Watch winders are a must-have accessory if you own an automatic watch and you want accurate timekeeping between uses.
By rotating continuously, they keep the automatic watch engaged so you can put it on without having to always set the time, making it especially important if you want to quickly put on your watch and head to the office in the morning.
Additionally, many winders can also act as a watch case to safely store your watch.
A well-made watch winder will be one that has several turns per day settings, relies on a quality motor, and have a case that has been meticulously crafted, like the Wolf Single Watch Winder that we found for you.
In this guide, we will review the best watch winders currently available, along with a buying guide for an explanation of important features and considerations when deciding on your next watch winder.
| Rank | Watch Winder | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wolf Heritage Single Watch Winder | Single |
| 2 | Wolf Heritage Double Watch Winder | Double |
| 3 | CHIYODA Single Watch Winder | Inexpensive |
| 4 | Wolf Viceroy Single Watch Winder | Rolex |
| 5 | Rapport London Single Watch Winder | Luxury |
| 6 | Barrington Single Watch Winder | Expandable |
| 7 | JQUEEN Automatic Double Watch Winder | Quietest |
| 8 | TPR Double Watch Winder with Three-Watch Storage | With Storage |
| 9 | Versa Automatic Watch Winder with Sliding Cover | Unique |
4 Tips for Buying a Watch Winder
If you are looking for a simple and safe way to store your automatic wristwatch, here’s a few considerations to take into account before you make your purchase:
1. Motor Type
By and far, the most prevalent motor type that top-rated watch winders have come to rely on is the highly touted Japanese motors by Mabuchi. Their reliability paired with their low sound emittance makes these motors widely revered. On the other hand, proprietary motors, while well made, often command a much higher price tag.
2. Watch & Storage Size
Should you wear a watch that is 50mm in diameter, some watch winders may be a bit narrow. Therefore, you will want to double-check the dimensions to make sure the winder can accommodate your watch.
Should you plan on adding any more automatic watches to your collection, consider buying a watch winder with one or two extra slots. This will provide a nice little home for any watches that aren’t being worn. Of course, a single watch winder can always work if you have limited space.
3. Speed Settings
When researching watch winders, you will notice that manufacturers have a setting called TPD or Turns Per Day. This refers to how many times the watch winder will make a complete turn in 24 hours. Most watches on the market will recommend around a 700 TPD setting for accurate timekeeping.
However, not every watch should be set at 700 TPD. Verify with your owner’s manual to ensure that the watch winder can be set to the recommended TPD.
4. Case
Purely for decor, the exterior of the watch winder can come in a variety of materials, including faux leather, wood, leather, acrylic, and other composite materials. Take a moment to consider where the watch winder will be placed and if the design aesthetic matches the room when making your selection.
Best Watch Winders Reviewed
1. Wolf Heritage Single Watch Winder
Letting an automatic watch just sit and collect dust only ensures that you will have to wind it manually when you put it on again.
You could occasionally wiggle the watch, but that takes time and dedication. The Wolf Single Watch Winder is ideal if you have only one watch, and you don’t want to have to hassle with rewinding it every single time.
This single watch winder features a speed of 900 turns per day, and it has several direction settings, including clockwise, counterclockwise, or a combination of both, depending on what your watch needs.
The watch holder clicks into the turning mechanism to ensure a secure grip on your watch as it spins, so you are guaranteed to get your watch wound by using this device. Because it only charges one watch, it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space, and it is quiet enough to put on a bedside table at night.
It works through a 3V AC adapter cable (which is included) or through battery power, depending on what you need.
The Wolf Heritage is backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Quite simplify, it’s one of the best watch winders that money can buy.
What customers are saying: Many customers are impressed by the quiet operation, beautiful design, and quality of the watch winder. However, some complain about it becoming noisy over time, the latch wearing out quickly, and the short battery life.
2. Wolf Heritage Double Watch Winder
If you own two watches, you know it’s important to keep them properly wound, or else you end up with inaccurate readings. Using a motorized pedestal such as the one in the Wolf Heritage Double Watch Winder, it can wind up to two different watches at the same time.
