This video will explain how to use a watch winder. If you leave an automatic watch lying dormant for a while, it will eventually run out of power. So, a watch winder serves to keep your automatic watch wound up while it is off your wrist. Watch winders are especially useful for automatic watches with plenty of complications, such as perpetual calendars or annual calendars. If a complicated watch stops working, you will need to readjust all the displays once it starts working again. So you can avoid this hassle by storing your watch in a winder while you are not wearing it. While there are lots of different watch winders out there with different specifications and operational features, this is a general guide.
Before you place your watch in a winder, you should first wind up the watch’s movement. Always make sure to remove the watch from your wrist before winding it. Winding a watch while it is still on your wrist can apply too much pressure to the winding stem, which can cause it to bend or snap.
To hand wind an automatic movement, pull the winding crown one notch or unscrew it from the case. The watch is now in the winding position. Turn the winding crown clockwise 20 to 40 times to fully wind it. An automatic movement cannot be overwound. Secure the winding crown back into place by either pushing it back or screwing it back into the watch.
Open the watch bracelet clasp so that it is completely open. Take the cushion out of the watch winder. Slip the watch onto the cushion, carefully turn it over and press the cushion down slightly to give yourself room to close the bracelet clasp. Close the bracelet clasp so that the watch sits securely on the cushion.
Put the cushion back into the winder with the watch facing outward. Close the cover of the winder and turn it on. Your watch will now continue to run as long as the winder continues to rotate.
Whenever possible, always refer to the official manufacturer’s instruction manual for more details on how to use your specific watch winder.
