Best watch winders in the UK (2026)

A winder keeps an automatic watch running when you're not wearing it, so it's set and ready. It's useful if you own more than one automatic, or have a watch with a complicated date, day or moon phase that takes time to reset. If you have one automatic and wear it daily, you don't need one. Quartz and solar watches never need a winder. A winder is also convenient if you have an automatic you wear only at weekends: it'll be set and running on Saturday morning.

Each watch needs a certain number of rotations a day to stay wound, typically 650 to 1,000 for most automatics, and some need more. Good winders let you choose the TPD. The maker or online databases list the right figure for your watch. Too few turns and the watch runs down; too many is not harmful, as automatics have a slipping clutch that stops the mainspring overwinding, but it adds needless wear.

Some movements wind in one direction only (clockwise or anticlockwise), others in both. A winder that lets you set the direction, or alternate, works with any watch. Check your watch's requirement. If you can't find your watch's requirement, setting the winder to alternate directions works for nearly all automatics.

Japanese motors (often Mabuchi) are quieter and more reliable than cheap ones. If the winder will sit in a bedroom, choose a quiet model. The TOPWAY Japanese Motor version is specifically built for quiet running. Owner reviews are the best guide to noise; product listings rarely give a useful figure.

Most winders run on a mains adapter, and some also on batteries. Batteries are convenient for placement but need replacing; mains is better for long-term use. A mains adapter with a long cable gives more choice of where to place it.

A single winder handles one watch; a double handles two, often with independent settings. If you have more watches, larger winders exist, but most people only need to keep one or two running. If you have two automatics with different needs, choose a double with independent settings for each side.

Check that the pillow fits your watch, especially large or small cases and rigid bracelets. A soft interior protects the watch. Glass or acrylic lids let you see the watch but add cost. Watches on rigid steel bracelets can be awkward on pillows designed for straps; open the clasp fully and fit it over the pillow.

Cheap winders have motors that could, in theory, magnetise a watch, but well-made ones shield the motor. If your watch starts running fast after using a winder, a watchmaker can demagnetise it quickly.

A winder keeps the movement running, which means some wear, just as wearing it would. It also keeps oils distributed. Many collectors use winders; others prefer to let watches rest. Either is fine. If you're going away for weeks, it's fine to let a watch stop and reset it on your return.