This box features a faux leather exterior with a clear glass cover to view your watches. It also has programmable knobs to adjust the rotation and three pre-set settings such as intermittent rotation and sleep.
You can program the different dials for several directions, including clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional, ideal for watches that need two different winding directions.
It’s a moderately sized box at 10 inches long and 7 inches wide, but it isn’t so big that it won’t fit on a dresser top or office desk.
The motor can be battery-powered for travel, or you can power it exclusively through the power adapter. In case of a power out, using both may be recommended to maintain your programmed settings.
It is also very quiet, no more than a gentle hum while it is working. Very nice to keep on your bedside or in an adjacent room.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the craftsmanship, quiet operation, and consistent performance of this watch winder. However, there are some concerns about receiving products with broken parts, packaging issues, or potential tampering. Overall, many customers found this watch winder to be a worthwhile investment.
3. CHIYODA Single Watch Winder
With a large pillow that can hold even oversized watches and settings to determine turn direction and turns-per-day settings, it is great for any kind of watch you may have.
This product is installed with a super quiet Japanese Mabuchi motor, a powerful motor known for its silent operation. This makes it suitable for use in the bedroom as it will not make much noise. In addition, the plexiglass window allows for easy viewing of your watch, so you know whether or not it is done turning.
The CHIYODA has settings for 650, 950, 1250, and 1850 TPD, and it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.
Unfortunately, there is no option to have it switch to bi-directional – likely a reason it has an inexpensive price point. It is a very simple watch winder with easy-to-understand instructions, and it is extremely effective at what it does. For the price, the quality is superb, and it does exactly what you need it to do – a great value here.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the watch winder’s high quality build, quiet operation, and attractive design. However, some customers experienced issues with it not maintaining time or having inaccurate TPD settings, and there were mixed experiences with customer service.
4. Wolf Viceroy Single Watch Winder
Whether you own the Rolex GMT Master II or the Daytona, the Wolf Viceroy Single Watch Winder is worthy of such beautiful watches.
Able to be fine-tuned to the optimal 650 TPM that Rolex recommends, this watch winder will keep your valuable watches in pristine condition between uses.
The LCD allows you to control TPD and direction, including clockwise, counterclockwise, or bi-directional.
Clad in velvety black vegan leather, it will present well on any surface, including your nightstand, dresser, man cave, or office desk.
One feature that is both slick and really nice is the watch storage that is on the top of the box. Able to accommodate three additional watches, you can keep all your fine time-keeping pieces together.
Additionally, the Wolf Viceroy is dual-powered, so you can use either batteries or an AC adapter.
Lastly, this winder features a glass window, chrome finishes, and a small key to keep your valuables safe.
5. Rapport London Single Watch Winder
For men that demand the absolute best and will pay top-dollar for products, then there is none better than the Rapport London Single Watch Winder.
With brushed aluminum details coupled with a cedar wood finish, this single watch winder will make any surface look markedly better. Beyond decor, this watch winder features three direction settings, including clockwise, counterclockwise, and bi-directional.
The TPD can be fine-tuned thanks to a dial that is on the back of the winder.
One detail that many will love is the power reserve. While the primary source is a DC adapter, should the power go out or simply become unplugged, the winder features a battery backup power reserve that will keep your watch accurate.
Made in the UK by expert craftsmen, expect this to last a lifetime.
6. Barrington Single Watch Winder
Based in the United Kingdom, the Barrington Single Watch Winder is a great little box that sets the standards for many.
Able to be neatly expanded upon, it takes up very little space while doing a great job at keeping accurate timekeeping for your watch.
With several rotation settings, including 650, 750, 850, 1,000, or 1,950, it should work well with just about any watch model out there. In addition, the rotation can be set to any of the following three directions: clockwise, counterclockwise, and bi-directional.
With flex and standard cushions, both small and large watches should have no problem fitting on this winder.
