. I have it exposed on a dresser next to my bed. Just make sure you get one with a quiet motor.

I like your short videos that focus on specific topics. With regard to watch winders, I have one but don't use it. If I'm in a hurry, I grab my Apple watch or a quartz watch. When I want to wear one of my automatics, I just wind it and set it off of my phone. it takes about a minute :-)

Thanks a lot for (yet) a very helpful video. I was just about to buy a relatively cheap winder, but now I think I’ll leave it all together. Thumbs up!

My collection it split literally down the middle......1/2 are on winders, half in two storage boxes. The ones in the boxes get daily attention, while the winder watches I give a visual inspection....once a week they come out and are adjusted and checked. Been doing this for several years with no failure to the watches. I use only winders from JQueen. They have variable speeds, quiet motors, alternate direction, and are of very good build quality. Price is quite reasonable. Both my father and I uses these winders with great success. And while I won't go into detail about his collection, lets just say ain't no cheap watches there.....and all are on winders. And he has no issues either. Like anything else in watches and in life, if you do something and do it intelligently and pay attention, you'll be rewarded with positive results.

very informative 😊 thanks for making a video about this! not too many people think sharing the importance of a good watch winder

Thanks TGV for covering this topic. I think we need a definition here, what do you mean when you say "overwind"? I think typically, this term means on a manual movement, you wind it passing the stopping point, and damage the movement immediately. This is clearly not what you mean here. On a automatic movement, due to the clutch, one cannot "overwind" the same way as mentioned above on a manual movement. I think what you mean by "overwind" here is actually "keep the main spring at full power constantly". Can you clarify this is what you meant? If that is the case, let's see how different it is between 1) wearing a watch everyday; and 2) keeping it on a winder. Let's look at 1) first. Assuming one's daily activity is sufficient to keep the watch going non-stop, then it is FOR CERTAIN that by the end of a day (call it 10PM bedtime), the watch is FULLY WOUND. Because if it is not fully wound, say 90% at 10PM on day 1, it'll be only 80% at 10PM on day 2, and 70% on day 3, and eventually the watch will stop. So it has to be fully wound after a day's wearing. Now assuming the watch has 50 hour power reserve, and this person wear it for 12 hours, and put it away for 12 hours. This means, during the full night of sleep, the watch only releases less than 25% of power. Then it'll get 100% again during the day. So typically, wearing a watch everyday means its power reserve fluctuate between 100% and 75%. Is it pretty close to fully wound? I think so... If it is a 100 hour power reserve watch, then only release nearly 10% at night. This means wearing it everyday makes its power reserve fluctuate between 90% to 100%. Now when it come to 2), if the winder can be set to run 12 hours, and pause for 12, then it is no different from wearing it everyday. Let's assume the worst case that it runs non-stop, then the main spring is always at 100%. Are you saying it makes a significant difference to keep the mainspring charged between 75% to 100% (or 90-100% for a long power reserve one), vs. at 100% all the time? I found it hard to believe. If a watch is designed to be kept at 75% and above all the time, 100% should be fine too. An illogical implication of keeping full charge would damage the watch is that, the longer power reserve the watch is, the more damage one would have wearing it everyday, because it is closer to be fully charged constantly. Can you provide any technical support that fully charge constantly would damage the movement? which part specifically?

Hi TGV. You’re looking very well. I considered purchasing a watch winder, but then I realised, I really enjoy not only wearing and admiring my watches, but I also really enjoy the process of setting and winding them too. Whether it be using the ‘Seiko shuffle’ or a bit of a hand wind to get them going, it’s all enjoyable interaction with my treasured time pieces, so I decided against a winder. Onwards and upwards to the Gentry.

Getting a wolf watchwinder thrown in with my green Seamaster later. Wasn’t sure whether I should use it…this video has been so helpful!

I have my winders on programmable plugs (via an app on my phone) and only run for a few hours a day on the CW/CCW/rest setting. It's enough to keep them wound so that they don't stop, but far from fully wound.

I'm new to all of this, and have a few automatics, Seiko's mostly, that said one of the first pieces of advice I got was to let your watch wind down and rest, it does not take to much time to do the Seiko shake and set the time, and your watch will last longer. Good video.

