Best Watch Winders in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 25, 2024
What makes your automatic watch tick? If you are tired of setting time and date manually, try one of five best watch winders to keep ...Read more
PROS

The model has a newly designed lock-in cuff that can hold heavier and larger watches up to 52mm in size. The tempered glass door along with the chrome closure clap keep it silent allowing you to place it anywhere.

CONS

It has only one TPD setting.

OUR VERDICT

The Wolf 461117 looks and feels premium. It features a textured navy blue pebble synthetic leather exterior with a wooden frame and chrome hardware that make it a real decor object. What's more, it houses a reliable Japanese Mabuchi motor, so you can rest assured your favourite timepiece will be in safe hands. 

detailed parameters
Dimensions

14.8 x 15.4 x 14 cm

Winding modules

1

Winding

10-second start delay obtaining, 900 TPD

Delayed start (from 6 to 72 hours)

Rotation

Clockwise, counterclockwise or bi-directional

Power

3.3V adaptor (included) or AA batteries alkaline or lithium (not included)

Exterior

Navy blue pebble synthetic leather

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The model comes equipped with 5 TPD settings (650, 750, 850, 1000, and 1950). There's an LED indicator that lights up when you turn this device on. The Jump feature allows you to connect multiple Barrington watch winders with one cable and make them work from a single power source.

CONS

The plug is a little fiddly. 

OUR VERDICT

The Barrington WW-201-S looks a touch less elegant than its competition. On the upside, the model is more portable and less demanding upkeep-/maintenance-wise. Plus, you can select between 11 different colours as well as between plastic and wood options.

detailed parameters
Dimensions

12 x 11.5 x 16 cm 

Winding modules

1

Winding

5 TPD settings: 650, 750, 850, 1000, or 1950 

Rotation

Clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating

Power

AC adapter or 2 x AA batteries 

Exterior

Plastic with glossy finish

Warranty

1 year

PROS

In addition to 4 rotating compartments for mechanical watches, the box has 6 additional compartments with cushions for other watches from your collection. At the same time, the operation of the box is almost completely silent.

CONS

Uses a European plug with UK adapter, which might inconvenience some users.

OUR VERDICT

The Mcbazel Automatic Watch Winder is a box with a light suede inner lining and a high-quality leatherette outer case that will be useful to everyone who knows the value of their watches and takes care of their neat and proper storage. Also, the model will be an excellent gift for anyone who is not indifferent to watches.

detailed parameters
Dimensions

~ 36 x 30 x 26 cm

Winding modules

4 + 6

Winding

2 mins CW, rest for 6 mins, 2 mins CCW, rest for 6 mins, repeat

Rotation

Clockwise, counterclockwise, bi-directional

Power

AC adapter

Exterior

Faux leather

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

This model has Overcurrent protection (1.49A) and Short circuit protection, which makes the device safe to use. The box can be powered by either a 3V 1000mA adapter or 2 AA batteries, the choice is up to you.

CONS

Over time, the motor may begin to work more distinctly.

OUR VERDICT

The Jane Choi JC-0829 is a self-winding box for one watch and has an attractive glossy case made of natural wood. Suitable for watches with a strap width of 30 mm or less. Works well with completely smooth operation.

detailed parameters
Dimensions

15.5 x 13.5 x 13 cm

Winding modules

1

Winding

2 mins CW, rest for 6 mins, 2 mins CCW, rest for 6 mins, repeat

Rotation

Clockwise, counterclockwise, bi-directional

Power

AC adapter or 2 x AA batteries

Exterior

Wood with glossy finish

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The Removable Cushion Holder is suitable for watches with a bracelet of different sizes. So, there is a small size with a circumference of 16.5 cm and a large size with a circumference of 18.5 cm.

CONS

The battery compartment isn't of the highest quality.

OUR VERDICT

The Mcbazel cn-wc-01001 box has a high-quality design and a Dust-Proof case that will reliably protect your expensive watches. Operation is based on a silent mechanism, which is highly durable and won't degrade quickly.

detailed parameters
Dimensions

16 x 12.8 x 12.2 cm

Winding modules

1

Winding

2 mins CW, rest for 6 mins, 2 mins CCW, rest for 6 mins, repeat

Rotation

Clockwise, counterclockwise, bi-directional

Power

AC adapter or 2 x AA batteries

Exterior

Faux leather

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Luxury and Elegance

With over 185 years of experience, the folk behind Wolf company put countless hours developing each piece to ensure their watch winders not only look elegant but actually house a premium quality mechanism.

