Is constant winding actually BAD for your automatic watch?

Hey folks,

Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I’ve been down a rabbit hole for the past few months, and I need to share this with people who might actually care.

Like many of you, I love my automatics but don’t wear the same one every day. I used to just let them stop. Then I got a cheap, noisy winder as a gift a few years back. It was loud, it spun too fast, and something felt off. I started reading—turns out, my gut was right. https://www.watcheswinder.com/

The common myth is that a winder should just keep it spinning 24/7. But from what I’ve learned talking to a watchmaker and digging through forums, the real goal is gentle, intermittent motion that mimics actual wear to keep the lubricants distributed and the mainspring in good shape, without causing unnecessary wear and tear.

This led me to the concept of Turns Per Day (TPD). Not all watches need the same amount! A simple ETA 2824 might need 650-800 TPD, while a Rolex 3135 might need less. An inexpensive, single-mode winder spinning non-stop can drastically overwind some calibers.

So, I went on a mission to find a winder that wasn’t an appliance, but a tool for preservation. Here’s what became my non-negotiable checklist:

Fully Programmable Modes: The ability to set exact TPD, rotation direction (CW/CCW/alternating), and rest periods was crucial. My watchmaker friend emphasized that rest periods are as important as motion.

Absolute Silence: My old one sounded like a desk fan. This one had to be inaudible in a quiet room. Vibration control was key.

Build Quality & Safety: It needed soft, non-marring cushions, a stable base, and a reliable, low-power motor that wouldn’t generate heat or EMI.

After testing a couple of popular programmable models (and returning one that still had a faint hum), I landed on the [Brand Name, e.g., ‘Orbita’ or a generic ‘Model X’]. The difference is night and day. It’s not a “set it and forget it” gadget; I program it for each watch based on its caliber’s known needs. It sits on my shelf looking like a display case, and I can finally sleep in the same room with it.

The takeaway for me wasn’t about buying a specific brand, but about changing the mindset: A winder isn’t a necessity. But if you use one, it should be a precision tool, not a novelty spinner. The wrong one might be worse than just letting your watch stop.

I’m curious about this community’s thoughts:

Do you use a winder? Why or why not?

For those who do, how do you determine the right TPD and program for your specific pieces?

Has anyone else had a bad experience with a winder that felt like it was doing more harm than good?