Hi Everyone - Can someone give me advice on how best to store watches when they're not being worn. I now am the proud owner of 3 IWC and worry about how to store the ones I'm not wearing. Is it best to just allow them to run down ? or should I invest in one of those winding boxes ? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Regards
Alan
Harrisal, I think that is a good question. I have also wondered whether there are a differences between automatics and hand winds in this regard, and some watches have have a mechanical stopping device to eliminate the effect of reduced torque in the mainspring, but others may not.
Harrisal, there's obviously much debate out there about this matter. And like the choice of watch itself - it boils down to a personal preference. For me, after doing lots of research I've invested in a programmable watch winder. I am one to believe that watches simply can't be overwound - otherwise you'd see more watches break down from simple everyday usage on the wrist. A good programmable watchwinder has the benefit of stoping and starting regularly (thereby mimicing usage on a wrist) and some have a 'delayed start' allowing a watch to run down closer to the end of its reserve before starting the winding process.
All the technical benefits aside (which I've persuaded myself exist) - for me the biggest benefit of all is a simple one. And that is I get to see my collection displayed in front of my eyes. These timepieces after all, are items of beauty that should be seen and appreciated (if not necessarily worn everyday) - and there's something mesmerising about seeing them spin round and round and round...
regards,
vinhthang
Watch winders have their obvious purpose, but unless you have a good safe suitably equipped with internal power your watch winder will in all probability be easily found by any thieving toe rag. One of our dear forumers had a great chunk of his collection disappear and whether it's insured to the hilt will matter not, your collection will have gone. What is more important, watch winders or your collection safely stored?
A friend had a walk in safe but it offered no protection when he had a double barrel shotgun placed between his legs and the first trigger was pulled. He opened the safe rather than loose his wedding tackle with the next shot.
Thanks for the advice so far. As Dave said, I am more of the mind to keep the watches securely locked up in my safe rather than on display, but I'm still not sure what is the best way to leave them. Sometimes in stores you see them with the crown pulled out, is that effective, or does it harm the watch ? I have two automatics as well as a hand wound..
Regards
Alan
I frequently rotate how I store my watches to prevent the oils from pooling in one spot. Don't know that it helps or hurts but I have done this for years.
I'm sure one of our mechanically trained members can add much more to the subject.
Kevin
Watches have survived for decades without winders...vintage manual winds from the 1930s or 40s are just fine. The Mark 11 is a prime example.
Given that, winders can be convenient but they don't really affect condition. You will still need servicing in the same intervals --possibly a shade sooner-- and service is the key to maintenance.
And if you get a lot of watches, having winders becomes a menangerie. It's best to alternate or occaisionally wind them all for a day.
There are also numerous watchwinders which operate via batteries and therefore fit easily in safes. There are modular watchwinders too, where you can easily add more winders as the collection grows. Good luck, Vinhthang
Thanks for all the advice everyone. It seems there is no hard and fast rule, so I'll have to make up my mind. Maybe I'll just where them all more often.
Alan