Luxury watch ownership continues to grow in 2025–2026, especially with renewed interest in automatic watches, vintage models, and long-term collections. As more people invest in mechanical timepieces, one question keeps trending on Google:

Is a watch winder necessary? This article answers that question clearly and honestly, based on current watch trends, expert opinions, and real user concerns. It is written in very simple English so even a beginner can understand it easily.

What Is a Watch Winder? (Quick Refresher)

A watch winder is a device that gently rotates an automatic watch to keep it running when you are not wearing it.

Automatic watches use wrist movement to stay powered. If you stop wearing them, they usually stop after 38–72 hours, depending on the model.

Is a Watch Winder Necessary? (Short Answer)

No — a watch winder is NOT necessary for everyone.

But for some people, it can be very useful.

Let’s break this down simply.

When a Watch Winder Is NOT Necessary

You do not need a watch winder if:

• You wear the same automatic watch almost every day
• You own only one automatic watch
• You don’t mind resetting:
  • Time
  • Date
  • Power reserve
• Your watch has no complicated functions

👉 In these cases, manually winding and setting your watch is completely safe.

When a Watch Winder IS Useful

A watch winder can be helpful if:

• You own multiple automatic watches
• Your watch has:
  • Perpetual calendar
  • Moon phase
  • Annual calendar
• You rotate watches weekly or monthly
• You want convenience and time-saving
• You store watches for long periods but still want them ready

Modern Trend (2026 Update): Smarter Watch Winders

One fresh development in recent years is the rise of smart watch winders:

• Adjustable Turns Per Day (TPD)
• Direction control (clockwise, anti-clockwise, both)
• Quiet motors with rest cycles
• Designed to prevent overuse

This has reduced earlier concerns about overwinding.

Can a Watch Winder Damage Your Watch?

Not if used correctly.

Problems only happen when:

• Cheap winders are used
• Wrong TPD settings are applied
• The watch runs continuously without rest

High-quality winders are designed to mimic natural wrist movement, not force the mechanism.

Watch Winder vs Manual Winding (Quick Comparison)

Feature	Watch Winder	Manual Winding
Convenience	High	Low
Cost	Medium to High	Free
Wear Risk	Low (if quality)	Very Low
Best For	Multiple watches	Single watch
Long-term Storage	Helpful	Acceptable

Do Luxury Brands Recommend Watch Winders?

Most luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Breitling:

• Do not require a watch winder
• Accept both storage methods
• Emphasize proper servicing over winding method

So owning a winder is a choice, not a rule.

Is a Watch Winder Necessary for Rolex?

No, but it can be convenient.

Rolex automatic watches are designed to be durable and can safely stop and restart. However, collectors with multiple Rolex watches often use winders to keep them ready.

Is a Watch Winder Good for Long-Term Storage?

For short-term storage (weeks):

• A watch winder is optional

For long-term storage (months):

• Many experts recommend letting the watch stop
• Store it clean, dry, and serviced

Running a watch continuously is not always better.

Pros and Cons of Using a Watch Winder

Pros

• Saves time resetting the watch
• Ideal for complicated watches
• Keeps watches display-ready
• Useful for collectors

Cons

• Not necessary for daily wearers
• Cheap winders can be risky
• Extra cost
• Needs proper settings

Read Also: Wolf Watch Winder: Complete Guide, Models, Setup, Reviews & UK Buying Tips

Final Thoughts

Is a watch winder necessary?
For most people — no.
For collectors and luxury watch owners — sometimes yes.

A watch winder is a tool of convenience, not a requirement for watch health. If you value simplicity and own one watch, skip it. If you enjoy rotating watches and saving time, a good-quality winder can be a smart addition.

The best choice depends on your lifestyle, collection size, and habits, not marketing pressure.

FAQs

1. Is a watch winder necessary for automatic watches?

No. Automatic watches work perfectly without a winder.

2. Can I damage my watch by not using a winder?

No. Letting an automatic watch stop does not damage it.

3. Do watchmakers recommend watch winders?

They recommend them for convenience, not as a requirement.

4. Is it better to let a watch stop?

For long storage, yes. For frequent rotation, a winder helps.

5. Are watch winders bad for the movement?

Only poor-quality or wrongly set winders can cause issues.

6. Should I use a watch winder every day?

Only if you rotate watches often.

7. Is a watch winder worth the money?

It is worth it for collectors, not essential for casual users.

8. Do quartz watches need a winder?

No. Quartz watches do not need winders at all.