How to Choose a Watch Winder

A watch winder has one job: keep an automatic watch running, at the right number of turns and in the right direction, while it is off your wrist. Choosing one comes down to four questions.

1. How many watches do you need to keep wound?

Count the automatic watches you actually rotate, then leave room for the next one. Quartz and manual-wind watches do not need a winder, so they can sit in storage positions instead.

• One to four watches: a compact winder such as the Bamboo, Canadian Oak 4, Emerald Jade or Aura 2 and 4.
• Six to twelve watches: the Aura 6, 9 and 12, or the Roma series, which runs from a single watch up to 24.
• A mix of winding and storage: the Bamboo 4+3 or the Palace (3 + 5 or 6 + 5) wind some watches and store the rest.
• A collection that also needs security: see watch winder safes.

2. What settings do your watches need?

Every automatic movement has a recommended number of turns per day (TPD) and a winding direction: clockwise, counter-clockwise or both. A winder is only useful if it can match them.

Look your watch up in our TPD and direction finder before you choose. If your watches need different settings, pick a model where each rotor is programmed on its own. The Aura, Roma and Palace series let you set any value from 650 to 2,200 TPD per rotor, in either direction or alternating.

3. How do you want to control it?

• Knob or push-button: a small set of preset programs. Simple, and enough when your watches share similar requirements.
• LCD touchscreen and remote: individual programs for each rotor, plus control of the interior light.
• Fingerprint access: the Roma series adds a biometric lock, useful in a home with children or guests.

4. Where will it live?

A winder usually sits in a bedroom, dressing room or office, so noise and appearance matter. ZOSS winders use Mabuchi motors chosen for quiet running. Check the outside dimensions against the shelf or cabinet you have in mind, and make sure a power outlet is within reach.

Check the fit

The retractable cushions fit straps and bracelets with an inner diameter of 45 to 65 mm (1.77 to 2.6 in). Each rotor carries a watch of up to 450 grams.

Still deciding?

Send us the models in your collection and we will suggest a winder and the settings for each watch. You can also see the range in person at our Toronto showroom, by appointment. Contact ZOSS.