Lastly, the Barrington Single Watch Winder does not have a glass window, exposing your watch to incidental damage.
What customers are saying: Customers are extremely satisfied with the Barrington watch winder, highlighting its ease of use, stylish design, and quiet operation. They appreciate the adjustable rotation settings and the excellent customer service provided by the company. However, one customer reported issues with their unit failing after a short period of time.
7. JQUEEN Automatic Double Watch Winder
The JQUEEN Double Watch Winder is a unique and well-made winder that will keep your automatic watches going.
What you will like about this double watch winder is that it can wind two watches at the same time while not taking up nearly as much space as other double watch winders. The JQUEEN is able to do this as it relies on one watch pillow with two slots rather than two dedicated pillows.
Now there is a drawback, in that this only relies on a single Japanese MABUCHI motor – therefore, you can’t turn each watch independently.
However, the motor itself is top-notch and is ultra-quiet.
The winder has 4 settings that alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise for varying lengths of time, with rests between each rotation time.
Besides this dial, it cannot be customized further. The pillows that the watches rest on are not very big, so men with large wrists may have some trouble keeping the watch from slipping off if it is not adjustable. It’s 7”x7”, great for small to medium-sized watch faces.
Overall, it is a very good quality winder that works without too many issues.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the stylish appearance and build quality of this watch winder. They also note how quiet it is to operate, except for those with lighter sleep. Some have faced issues with broken parts upon arrival or compatibility with different weighted watches.
8. Versa Automatic Watch Winder with Sliding Cover
The Versa Automatic Watch Winder is sleek and handsome, while also well-made given the inexpensive price.
For starters, Versa has three TPD settings (650, 850, and 1050). While this isn’t necessarily the best-in-class, it should work for most watch brands. As for directions, the Vera Automatic can turn watches clockwise, counterclockwise, and bi-directional.
Versa does rely on a quiet and quality Japanese motor.
Depending on what your watch requires, this winder has all of the application settings to ensure that you are winding your watch the right way. The Versa watch winder is easy to set up for optimal watch winding.
Due to its small size, the Versa Automatic Watch Winder is great for travel as it will easily fit in your luggage or even in your carry-on. Take it wherever you need to be to keep your watch running on time.
The sliding cover protects your watch from dust and scratches and is easy to move around to take your watch out. The pillow is easily removed and can hold many different-sized watches.
Unlike other winders that rely on a glass cover, the Versa Automatic Watch Winder uses an acrylic window. Priced under $50, it is an extremely affordable option for budding watch collectors.
This single winder is backed by a 1-year warranty. Lastly, this relies on AC power only, with no option to keep it winding with batteries.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the Versa Watch Winder for its quiet operation, easy-to-adjust watch holder, and overall quality. However, some customers report receiving damaged or used products, and others mention that it might not be suitable for large watches or experience operational issues.
9. CHIYODA Automatic Double Watch Winder
Every automatic watch needs to be wound a certain way to ensure the longevity of your timepiece. Many dual watch winders only go one way or the other for both watches, which is fine if both of your watches need to co clockwise or counterclockwise.
However, if one watch has to go clockwise and another watch has to go counterclockwise, you run into a problem.
The CHIYODA solves this problem by allowing you to customize each motor to rotate one way or the other. Both dials can go the same way, or they can rotate in opposite directions simultaneously.
This ensures that your watches are wound no matter their needs.
The LCD touchpad allows you to customize how you want your watches to spin and for how long. If your watch requires a very specific amount of spins, you can program the watch winder to do that for you.
The motors are exceptionally quiet, and the case bleeds elegance; it’s an ideal object to put in the bedroom while you sleep. In addition to being fully customizable, the pillows are designed to hold any kind of watch with any size watch face, including oversized watches.
This watch winder also comes with a lock and key that will keep your watch free from quick, prying hands.
What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the appearance and quiet operation of the watch winder initially, but they experience issues with motors getting louder or failing over time. Some also encounter problems with missing parts, keypad malfunctions, and difficulties in setting the correct rotations for their watches.