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Never knew they existed. How do they work? Why do you want one?

‘My Rolex dealer said that winders are fine for watches that are not used daily. He said best to have the watches serviced and stored, not running, for long term storage.
 
Never knew they existed. How do they work? Why do you want one?

Although it is less important with modern synthetic lubricants used today, it still can help maintain lubrication throughout the mechanicals. Think of it like a vehicle engine with cold starts, oil (lubrication) is not circulating, this is when the most damage occurs as you pickup up the watch, wind it and set it. A watch winder, even if it isn't actually triggering the mechanical winder will help maintain the spreading of the lubrication.

Also, another added benefit is, if the watch winder actually winding the watch, you 1) may be able to grab and go, without having to set the time and 2) you reduce the number of times when you have to manually manipulate the crown. Manipulation of the crown is what causes the most wear and tear on a mechanical watch (other than hitting the watch), less is better.
 
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Although I found a local guy I trust and use, some people only want the manufacturer to touch their watches. The benefit is they have records from the manufacturer for future resale value.

I know if I was in the market for a used fine watch, one that was manufacturer serviced would hold a higher value to me.

That's fair, it can be investment in the way an Apple Watch isn't. I would question the impact on a more entry, not limited/special model outside the first decade or so of ownership and the savings vs. resale. 3 services would put you back $2400 or so versus about $700 including shipping. Are you really going to lose $1700 resale on a $5k watch because you have 3rd party service records? That seems terribly unlikely. The value prop is far worse when starting with a second hand watch.

My point though is if we're comparing the cost of ownership, which I believe is what was being addressed, a fine watch can be less to own over time if you hold onto it indefinitely vs. buying a new higher end Apple Watch over and over again due to obsolescence, a similar amount of time to a servicing period. It seems the argument put forth is factory servicing is roughly the same cost so it's a moot point when it doesn't have to be.

At the end of the day they're very different devices, but I've had that Omega for 30 years now - the top of the line from its era - and have probably spent under $1500 to keep it in top operational shape. If I didn't need a smart watch and cared more about wrist jewelry that kept time it would be the better value by far.
 
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2) you reduce the number of times when you have to manually manipulate the crown. Manipulation of the crown is what causes the most wear and tear on a mechanical watch (other than hitting the watch), less is better.

How does a watch winder work then. Isn't it turning the crown?
 
How does a watch winder work then. Isn't it turning the crown?

watch-parts.png



Crown is how you set/manually wind the watch. Rotor is what gets wound on a watch winder.

But note, some watches only wind in one direction, and some require different cycles. So, you have to either get a winder that handles both directions and various revolutions or know what your watch calls for.

The crown is a delicate part, which is why you should never adjust a mechanical watch on the wrist. This applies unnecessary force on the mechanism.
 
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This thread started 9 years ago .. 2015, then some 2017 & 2019 comments.
Then off the radar till 6/2024?
Have to say someone using the search feature is welcome .. usually
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This thread started 9 years ago .. 2015, then some 2017 & 2019 comments.
Then off the radar till 6/2024?
Have to say someone using the search feature is welcome .. usually
906703a3063e362c244a230dea26b14a.jpg

a34764fe6f3266ae970ca0674655f8ef.jpg

Why start a new thread about the same topic when it’s been sporadically used over the years? Maybe the search feature was used, hence how the thread was found in the first place.
 
Reading through this thread I just want to share my opinion, an Apple Watch can in no way be compared to a Rolex or any other fine timepiece.
My personal experience, having a small, fine watch collection, Rolex, omega, Cartier, and a Breitling, I sold my Rolex about two years ago because it just sat in a safe for over 20 years, and I will get around to Selling the others.
Being disabled, I cannot even wear an automatic watch anymore because my left hand cannot move enough to self wind the watch. I started with an Apple Watch almost 2 years ago and have become fascinated with it and the bands. I now own a Series 8 aluminum for sleep tracking, a series 9 SS, a series 9 Hermes SBSS and an Ultra along with almost 100 original Apple bands including about 20 Hermes bands.
I enjoy this collection so much wearing a different band each day and switching out the watch to suit my mood.
Aside from monetary value, the high end watches just don’t do it for me anymore, but in the end to each his own and of course his budget.
 
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