Suggestion for Automatic Watch Winder?

Chazzozz on 17/04/2024 - 17:20

I bought Mrs C a watch for her birthday and it’s the first automatic that she’s owned. I have several myself and I don’t mind setting the time on them when it’s their turn in the rotation, there’s something about the ritual of it that I find really satisfying, but she’s not so in love with that idea. So, I’m on the lookout for a wonder to keep hers ticking. What do people on OzB have and suggest?

There are plenty of cheapies available on Ali or eBay but are these total rubbish? Do I need to splurge $300+ for a quality unit?

Fashion & Apparel Watch

Comments

  • Aldonis on 17/04/2024 - 17:22

    I bought the missus an automatic moon phase and while I don't mind setting time/date on my own I imagine time, date and moon phase would be annoying to dial in every time

    • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 08:23
      +2

      Based on some comments below I'm thinking I'll just tell her to adjust time as required and not bother with the date setting. (We have enough alternative ways to easily look up the date anyway so it won't be a problem.) Setting time is simple and quick.

  • Muzeeb on 17/04/2024 - 17:25
    +10

    I bought Mrs Muzeeb an Addiesdive quartz and while it keeps great time I didn't enjoy the night outside sleeping with the dogs.

    • Chazzozz on 17/04/2024 - 17:44
      +3

      Ah, I was smart and bought Mrs C a Tissot quartz for her first watch. She liked how it’s similar enough to a Longines she’s not looking at those any more.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/04/2024 - 18:14

        Nice one

      • AustriaBargain on 17/04/2024 - 22:16

        Nice, what woman doesn't want a $885 stainless steel bracelet.

        • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 07:48

          Good thing it’s dual-purpose and I paid far less than that for it. Win-win!

      • minty on 18/04/2024 - 08:48

        It's a clean and beautiful looking watch with the two tones.

        I just wish watch makers would ditch the 50/100m branding, it clutters up the watch face.

      • Shadowsfury on 18/04/2024 - 11:41

        Saving money!

  • Bargainitis on 17/04/2024 - 18:14

    Most WIS (watch idiot savants) will tell you to avoid having an automatic watch on the winder as it adds unnecessary wear to a watch. I'm more or less in that camp as well. Its like having your car driven while you sleep. It will add more KMs and you will need to service it more.

    Now if you (her) don't really care and its not an expensive watch, then most basic single or dual watchwinders will work. Shouldnt be more than $100 or so.

    • WatchNerd on 17/04/2024 - 20:45
      +3

      I usually say it's like keeping your car running in the garage but you went to another level.

      • Bargainitis on 18/04/2024 - 11:55

        that analogy doesn't quite cut it as keeping your car running in the garage doesn't create wear to the other mechanical parts of the car. The watchwinder does to the whole movement as it keeps all the gears running. Despite all the oils and grease used to lubricate the movement, wear to pinions, winding gears, etc continue.

        Put it another way, if you ask people who collect watches seriously, they won't have them on a watchwinder. Most of them are safe queens.

        Anyway, people make their own choices.

        • rumblytangara on 18/04/2024 - 12:01

          Most of them are safe queens.

          Is this a common watch geek term? Because it's a great one.

    • AustriaBargain on 17/04/2024 - 22:15

      God did not put you on this Earth to worry about watch KMs.

      • WatchNerd on 18/04/2024 - 00:14
        +1

        Nor to waste money on winders when it can be used to buy more watches.

        • LFO on 18/04/2024 - 09:57

          Or just look outside and guess the approximate time.
          No clocks/watches needed.

          And save all that money …

    • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 07:51
      +1

      Fair point. I always wondered about the usefulness of a winder, and you’ve confirmed my suspicion.

      Besides, as Watchnerd said the money saved can go elsewhere…

      • Ryanek on 18/04/2024 - 09:10

        A watch winder is not supposed to be used 24/7. Get one that winds 2mins every 4 hours for example.

