The discussion surrounding the necessity of watch winders presents varied opinions, suggesting it's a matter worth clarifying. Let's look into why some enthusiasts deem watch winders essential.
Why Opt for a Watch Winder? Reasons Advocating for Their Necessity:
1. Convenience and Time-saving
Many users cherish the convenience watch winders provide, making them indispensable for maintaining their precious watch collections. They are particularly beneficial for those with multiple watches that aren't worn frequently or individuals whose jobs involve minimal wrist movement. By keeping watches wound, watch winders ensure they're always ready to wear, supporting a busy lifestyle without the hassle of manual winding.
2. Complex Movements Demand It
Owners of watches with intricate features such as annual calendars, perpetual calendars, or moon phases find watch winders exceptionally useful. Manually resetting such watches after they stop can be time-consuming and complex. Vintage watches, often lacking quick date set features, require tedious manual adjustments, making winders practically essential for maintaining correct settings without fuss.
3. Preserving Watch Health
Automatic watches contain lubricating oils to minimize friction between components, extending their lifespan and ensuring smooth operation. Leaving a watch stationary for extended periods risks oil distribution issues, solidification, and accelerated wear of waterproof seals. While modern models boast improved lubricants, minimizing potential issues due to uneven oil application remains a priority. Additionally, long-term immobility can shorten the lifespan of parts designed to flex, like the mainspring.
4. Display and Decor
Beyond functionality, a watch winder serves as a stylish display, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their luxury collections as art pieces within their interiors. A high-quality and elegantly designed watch winder not only enhances the beauty of a watch but also celebrates its craftsmanship as a piece of fine art.
5. Recognition by Watch Manufacturers
Some luxury watch brands, like A. Lange & Söhne, advocate for the use of watch winders, noting they help maintain the smooth operation of the rotor and bearings, eliminating the need for calendar adjustments. The inclusion of automatic winding features in accessories like those offered by Richard Mille suggests a growing acknowledgment and spread of watch winders within the industry.
In summary, watch winders offer a blend of practicality, maintenance benefits, and aesthetic pleasure for watch enthusiasts. Whether to keep complex timepieces accurately set, ensure the longevity and performance of luxury watches, or beautifully display a collection, the value of a watch winder is evident in several aspects of watch ownership and enjoyment.
