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Watch winders for Breitling - or any other mechanical watch?
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Author:  Carlos [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:22 am ]
Post subject:  Watch winders for Breitling - or any other mechanical watch?
Is it just me, or are watch winders a waste of money (and more importantly, time – literally!)?

I’ve been favouring the GT – excessively, my Panerai Regatta Chrono somewhat neglected due to a mechanical ‘issue’ with the clasp – one of the little ball bearings was stuck, and I’d put off spending $200 bucks for some goose to fix it.

Anyway, the ball bearing worked itself free, and I’ve rediscovered what I’ve always liked about the Panerai. So, here’s the point: it’s working fine, despite 4 months of inactivity. I reckon most well made mechanical watches would require servicing much less frequently if they were ‘worked’ occasionally within a general hibernation state – as opposed to being constantly tormented in a watch winder. You know what I’m saying – so long as there is occasional movement to circulate the lubrication & give the springs a stretch, why not let the little bastards have a rest?

I’ve seen “new old stock” Chronomatics from the 70s - which I’m sure have never had a service - keep spot on time. What would have 35 years in a watch winder achieved? Is mechanical wear a good thing?

I’d be interested in the opinion of any mechanical engineers out there – are watch winders bollocks, or what?
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:18 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm not a mechanical engineer, but there is a school of thought that says a mechanical watch is much like a car, and as such it benefits from being run. People also say that crown gaskets on water resistant watches can wear faster as a result of being unscrewed all the time for winding. I've also heard that oils can thicken due to inactivity and a "pooling" effect can occur. However, I think Vanessa (Watchmakeress) on here once said that provided you wind a watch once a month then the oils will stay fluid and well distributed throughout the movement just fine.

To be honest I personally think all this about wear is pretty negligible either way. However, a winder is very handy from a convenience point of view if you have more than a couple of watches as it tends to be impractical to alternate 3 or more watches without one stopping. Additionally, watches with lots of complications - perpetual calendars especially - benefit hugely from being kept going as they are a pain to reset.
Author:  aleister [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:40 am ]
Post subject: 
:yeahthat

I agree fully with you. I haven't got my thumbs out to get a few winders myself yet and so far that means I have to set the time quite often, as I change watches. Mostly, that is not so hard thanks to the quick-set date, but the Navi Legende is a bit more time consuming since it doesn't have the quick-set date.
Author:  VillageIdiot [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Winding up my Navitimer for the first time was enough for me to know that I needed a winder!
Author:  Jerome [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's all about personal choice to me being able to get dressed open my winder and choice a watch without having to deal with having to set and wind it is worth the price of a reasonably priced winder :D

I'm convinced that a good quality mechanical watch can last a lifetime or more. With that said I'm not overly concerned that the winder is going to cause enough wear and tear to drastically shorten the lifespan of my watches. However, because I've come across this topic on a number of forums I decided to send a email to Breitling Service Center and this is their response.

"Your Breitling Super Avenger carries the calibre 7750.5 which winds clockwise and your Breitling Superocean carries the calibre 2824-2.5 which winds in both directions.

While keeping your watch on a winder will help to prevent the oil from harden, it will eventually result in wearing on some wheels and gears. However, wear and tear is the unavoidable result of any mechanical movement.

Therefore, it is recommended that a mechanical movement should have a maintenance service every 4 to 5 years, to check and re-lubricate movement parts and exchange worn parts where necessary.

Trusting that this information answered your question and we encourage you to not hesitate to contact us for any further information you may require."
Author:  Driver8 [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cool post Jerome. :thumbsup:
At the end of the day watches are meant to be used and as your Service Centre said, wear is an inevitable part of mechanical movement. A bit of regular servicing and things should be fine.
Author:  BroncoSport [ Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
Of course you dont have to have your watch on a winder, but in my situation I wear my SO Steelfish as my daily watch and the EVO is sitting on my Wolf winder waiting for the weekends. Now on the Steelfish, during the week, at night I just take it off and sit it on the dresser. Put it back on the next day. So far it hasnt gone dead, so appearently my arm movements and keeping it wound fully during the day. On the weekend when the EVO gets strapped on, I do put the Steelfish in the winder. Just so it will be ready on Monday morning.

I think its also important to get a winder that has both directions and a "rest" period. I can attest to the Wolf winders. I bought the entry level, single watch model. It retails for about $195 (although I paid less than half from my AD during the double watch purchase), but does everything you need and its quiet. So quiet that you have to put your ear ON the winder to hear it running.

Scott
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