First, a watch winder is a case in which you can safely store watches with sentimental and / or financial value. In this manner, they will benefit from protection from dust, steams and other particles in the air that are not safe for the components of the watches. Most boxes will have a glass window in which to view the rotating watch, while still protecting the watch from the elements.

Apart from storing the timepieces, a watch winder will also offer an adequate display medium for valuable collection pieces. That is why a great deal of emphasis attaches to the material included in the production of the winders. A classical and elegant cherry or mahogany wood box with a fine, glossy display window will highlight the value of the piece displayed inside it.

Another purpose for the watch winder is, as its name states, to wind the watches placed inside. Automatic or self-wind watches function on the principle that the movement of a mechanical rotor inside the watch winds a mainspring. This mainspring powers the watch. The energy stored in the mainspring sustains the function of the watch. This means that a watch that is not worn on a regular basis will wind down. To prevent that, you need an automatic watch winder.

Not every timepiece requires a watch winder; a common self-wind watch, worn several days a week, will have enough movement to prevent it from unwinding. Nevertheless, if you own more than one automatic watch, or if you have a precious or antique piece, this surely implies that they will wind down and have to be reset. These watches will benefit from such a device.

The automatic watch winder allows for constant winding without special action from the wearer. It works by winding the watch rotor via an electronically controlled computer program. The back-and-forth motion of the winding rotor connects to a ratchet, which automatically winds the watch. The spring drives an escapement, which consists of a lever that moves back and forth against a gear, keeping the gear moving at a specific number of times.

Programs that are more complex and try to mimic more closely the daily movements of an arm replace the already common 'Turn and Rest' program. There are brands that have created automatic watch winders that function with cycles of clockwise, counter-clockwise and bidirectional movements. In addition, the best products use only smooth, delicate movements. This guarantees first class storage for the most precious timepieces.

There are many types of watch winders on the market. Some are more reliable, but also more expensive than others. It is a question of utility when choosing one of them. Not every watch needs to be stored inside an automatic watch winder. Only timepieces not worn at least several days a week, or a collection of watches, needs to be in such a case. If you need one, it is best to invest in a quality piece. It will guarantee the durability of your valuable watch.