The Wolf 461117 Watch Winder has not become an exception. It sports a textured pebble-grain blue faux leather design with a wooden frame and shiny chrome hardware that make it look classic and fashionable, a decor object any watch collector would be proud to show off. The tempered glass cover with a battery indicator light adds a touch of flair to the overall design while also keeping the watch winder silent, so if you were thinking of placing it on your bedside table or in the office environment, you'll be able to do it. 

Contributing to the elegant design are perfectly proportioned six sides of the box that keep it neat and compact, allowing you to add more cubicles to stack on the table as your collection of watches grow. In general, the Wolf 461117 Watch Winder suits both men and women's and makes a perfect gift.

Lock-In Cuff

As far as the interior of the Wolf 461117 goes, it's just as sophisticated as the exterior. You get a high-quality gross-grain fabric lining with a newly designed lock-in cuff that can securely accommodate larger watches up to 52mm in size. There's also a high-quality insulated Japanese Mabuchi motor inside. It runs quietly and has protection against electrical emissions ensuring that your watch won't ever magnetise. Hence, you can be sure once inside, your watch is in safe hands.

As you'd expect from a premium quality piece, the Wolf 461117 offers bi-directional control settings, meaning you can select the rotational direction to match the movement of your watch. Speaking of, you get 900 TPD per day, which is the optimal amount to keep your timepiece running without under or overwinding it.

Before wrapping it up, it's also worth mentioning that you can choose how to power the piece. You can plug it in using a 3.3V adapter that comes included in the kit or use a set of standard AA batteries if there's no socket nearby or you want to take it with you when camping or travelling abroad.

In the end, the Wolf 461117 fully lives up to the company's claims, presenting a luxury craft that's totally worth its money. If you're looking for a perfect gift for your friend who collects expensive watches or you need a quality watch winder for yourself, it will not disappoint.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £213.87
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VQIZKBO

Embrace Modernity

Generally speaking, watch winders tend to look classy, serving a decorative purpose as much as they serve the watch-winding one. But the Barrington WW-201-S is quite different from what we've come to expect from these devices. No, the model looks quite good as well, but we're not dealing with the same style that we're usually dealing with.

Abandoning wood, this device is made from plastic. The glossy finish makes the plastic housing look somewhat expensive but plastic is plastic, meaning that the model does not have that timeless appearance that watch winders in its price bracket usually have. It is a bit more modern, a bit more practical, and a bit more hassle-free from an upkeep/maintenance perspective. That said, again, some might not appreciate its 21st-century presence.

What even these people will appreciate, however, is the scratch-resistant cushions inside the company's winders. You can choose between standard cushions, accommodating 20+ centimetre wrists, or flex cushions, aimed at wrists between 14 and 20 centimetres.

Also, aside from different cushions, you can also pick between 11 colours (Glacier White, American Walnut, Burnt Amber, Crimson Red, Electric Yellow, Grey Koto, Midnight Blue, Racing Green, Santos Rosewood, Shadow Black, and Zebrano). Despite us highlighting the plastic build before, the American Walnut, Grey Koto, Santos Rosewood, and Zebrano are made from walnut, koto wood, rosewood, and zebrawood respectively, so you can go with a wooden version as well. They do not look quite as polished as the piano varnish and lacquered winders that we've seen before but, at the very least, the wooden models look a tad more charming than the plastic ones.

LED Assistance

When you start assessing the model's functionality, the first attribute you arrive at is the 5 TPD settings (650, 750, 850, 1000, or 1950). Then, there are the multiple rotation settings, including clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating. The ultra-quiet Japanese motor comes without saying at this price point but, as odd as it may sound, the same cannot be said about this little LED light that illuminates the moment this device starts rotating the timepiece. Last but not quite least, the model incorporates the company's Jump feature that lets you connect multiple Barrington winders (using the included cable) and have them all working from one power source.

So, assuming you want something a little more modern, practical, and portable, the Barrington WW-201-S should prove your cup of tea.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £195.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00MTVQPQQ

A Watch Collector's Dream

Automatic watches definitely have their charms, but watch collectors often want more than just one type of watch. With multiple types of watches, though, keeping all of your time pieces together can be a challenge when using a watch winder for automatic watches, which can lead to the storage area needed for your collection to be larger than you'd like. Thankfully, you're not limited to having to keep automatic and manual watches separated when you opt for the Mcbazel (cnen1006) 4+6 Storage Automatic Watch Winder. This luxurious box gives you an ample amount of storage not just for a set of up to 4 automatic watches, but also space for up to 6 other types of watches, whether they be manual or battery operated. This allows a watch collector with a decent collection to keep everything together in one compact box.