Thanks TGV, perfect timing because this has been a big mine field for me. Just getting into ever so addictive hobby and wanting to look after my few automatics but didn’t want to get stung with huge brand costs so used the old faithful amazon, over researched and found something that seems to be working perfectly with alternate rotating 6m then 26m rest an repeat. I have some Hamilton’s & certina’s with different calibre movement but by no means crazy expensive and hopefully this wont over work the mechanics, but to be sure I’ll only use them for small periods and still allow the watch to rest.. all the best an keep up the great work sir. 👍

I got myself a cheap watchwinder a couple years ago. Lasted about 2 months before it failed. I didn't have any problems with overwinding as I was able to set the amount of turns per hour, but it is well worth getting a nice one like the one you recommend instead. Having a plastic one that dies after 2 months is just not worth it! Thanks for the overview!

Hi TGV Didn’t know about this problem with over winding. Logical if you think about it... I also have just a couple of watches in use at a time - one for work purposes and another for my spare time. The others are resting - after all you are wearing the movement when you use the watch. But it’s important to have them up & running every now and then, keeping the oils floating. Keep up the good work👍

I don't own watch winder so I'm safe, I like to wind them my self every time I wear them, so like you said a won't damage the watch, Thank you my friend great advice 👍✌🤟 have a wonderful weekend love the explorer nice piece...

Am i the only one that absolutely loves the Chronoswiss shown in the watchwinder? This one is just pure class. And Chronoswiss is one of the first brands i really knew because my dad owns a Chronoswiss Lunar for over 10 years. Juts glad to see one in your video!

I have the same orange Wolf winder you have, and it's nice to know it was money well spent. It's also surprisingly quiet, I can have it on my desk perhaps 2 meters away from me as I sleep and not hear it.

I bought the Wolf Heritage 270402 a month ago before coming across this video. It has extra storage on top for additional watches or straps. Glad I made the choice based on your recommendation in this video. I believe it has 900 turns a day along with an alternate direction setting and a 12 hour delay option as well. Always have it set with the 12 hour delay. Seiko Sarb033 and Citizen NB3010-52A currently. Love your channel and thanks for all the advice you pass along!

I am my watch winder .., How do I know if I'm high-end .?

I see it as an excellent investment especially since one winder can serve all of your watches ..... a small percentage of one watch to get a high end single winder is a no brainer used appropriately ...... Excellent video 👊🇺🇸😎

That's just told me exactly what I needed to know in one short video. Thanks. Great channel by the way, love your style of videos. 👍

I never really thought about this until I saw a Watches TV video where they showed an Urwerk with a 'service gauge' on the back... which made me realise that watches aren't dissimilar to cars in that servicing is not dependent on time (people always talk in years) but on use. Watches can sit in a shop for years unsold, but they don't need servicing.

First, I like the channel. Second, I like the new short-form videos. Third, I have to disagree with you on this subject. BOXY winders offer 15 different options for number of turns per day which should cover virtually all watches. they also divide the number of turns so that it does a calculated number of turns per hour and then rests. Boxy's also have selectable rotation directions; clockwise, counter-clockwise and bi-directional. Since turns per day information is readily available, no watch in a winder set for the correct turns per day should ever become over-wound. Therefore, no damage is done and the next time you wear your watches, they will have the correct time.

Great review. I would say though that there are many other decent winders than Wolf and even cheap winders can be used safely. The key to to find out the watch's ideal turns per day (TPD) and use the winders built in settings and/or a timer so as not to wind beyond that number.

While I usually find TGV's videos the best and most informative reviews (love the history part of reviews) I kind of feel these new line of videos are just a way to release sponsored content. I would like a clear statement this video was not sponsored by wolf. There are many other winder brands that offer the recommended specs, even cheaper ones. And I remember pretty clearly TGV used to have a more affordable 2 watch winder that is not mentioned in the video. I understand youtubers need sponsors. However, I would really appreciate everybody were straightforward about it. Still a useful an informative video. Thank you and best greetings from Barcelona!

Thank you so much for all that you do. I really do appreciate your calm level headed approach to Horology. Watches are such a personal and dear item to those of use that collect them. To me it doesn't matter what you collect, only that you love what you collect. Mine make me happy, I care so much about them. They represent the most valuable thing we all have which is time. It's more precious than Gold, Diamonds or Jewels. You can buy more of it at any price. So to me a device that keeps me aware of my time and how it goes by me, is priceless. Thank you again Craig

How he stretches a 1-minute video into a 7:24 is nothing short of amazing. Rambling after rambling and then more rambling.

Versa watch winders are fully programmable 4 settings for number of rotations per day. Unidirectional or bidirectional. They work just fine.

