How To Use a Watch Winder

Benefits of a Watch Winder

If you have automatic or self-winding watches, it’s good to have a tool like a watch winder. A watch winder helps to keep your watches running when you’re not wearing them. When you don’t wear an automatic watch daily and keep it in motion, it will stop. And, if an automatic watch is left stopped for an extended period of time, it can become damaged. Think of a car sitting in a garage for years without being driven. Similarly, a watch needs to remain wound and running to keep it working correctly. Using a watch winder is one of many steps you can take to ensure the longevity of your timepieces. It allows you to properly care for and store your watches when you’re not enjoying them on your wrist.

Winding and Placing the Timepiece

After you purchase a watch winder, there are a few simple steps you need to follow to begin using it. First, you cannot place a stopped watch in a watch winder. So, if your watch has totally stopped, you’ll need to manually wind it. To do so, remove the watch from its box or your wrist. Then, locate the crown and unscrew it until it’s in the first position. Turn the crown clockwise for about 20 to 40 turns or until you feel resistance. However, keep in mind that unlike a manual timepiece, you can’t overwind an automatic timepiece. Once you’ve finished winding, press the crown back in.

Now, it’s time to place your watch in the winder. First, remove the cuff from the watch winder and begin to situate your timepiece on the cuff. Then, you’ll want to flip the cuff over, compress the foam, and clasp the watch securely on the cuff. Finally, put the cuff back inside the winder.

Proper Settings and Functioning of the Winder

Next, you’ll need to set the turns per day (TPD) and the direction. The manufacturer should specify the exact number of TPD your watch needs in your manual. If you can’t find your watch’s TPD or your winder doesn’t have the option to set the TPD, don’t worry. Most automatic watches need around 650 TPD. This will generally be the default setting. Most watches can wind bi-directionally, meaning every time the winder cycles on, it turns in a different direction. However, some watches have different specifications, like clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Next, it’s time to turn the winder on. Over the next few days, be sure to check your watch periodically to make sure it’s keeping accurate time. If for some reason your watch is not keeping accurate time, you may need to adjust the TPD or direction. If your watch isn’t keeping time after making adjustments, you may need to take it to a trusted watchmaker.

Watch 101 is Here for You

If you still have questions about how to use a watch winder, we’re here to help. We’ve added a brand new section to our site called Watch 101. Here, you’ll find a number of resources, like how-to videos, to help you learn more about caring for your watch.