Speaking of this being a compact box, you'll be surprised by its actual footprint. Due to its compact size, you can easily store this box just about anywhere that you'd like, whether out in the open to display your collection proudly, or hidden away in a closet so as not to take up space. Really, the choice is up to you. If you opt for the former, you can rest assured that the interior lining is quite sufficient for matching the luxurious look and feel of your timepieces thanks to the faux suede material used.

Silent Operation

It's not just the interior of this watch winder that gives a luxurious and expensive feel fitting for any luxury watch collection. The case of this winder is made of wood and covered with PU leather that is polished to a high gloss. Simply put, the visuals of this watch winder are quite stunning while also being fit to match just about any display room. The case itself is also quite durable, ensuring sufficient protection for your watch collection should the box ever be knocked over.

What really helps set this watch winder apart from other models, though, is the fact that the operation of the device is almost completely silent. Those who have had to use a watch winder that tends to drone on will find this to be quite a feature, meaning that those who keep this in their bedroom can leave it running overnight without it disturbing your sleep.

Speaking of the winder's operation, it uses a preprogrammed computer in its internals to drive the motors to simulate regular human activity through the use of fuzzy logic, ensuring that a too-rhythmic approach won't cause any issues with the automatic winding. The rotation cycle provides 2 minutes of both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation with 6-minute intervals in-between, as well as changing the revolution settings. This ensures that your automatic watches will be fully wound whenever you decide to don your watch. All told, this watch winder from Mcbazel is just about everyone one could want in such a device.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £73.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Q6TW6VN

Classical Look

A great aspect of many watch winders is that they often tend to serve not only their main function for keeping your watch wound, but also as a bit of a showcase for your favourite watch. This explains why many models are made to have an elegant and luxurious look, while some others may take a different approach, such as a modern look. The Jane Choi JC-0829 Single Wooden Automatic Watch Winder, however, takes its own approach, going for a classical look that goes well with almost any type of watch yet keeping things more down to Earth, without going overboard.

This watch winder achieves this aesthetic with an attractive glossy case made of natural wood, featuring a piano lacquer finish that is highly polished, giving off a glossy appearance. The glass opening on the front and top of the box gives a full view of whatever watch you place in it. The interior of the box is lined with carbon fibre PU leather, which helps give off a luxurious appearance without being too pretentious. The watch holder features an automatic wrapping motion for when you place the watch in it, and is suitable for watches with a strap width of 30 mm or less. Overall, the aesthetics of this watch winder are sure to please anyone and should give it a wonderful look wherever you decide to place it.

Finely Tuned Operation

The overall aesthetics of a watch winder can definitely be a big selling point, but they come in second to the main purpose of the device, which is to keep your automatic watch wound. This model will not disappoint at all in this. The internals of the winder itself features a well-designed and finely tuned motor that is made to give optimal performance to the self-winding function of most automatic watches, with both clockwise and counterclockwise motions of 2 minutes each, and 6-minute intervals between. This helps perfectly simulate the natural body movements required for winding an automatic watch and will ensure that your watch is ready to go whenever you decide to wear it.

Of great benefit to the user is the fact that the winder's operation is almost completely silent, meaning that you won't have to worry about where you place it due to noise bothering the occupants of a room. Furthermore, this winder has a few other safety features built-in that ensure a long life for the device, including overcurrent protection and short circuit protection. The box can be powered by either a 3V 1000mA adapter or 2 AA batteries, giving you a great deal of flexibility in its placement, so you won't be tied to needing to keep it close to the mains. To sum it all up, this highly functional and beautiful watch winder will be a great companion to almost any kind of automatic watch.

Last updated price £42.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0811B73CD

Pure Quality

Most watch winders don't just serve the basic function of winding a watch. Being a place where an automatic watch is often stored whenever it is not being worn, most winder manufacturers make their boxes into showcase pieces that are worthy of showing off the full glory of the watch. As such, many customers also wish to have such a box that is worthy of being the display holder for their watch. The Mcbazel cn-wc-01001 Single Automatic Watch Winder definitely fits this definition thanks to its overall high quality, and this is no exaggeration. Just about every aspect of this watch winder has been created to exhibit the utmost in quality workmanship, making this a fitting display piece for even the best of automatic watches.

The exterior design of this watch winder has a very basic but classy look, with its black leather lining that gives off an air of modernity while also being a good match for watches of almost any style. On top of that, the exterior is dustproof, which is especially important for the black leather, as any dust that accumulates would be immediately noticeable. The dust-proof design means that you won't have to worry about keeping it covered up or cleaned regularly, allowing you to display your watch in it in all of its glory. The aesthetics here are definitely up to even the most demanding user's standards.