I love watches, I currently have a diamond Dior a Diamond Tag formula 1 and a Tag Carrera, I’m now purchasing the Breitling diamond Chronomat 36 which brought me here reviewing the Wolf winder, thanks for the upload some great information!

TGV...I was about to ask you about watch winders and how you maintain all your automatic watches but you answered them here. Thank you very much! Love your channels! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

this has helped me a lot. i wasn't really sure what i should get for a winder. so thank you

Good advice here TGV. I think watch winders could be very useful for watches with moonphase and calendar complications. My moonphase and calendar watches are basically time only watched with pretty looking dial since I only set the time when I wear them.

I personally never use winders. A lot of people feel they do no damage, but as you said, there is the potential of over winding. But I always view a movement for what it is, a machine. And like all machines we will never escape wear and tear. When not in motion, it can’t create wear🍻

looks like times have changed since you made this video - I have watch winders that have five programs, which includes left and right rotation, (as you know some automatics are not bi directional) - along with time breaks - for example run for 3 hours left and right rotation every 15 mins then stop for 9 hours.. gives the main spring a chance to run down , even stop. start left, right 6 mins each direction rest... repeat.. and they cost 1/4 of the price a WOLF cost - another item in this video you talk about over winding ? - I had been taught that almost all "good" automatics have a clutch system that will prevent main spring over wind, was this not the case 3 years ago ?? - Love the videos as you can see I am playing catch up - Keep up the good work.

Fantastic video as always! Very helpful especially for someone young like me trying to understand this passion just that bit better!

I love grabbing a watch off the winder and just going. Plus I love watching my watches on the winders. To me it’s like art made of one of my favorite things!

I'm using a Flint S120 watch winder, it's a cheaper winder but it works pretty well. I use the setting that runs it clockwise for 2 minutes, 6 minutes off, the counter clockwise for 2 min, 6 min off. And I have the power supply plugged into an appliance timer so it doesn't run all day. On at 7 AM, off at 10 PM. One thing you mentioned was about was about motor failures. Instead what I had fail was a little "O"-ring drive belt in the gear box. It must happen on all of them as I have seen bad reviews. However I seem to be the only one that was able to fix it. It was all too easy and cheap. It's a rather simple mechanism, there's a motor attached to a gearbox, 4 screws to open it up. The old "O"-ring just split into 4 pieces so I was off to Home Depot with it and found the right size "O"-ring for it pretty quickly. A little over $3 for a 10 pack. I reassembled it and it's as good as new.

I like thr old BBC radio voice at the end of thr video that's indeed a nice touch.

Fantastic video with real usable info for the watch enthusiast. I’m certain that most folks can learn something from this video. Thank you!

Wolf are not the only firm that make winders that count the amount of turns. Important to be fair and accurate if making statements.

TGV, I have never owned a watch winder. I like to wear my watches for a while then let them relax. Great video Sir 👍🇮🇹😊⌚😉

Glad I saw this before buying a watch winder. Really like this new series.

Good points, TGV, however, I do know of a RU-vidr called the Time Teller who keeps his Omega on a winder because the 1020 movement inside can easily be damaged by setting the date and time.

Wind your watch before bedtime, and change your mind about what to wear the following morning! Lol.... I'm my watch winder and keeper, I will let it die out on my watch!!! Lol, great video!

I wish you'd have explained why the watch winders over wind the watch? Is it because the cheap ones run all of the time?

Great video. Thanks for the tips. Leads me to a conclusion that if a watch is in your rotation you should have a good idea of it’s power reserve and know to wind it when needed. If it’s not in your rotation, store it and plan to reset it when you’re ready to wear it again.

This may be a stupid question, but: If constant movement of a watchwinder overwinds a watch - what about very active people? Should I not wear an automatic watch for a day-long hike?

TGV you are a legend, I always seek your advice first regarding watches I always wondered about watch winders and now I've seen this video. All quality stuff.

SO TRUE!! I find it is better to keep them in rotation and just wear them more frequently.

I have a cheap winder from Amazon. You can select both rotation directions, or alternating option. I can also select between 4 different settings - number of rotations per day, 350, 650, 850 and 1050, plus an option to turn on light during its function. It was around 90 USD and for that price I think it is a steal. I use to wind-up my "work watch", because I am using it only couple of days in the week.

I use Boxy watch winders. I have 2 stacks of 4 on a 4 power base that takes just one power input.