        They're very useful if you have a watch with date complications. You don't want to be setting that every time you wear it.

    • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 09:58

      I've always wondered when you should service a watch.

      My automatic is about 15 years old now. I wear it most days, so it only runs out of power every second month or so (I try to remember not to go 2 days in a row without wearing it).

      It still keeps reasonable time (maybe 3-5sec per day fast). I reset the time when I need to change the date every month or second month.

      Will servicing it now lead to less repair costs in future?

      Also do they replace parts when servicing or just a strip down and re-oil?

      • Bargainitis on 18/04/2024 - 11:56

        generally its every 3-5 years subject to frequency of wear.

        A well kept automatic watch can last for decades without a service though. Its not good for the watch of course.

        • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 12:08

          When you say not good for the watch, would that mean when it is finally serviced, it needs parts to be replaced?

          Would the same parts need to be replaced if it was regularly serviced?

          I would service it more frequently but it keeps good time and is expensive to service.

          • Bargainitis on 18/04/2024 - 12:12

            @JimB: Most watchmakers will replace certain parts that are considered "consumables" during regular services. Often its the mainsprings, winding gears and sometimes the wheels (from the drive train).

            Overdue service means the chances that more parts need to be replaced increases substantially. Caveating that if you dont wear your watch often and it sits in your drawer for 10 years is different to wearing it frequently for 10 years. The latter obviously has a much higher risk of parts being worn down.

            Remember the movement is lubricated and greased to minimise wear. However, after 3-5 years, those lubricants and grease dry out or become consumed exposing parts to direct contact which accelerates wear and damage over time.

            Hope that makes sense.

            • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 12:23

              @Bargainitis: Great info.

              Would independent watchmakers be able to access parts from Rolex? I've heard they have been restricting access to keep a monopoly.

              • Bargainitis on 18/04/2024 - 13:04

                @JimB: yes Rolex has limited its parts for years now. It used to be on exchange basis. For example, if you want a new bezel, they will put a new one on but will keep your old one.

                I did go to Rolex not that long ago seeking a service and they now offer to "sell" you back your old parts…. seriously…

                But to answer your question, only some independents have access to parts now. Some have alot of old parts stored up and can offer them but its case by case.

                • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 13:55

                  @Bargainitis: In that case the independents may not be able to service the new movements.

                  The only thing I don't like about Rolex is they have a monopoly on spare parts and therefore who can service their watches.

      • Sensiekatie on 18/04/2024 - 12:24
        +1

        My husband is a watchmaker. At first look he will give an estimate and he will have noticed any obvious things that need to be done on top of the overhaul. The estimate will reflect this and list what needs replacing.

        An overhaul involves taking the watch to pieces completely. During this process he may find other issues that aren't obvious looking at the movement as a whole. The movement pieces are placed into a cleaning machine, rinse, dry etc. The case, glass and band (unless leather or other materials) are also cleaned and checked for any problems. Then the watch is pit back together checking everything works as it should and moves as it should. Parts that need oil are oiled. Adjustments and tests are done on its accuracy. Once together it is tested out of the case and on the bench. Then if all is good, it is put onto a device that will put it into various positions and keep it moving. This is a good simulation to wearing a watch. Sometimes they go well on a bench but not under these conditions, so it's just being thorough.

        They say every 5 years this process should happen and yes it saves money in the end. However some of the big brands are actually reducing this time to annual or biannual. They are also trying to keep the little guy out by making their parts unavailable. Then they can charge a fortune for their work.

        • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 12:28

          Thank you for the information, very insightful.

          Interesting on timeframe. Rolex have increased their suggested service timeframe to 10years for most users.

          Do Rolex restrict their parts in order to 'keep the little guy out so they can charge a fortune for their work.'?

          I prefer not to spend $1,200 on a service if I don't have to. If I have to spend $1,200, I may as well wait till the watch doesn't keep time (e.g. 1 minute a day) lol.

        • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 15:52

          I like the way your husband approaches his work, it sounds very thorough and complete. Does he accept mail-in watches? If so, I'd appreciate it you sent me his details in a PM!

    • maverickjohn on 18/04/2024 - 12:18

      Hmm I somewhat disagree, wearing it on your wrist will utilise the watch more than what a decent watchwinder will do in straining the springs etc.
      Since i have 6 autos, me not being able to use all of them makes sense to have them in a watch winder, particularly since most watches have around 40 hours power reserve.
      If you are only owning 1 or 2 watches, i'd agree its not really worth it.

  • dtc on 17/04/2024 - 19:32
    +1

    Do you have any children?

    • Chazzozz on 17/04/2024 - 19:56

      Erm…yes, but I don’t see how it’s relevant as they’re adults.

      • jv on 17/04/2024 - 20:39
        +5

        but I don’t see how it’s relevant

        It's not… dtc just likes to collate personal information from OzBargainers…

        He so far knows my middle name, where my wife has a tattoo and my dog's birthday…

        • Muzeeb on 17/04/2024 - 21:42
          +1

          Lol. I also know where you wife's tattoo is.

          • jv on 17/04/2024 - 22:02
            -1

            @Muzeeb: 😲

            dtc data breach…

            • Muzeeb on 17/04/2024 - 23:12

              @jv: Here's the picture I took of it a few weeks back.

              • jv on 17/04/2024 - 23:12
                -1

                @Muzeeb: wrong leg

                • Muzeeb on 17/04/2024 - 23:14
                  +2

                  @jv: I'm not showing that tattoo. Ozbargain is a family friendly site.

      • dtc on 18/04/2024 - 14:51

        they can wind the watch for you

  • yellowfever on 17/04/2024 - 20:42
    +1

    Just wear it every day? Then won't need to wind it

  • WatchNerd on 17/04/2024 - 20:47
    +1

    If you've got a pet dog or cat you could strap it to their collar when not in use.

    Or maybe you should have bought her an Eco-Drive.

    • jv on 17/04/2024 - 22:04

      If you've got a pet dog or cat you could strap it to their collar

      or just strap it onto a fan.

      • WatchNerd on 18/04/2024 - 00:25

        Constant circular motion won't do anything, just like a bucket of water the pendulum won't move. Gravity is a funny thing.

      • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 08:12

        You're both right, but in different ways. It would depend on whether the fan was balanced or not. If you strapped the watch onto a single blade that would cause an unbalanced force in the circular motion of the blade unit, resulting in a very eccentric path. The variations in the forces applied might be enough to cause the rotor of the watch to keep it in motion, too, thus winding the watch. (It would likely destroy your fan in short order, too.) Fun fact: it's actually an application of this principle (among other things) that helps an automatic watch to do what it does, the rotor is very finely 'tuned' to be slightly out of balance to make it more likely to tip over on a single axis when the watch is moved in three dimensions and thus keep rotating by itself. Because the axis is also attached to the winding mechanism the energy of the rotor swinging in space is transferred to the watch spring to wind it up.

        But, if you strapped watches of equal mass to each blade and this balanced it out that would mean the blade unit continues to travel in a very circular motion. This, in turn, would transfer equal motion to the rotors of the watches, and the centripetal force would similarly keep the rotors moving outward at constant velocity in a consistent direction. With no variations in direction of the force applied the rotors would effectively stay in one place and not move on their axes and your watches would eventually wind down.

  • AustriaBargain on 17/04/2024 - 22:14

    Can you return the watch and let her choose an ordinary watch, the kind with a battery that lasts many years and is super easy to replace? If you're into watches then you'll probably enjoy helping her choose one anyway.

    • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 08:16

      Ah, but you fail to see my cunning plan! By introducing her the wonders of automatic watches that also opens up the opportunities for myself as well. "Isn't this a lovely automatic watch? And look! It comes in a ladies version as well!" It lowers the cost of Spousal Brownie Points when having to explain the latest acquisition. (Besides, she already has a couple of quartz watches as well, including the above-mentioned dual-purpose steel bracelet you commented on.)