Compatible With Different Sizes

An irritating aspect of many watch winders is that they often have a limit to the size of the watch or the wristband that it can hold. With this particular box, though, you get a bit more flexibility than most. The Removable Cushion Holder is suitable for watches with a bracelet of different sizes. So, there is a small size with a circumference of 16.5 cm and a large size with a circumference of 18.5 cm, making this a great option if you happen to want to wind more than one type of watch in it.

Speaking more of the cushion holder, it is made of a soft material that will store your watch in comfort while keeping it fully protected from scratches or any other damage. On top of that, the grey colour of the material goes well with the black exterior while allowing your watch to show its brilliance without any distraction.

The operation of this winder is based on a silent mechanism, which is highly durable and won't degrade quickly. The motor supports the usual movements that mimic normal human interactions, including bidirectional rotation with timed intervals that are meant to keep your watch fully wound. The device is powered by either an AC adapter with a UK mains plug, or by 2 AA batteries, so you aren't limited in its placement. Any user who chooses this high-quality watch winder over other models will not regret their decision.

Last updated price £27.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08Q7QQMY4

Infographics


What Is a Watch Winder?

People who own automatic timepieces know that the mechanisms inside always stop when you don't wear the watches 24/7. In other words, automatic watches use your movements throughout the day to self-wind. Of course, when you own more than one timepieces, making these timepieces tick (literally speaking) becomes some challenge. That's the case unless you have a watch winder.

This brilliant device will rotate the watches for you, keeping them tick-tick-ticking no matter what. The winder has been designed for comfortable watch winding, so your timepiece(s) are always at hand and ready to go. At the same time, these boxes are usually attractive enough to compete with the most elegant decoration pieces. Here, we have reviewed five best watch winders to help you make the right choice.

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What Features to Compare

Size

While choosing a watch winder box, the first tip is its size. Consider where you can comfortably place it, for the item might need more space than it seems. The thing is that most watch winder boxes have a flip lid which requires some space for comfortable opening. Usually, the case size depends on the winding modules and number of slots. For owners of 3-4 watches, it is advisable to get a watch winding box with minimum 3 slots. If you only have one or a couple of watches, a single watch winder will be enough. One more important thing is a pillow design and attachments. Please, make sure that you can adapt it, or at least that the pillow suits your wrist size. This way, you won’t have to constantly adjust your watch band.

Settings

The next tip to consider is your chosen automatic watch winder motor. This key part affects the device's efficiency and convenience of use. Cheaper auto watch winders are usually too loud to be used at night. We recommend you to choose a model equipped with a tried-and-true Mabuchi motor, famous for its silent operation. Mechanical watches have a complicated mechanism individual for each item that requires a special winding speed. That is why most manufacturers produce watch winders with multiple settings. In other words, if you want to get a perfectly suited device, bear in mind its winding modes.

Design

Apart from being a functional device, a watch winder box is a classy accessory. That is why its design and the materials used are essential for your choice. Today, you can choose a leather- or cloth- lined, fine wood handmade watch winders. Your brand watches collection will look terrific in one of these cases. For those who appreciate hi-tech design, there are state-of-the-art metal and plastic models. Some watch winder boxes have controls on the housing that also add to the design. So, the main advice here is to select an accessory to your own taste rather than follow a crowd, for a watch winder isn’t a simple device but a decor element in any home interior.

Did you know?

Some Facts About Watches Themselves

  • The title of the most expensive watch in the world belongs to a model with a rather enigmatic name Hallucination by Graff Diamonds. The watch is worth over $55 million (over 40 million pounds) partially thanks to over 110 carats of coloured diamonds set into a bracelet of platinum. What's more interesting is the fact that the 2nd most expensive watch comes from the very same company and holds a similarly grandiose name. The Fascination, by Graff Diamonds, features a price tag of 40 million American dollars (almost 30 million pounds) and is comprised of 152.96 carats of white diamonds and includes a centre, 38.13-carat, pear-shaped diamond that can detach into a ring.
  • The title of the world's biggest clock is somewhat more ambiguous than that of the world's most expensive one. Technically speaking, the world's "Largest Timepiece" was created by artist Jim Bowers, with an official diameter of 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometres). But the aforementioned device incorporates 3 lasers and calling it a clock wouldn't necessarily be correct unless you're interested in discussing the semantics of this word. The title of the world's biggest actual clock would probably have to go to Abraj Al Bait Towers clock in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, featuring a 43-metre diameter clock built on a 601-metre hotel tower in front of the Ka'ba.
  • Although the origins of the very first wristwatch are still unknown and have been the subject of heated debates for the past decade and a half, with some claiming that it was designed and developed by Louis Cartier so that his friend, Mr. Santos-Dumont, could fly a plane without having to take his hands off the controls to check the time, and others insisting that the first wristwatch was invested by a now world-famous designer of watches Patek Phillipe in 1868, the origins of the first self-winding clock are much more clear. A man named John Harwood was the original inventor of the first self-winding watch mechanism sometime during 1923.

