The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Technically speaking, I am curious to learn if it is better to use a watch winder when not "using" the watch during small periods of time, or "popping" the crown out and leaving it be until you decide to wear it again. I guess my next question would be... which would probably cause faster servicing?

For argument sake, assume that the watch isn't being used for a week or two at a time.

Thanks.

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Past: BlackBird, Navi World, SA, Rolex DJII, IWC Yacht Club
Present: CE, DSSD
Future: Changes daily

Well the wrote thing in a mechanical is to pull the crown. That allows the mainspring to remain under tension which isn't good. When it comes to letting it wind down or keeping it wound (whether on a winder or by hand) it doesn't make much practical difference. As had been discussed many times, in a modern watch the service interval is dictated by the oils breaking down because of aging and that happens at a predictable rate regardless of whether the watch is being used or not.

You could argue that running it causes more wear on the gear train,but that's negligible. Biggest danger with letting it wind down is probably forgetting the danger zone when resetting it.