  • JIMB0 on 17/04/2024 - 22:16
    +7

    Can't she just use the clock on the oven?

  • WatchNerd on 17/04/2024 - 22:31
    +1

    Who needs a watch when you've got a phone?

    • jv on 18/04/2024 - 00:28

      Who needs a phone when you've got a watch…

      https://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch

      • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 08:18

        Your suggestion is about 3 years too late…

    • maverickjohn on 18/04/2024 - 09:28
      +2

      Troll post from the wrong person… my head is confused

      • bio on 18/04/2024 - 09:53
        +3

        Plot twist: WatchNerd doesn't own any watches himself, he only sells them and posts deals here. He hates watches.

  • Coops1 on 18/04/2024 - 08:04
    -2

    People buy watch winders to wind a watch you can perfectly wind by hand…..wow!

    • Chazzozz on 18/04/2024 - 08:19
      +4

      They sure do! Probably the same people who buy home automation to turn off the lights or open the curtains…which can also be done by hand.

    • maverickjohn on 18/04/2024 - 09:04

      I have 6 autos, so the watch winder is very useful for me.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 18/04/2024 - 09:06
      +1

      Come back to me when you have a watch with 6 time based complications and you have to spend 30 minutes resetting it each time you want to wear it.

      • maverickjohn on 18/04/2024 - 09:11

        you sound like my twin. coffee and watches … my two fav hobbies.

  • maverickjohn on 18/04/2024 - 09:03

    I use the jqueen watch winder from amazon and its honestly perfect, but if you want quality that will last you a lifetime, go the wolf.
    for reference this is the one i own https://www.amazon.com.au/JQUEEN-Automatic-Storage-Motor-Fou…

  • coffeeinmyveins on 18/04/2024 - 09:06

    There are plenty of cheapies available on Ali or eBay but are these total rubbish? Do I need to splurge $300+ for a quality unit?

    No.

    They are identical. Some of the more expensive ones have more features but unless you have a $10k+ watch, don't bother, just get a cheap one and be done with it.

    • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 09:52

      Why features would a more expensive one have?

      And what difference does a $10k+ watch make?

      • bio on 18/04/2024 - 09:55
        -1

        And what difference does a $10k+ watch make?

        If you can afford a $10k+ watch just buy the f-ing expensive winder. It'l look nicer.

      • coffeeinmyveins on 18/04/2024 - 12:56

        Why features would a more expensive one have

        If you have to ask I assume you aren't in the market for it, but think about complications like perpetual calendars, moonphase or any complication that requires more effort than a couple of winds of the crown to "reset". You don't want to be resetting those if you leave the watch for a few days and it dies, it becomes a PITA.

        And what difference does a $10k+ watch make?

        Difference to what ? Are you asking for a justification of a $10k+ watch vs a $50 casio? There's a million reasons why someone would want either of them. Watches are more than just telling the time.

        • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 13:57

          What features does a expensive winder have over a cheaper one?

  • Socialsuicide01 on 18/04/2024 - 09:21

    I bought a set of 4 boxy brick watch winders, it's a modular system. They come in many colours, are fairly quiet, lots of features and seem well built.

  • JimB on 18/04/2024 - 09:51

    I wouldn't bother with an winder.

    Probably has much hassle to put it in every time you take if off than to set the date even it runs out of power.

    I purchased my wife an automatic without a date function because she can go for days without wearing it.

    Also, usually I set the time for her. I don't mind doing it.

  • cimrak on 18/04/2024 - 09:59

    The winder I bought off ebay ~10yrs ago still works. Nothing fancy, but it does have a switch on the back for how often it kicks in - i.e. its not rotating 24/7 but can be set to rotate for a few minutes per hour etc.

    I'd assume that's still a common feature, although maybe not quite as fancy as the jqueen winder linked by maverickjohn.

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