Originally a Limited Offer

The history behind watch winders isn't necessarily as long and interesting as the one behind watches themselves. The thing is, the very first watch winders haven't necessarily been designed and created with the largest commercial market in mind. These devices were mostly employed by watch repair shops for a fairly limited variety of fixing and repairing applications. The very first time these devices have been introduced to a wider range of customers happened somewhere in Europe towards the end of the 1990s. The reason for this sudden commercial success lies behind the fact that, at the time, there was a fairly high concentration of engineers and scientists in Japan with a considerable interest in automatic watches and winder production. A small company started producing watch winders for the Japanese market and, ever since then, they have been slowly getting introduced to the rest of the world.

A Decent Watch Winder Isn't as Expensive as You Might Think

While that is true that a watch winder is somewhat of a luxury and not everyone necessarily has to own one of these devices, they are actually not as costly as the majority of people probably tend to believe. Although we still wouldn't recommend purchasing the absolute cheapest option you could possibly find on the market, especially since the majority of them come with a Chinese motor that, more often than not, wouldn't be able to last very long and produce the kind of result the customer may be hoping for, any watch winder that comes equipped with a Japanese Mabuchi motors or one of the similar premier engines will be able to do the job.

FAQ:

Q: Is winding the watches the only thing this device is good for?

A: On the contrary, a watch winder is capable of so much more than simply winding your automatic watch. One of the biggest advantages of the watch winder isn't just that it keeps your automatic watch up to time and date but also the fact that it improves the durability of your watch. First of all, your automatic watch or watches need motion not just to be able to stay on time but also, in order to keep the oil inside, the movement of your watch has to be fluently distributed over the mechanical parts. What some people choose to believe is that watch winders rotate constantly but the truth is that most decent watch winders have programs that feature different kinds of rotation with a resting period. Since the majority of modern automatic watches feature a so-called stress protection in order to avoid putting too much pressure on the mechanical parts of the device, so do the majority of up-to-date watch winders include some type of a program that will be able to protect your watch from receiving some sort of damage.

Q: Should I purchase the kind of watch winder that appeals to me first or is there some meaning behind the design of every model?

A: Of course, since a watch winder isn't just a useful device but also a great and stylish addition to your interior, you should always consider how attractive you find it and how will it be able to fit the room you wish to place it in. But, on top of that, a watch winder isn't just some random device whose structure is a figment of designer's imagination. First and foremost, it is a case that keeps the watch protected. Since different kinds of natural elements such as moisture are capable of disrupting the functioning of the watches by causing corrosion, A watch winder will be more than useful when it comes to protecting your watches from "natural" harm. So, before choosing the one that simply appeals to you on a personal level, you should check whether the device in question will be able to provide a sufficient amount of protection to your watch.

Q: Can I manually turn the motor in a watch winder?

A: Absolutely not. You should never even attempt to manually turn the watch winder's motor since there is a very good chance that this course of action may cause some kind of damage to the unit. If you have any issues with your watch winder and you feel like it isn't functioning properly or at all, you should avoid trying to fix the device on your own and contact a specialist.

Q: Are watch winders loud when operating?

A: It all depends on the model. But, unless you're interested in investing in a cheaper product that comes with a subpar motor, the majority of decent watch winders, especially the ones that include the Japanese Mabuchi motor or any similar alternative, tend to operate in a comparatively quiet fashion and won't be able to disturb you in your sleep.

Sources:

1. Manfred Streit Watch Winders 101: The Ultimate Watch Winder Guide, WatchTime. May 9, 2016.

2. Natasha Yuan How to Choose a Right Watch Winder, LinkedIn. May 17, 2016.

3. Jason Heaton A Complete Guide to the Care and Feeding of Your Mechanical Watch, Gear Patrol.

4. Automatic Watch, Wikipedia. August 5, 2016.

5. How to Wind an Automatic Watch, wikiHow.

6. Should I Keep My Automatic Watch On A Watch Winder Daily? aBlogtoWatch. September 1, 2013.

7. How To Keep Watch Functioning Properly, Crown & Caliber. January 15, 2014.

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