Paused the video to comment this, about watch winders over winding your watch Hang on, if a watch winder can over wind your mechanical watch, does that mean wearing your watch the whole day when it's already fully wound also over winds it? Because it's essentially the same thing isn't it? The watch winder winds your watch by moving it, and when you wear your watch you are also winding it by moving it

The Wolf Winder counts how many times it turns So, like, when I wear my watch for a full day, do I also have to count how many times I swing my arm so that I don't inadvertently over wind it

TGV, thank you for your interesting channel . Allow me to add my2cents to the topic: I don't see how technically an automatic watch can be over wound. It lies within the principle of an automatic watch that the clutch releases the spring from the winding mechanism once it is totally wound. I agree, that I don't want the spring to be under 100% tension all the time as this would fatigue the spring and therefore (and because of the wear) one should not store an automatic watch in a winder, but to hold it wound up for a couple of days, the cheapest watch winder will do the job and can do no harm. For little money (~ 50 $) you can find nicely made winders with different programs to run (rotating directions and speed). The inferior quality argument is value under aspects of sustainability but apart from that: What's the loss if a 20$ winder kicks the bucket after a while unless the 300$ model (like your suggested Wolf) doesn't last at least 15 times longer. Let's say: 2 to 30 years ;-) Sure: Under the sustainability aspect I do very much prefer things that are well made...

So if you own one watch and wear it every day does that ruin it also?

Great info. I was correct in thinking spend my money on another watch instead of a watch winder. Besides I'm just not that lazy that I can't just reset and wind my own watch when needed.

I have a Hamilton Khaki Field, winding with the crown is actually a very bad thing. I used to do that, and had to send the watch in for servicing after4 months. Turn the crown and the rotor spun around. I looked into this issue, and a watch winder is highly recommended for this watch.

Hello TGV! Great to see you again! Thanks for sharing your advices about such an important subject like this. I haven’t used any watch - winder yet. Once my watches stop, I manually set and wind them before use them again and actually have been trying to keep them work mostly, however that can easily happen, they stop once or twice a week. Best regards, Robert 🤝🙂✋

If you have a watch with no complications or just a plain old day date. If you really want to keep it going, just hand-wind it in the morning. I find 30-35 turns on an NH36 is enough to fill it up.

I have to agree with you on a Wolf Designs winder. The module 2.0 is absolutely brilliant. The only watch I'm hesitant to put on it is my early 50's Omega Seamaster with the cal. 342 bumper movement. In order to wind properly, it needs an oscillating or swinging motion rather than the perfect spin of a winder. Parts are so scarce and the pendulum action is so violent, it's probably for the best that it gets rest when I'm not wearing it.

Love the video chum!!!! Just bought a longines hydroconquest automatic so I need all the advise an loving care you can give me😊

Wolf winders 👍🏻. I’ve used them for a decade or more on my watches. I’ve never had an issue with them. I rotate my watches generally once a week so absent a winder I’d be resetting my watches every time I change them (not a huge issue for watches with few complications, but a big deal for watches with many complications). It’s great to just be able to switch out

No watch winder here, I just wind them myself when I wear them. Not a big deal if I have to spend a few minutes in the morning to set the watch.

The Orbita Sparta 1 is a great winder... silent, and mimics the back and forth motion of your arm.

Just got my first watch and didn't know there was more to it when the winders spinning

Love this series, keep it coming sir! Onward and upward!! HWU

I have a relatively cheap winder. It winds on a 2-minute, 6-stop, 2-the-other-way cycle, and when I take watches out, they are never fully wound. If anything, I don't think the cycle will ever fully wind the watch.

I'm so very pleased to have found this channel.

One important point you missed. I wear my watches a lot and rotate but when you constantly have to Wind your Automatic after it stops, you risk breaking the Crown Stem and literally snapping it in half. That happened to me on two different Rolexes. Too much wear and tear on the crown can be just as strenuous as overwinding on a Winder. So just buy the best Winder toucan that counts winds and stops to rest. There is no easy answer.

my main man back always cheers me up

I have a manual watch but I think the display of a watch winder is cool. Would putting a manual in a watch wider damage it or does it make no difference?

Question. How do you know when its time to service your watch??

It's as you said. Watch Winders are not bad per se. 😊 The question is how to use them. 👍

32$ cheap winder i bought is bi-directional, pauses, has rotation speed selector, and Japanese motor. Just like a casio, you can have your cake and eat it too

Do you periodically wind your watches that are in the safe, or does it matter if they stay stopped for a long period of time?