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Is it bad to keep a Rolex on a watch winder?

Published in Watch Care 4 mins read

Keeping a Rolex on a watch winder is not inherently bad, but it does lead to minor additional wear and tear on the movement due to continuous operation.

Understanding Watch Winders and Your Rolex

Watch winders are devices designed to keep automatic watches running when not being worn. This simulates the natural motion of a wrist, ensuring the watch remains wound and complications like the date stay correct, making it ready to wear at a moment's notice without needing to be reset.

Potential Downsides of Constant Winding

While convenient, perpetual winding can introduce some considerations:

  • Increased Wear and Tear: Continuously operating the intricate mechanical components of your Rolex, even at a slow pace, can result in minor additional wear and tear over extended periods. Every moving part experiences friction, and while Rolex watches are built to last, constant motion accelerates this process slightly compared to periods of rest.
  • Unnecessary for Infrequent Use: If you only wear your Rolex a handful of times each year, keeping it on a winder is largely unnecessary. The primary benefit of a winder—maintaining time and date accuracy for immediate wear—is diminished when the watch is only retrieved occasionally.

Optimal Care and Storage Alternatives

For many Rolex owners, especially those who don't wear their watch daily, alternative storage methods can be just as effective and potentially reduce long-term wear.

  • Intermittent Winding: Allowing your Rolex to sit still in a watch box or safe and occasionally winding it manually or letting it run down and then resetting it when you plan to wear it is a perfectly acceptable approach. This method minimizes continuous wear on the movement.
  • Regular Servicing: Regardless of whether you use a winder or not, regular servicing by an authorized Rolex service center is crucial. During a service, the movement is cleaned, lubricated, and worn parts are replaced, ensuring the watch performs optimally for decades. Learn more about general watch maintenance here.

Winder Use: When It Makes Sense

Despite the potential for minor wear, watch winders offer distinct advantages that make them a valuable accessory for some collectors:

  • Convenience: For watches worn frequently or as part of a rotation, a winder keeps the watch ready to wear without the need to set the time and date each time it's picked up. This is especially true for watches with complex complications like perpetual calendars or moon phases, which can be time-consuming to reset.
  • Lubricant Distribution: Keeping the watch's movement active helps to ensure that the delicate lubricants within the mechanism remain evenly distributed, which can be beneficial over very long periods.

Comparing Storage Options

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide on the best storage strategy for your Rolex:

Aspect Watch Winder Use Manual Winding/Static Storage
Movement Activity Continuous Intermittent (when worn or manually wound)
Convenience Watch always ready to wear; complications stay set Requires resetting time/date when picked up after stopping
Wear & Tear Minor additional wear over long periods due to constant operation Reduced wear due to periods of inactivity
Lubricant Movement Promotes even distribution Lubricants can settle over very long periods of inactivity
Necessity (for infrequent use) Generally unnecessary for watches worn a few times a year Sufficient and often preferred for watches worn infrequently

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the decision to keep your Rolex on a watch winder depends on your personal preferences and how often you wear the watch. For most owners, a winder is a convenience rather than a necessity. What truly matters for the longevity of your Rolex is consistent care, proper storage, and adherence to recommended service intervals. For additional tips on maintaining your luxury timepiece, you might find valuable insights from reputable sources on watch care here.