05.06.2025
Watch winders explained
Function, benefits and settings for automatic watches
Automatic watches are masterpieces of the watchmaker's art - durable, precise and technically sophisticated. But what happens when they are not worn regularly? This is where watch winders come into play. In this article, we explain what a watch winder is, what benefits it offers, how to set it up and what you should look out for when choosing one.
What is a watch winder?
A watch winder is a device that keeps automatic watches running by rotating them. These movements simulate wearing on the wrist and ensure that the rotor of the watch remains active. In this way, the mainspring is continuously tensioned and the watch remains operational even when it is not being worn.
Why is a watch winder useful?
- Convenience with several watches: If you own several automatic watches and wear them alternately, a watch winder saves you the trouble of regularly winding and setting the time and date.
- Protection of complex complications: Watches with functions such as a perpetual calendar or moon phase display are often time-consuming to set. A watch winder keeps these complications active and saves you the hassle of having to reset them.
- Movement maintenance: Continuous movement maintains lubrication in the movement, reducing wear and extending the life of your watch.
- Presentation of your collection: Many watch winders are aesthetically designed and offer a stylish way to display your watches.
Watch winders: settings and variants
Watch winders are available in various designs - from single winders for a single watch to multiple winders for entire collections. The watches can be arranged horizontally, vertically or in an inclined position, which is not only functional but also allows for different design preferences. Many models allow the direction of rotation - clockwise, anticlockwise or bidirectional - as well as the number of turns per day (TPD) to be set individually for each clock holder. Typical values here are between 650 and 1000 TPD, depending on the movement. With some watch winders, you can even program a precise schedule to determine when the watch is set in motion. This allows you to take perfect care of your automatic watches and keep them ready for use at all times - especially with complex complications or if you wear several watches in rotation.
Setting a watch winder for CiRCULA watches
- Watches with Sellita SW200-1 (ProTrail, ProFlight, DiveSport Titan, AqauSport): bidirectional with 650-800 TPD
- Watches with Sellita SW300-2 (AqauSport GMT): bidirectional with 650-800 TPD
- Watches with La Joux Perret G100 (Facet): Clockwise with 800 TPD
What you should look out for when buying a watch winde
- Compatibility: make sure the watch winder is suitable for the size and weight of your watch.
- Adjustment options: A good watch winder will offer different TPD settings and directions of rotation to adapt to different watch movements.
- Noise level: Quiet operation is particularly important if the watch winder is used in living rooms or bedrooms.
- Power supply: Depending on your needs, you can choose between mains or battery-powered models.
- Design and workmanship: A high-quality watch winder not only complements your watch collection functionally, but also visually.
Conclusion
A watch winder is a useful accessory for lovers of automatic watches. It offers convenience, protects complex movements and presents your timepieces in style. Particularly with the automatic models from CiRCULA, a watch winder ensures that the high-quality movements - such as the Sellita SW200-1 or the La Joux Perret G100 - always remain ready for use. When making your choice, you should pay attention to compatibility, setting options and quality in order to get the best out of your watch collection. This way, you can enjoy precise timekeeping and stylish elegance at all times. You can find out more about our automatic watches and the traditional art of watchmaking at CiRCULA directly on our website.