Last Updated February, 2020: This post has been updated with new picks for 2020. Prices and links have also been updated.
You’ve caught the watch-collecting bug, so you’ve gone out and bought a fancy automatic watch. Or two. Or three. Or ten. But an automatic watch will only stay ticking so long as it’s on your wrist. If you don’t want to be shaking your watches and resetting the time every day you rotate to a new one, a good watch winder is in order. (Just be careful how you use one, and understand whether or not you need one.) And while there’s no shortage of options out there — from cheap single-watch winders under $50 to massive, custom-made vaults costing thousands — finding something that’s high in both quality and value can be a challenge. These are some of the best out there.
Versa Elite Single
Watch winders can get pricey, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on one, as something like the Versa Elite is a simple but tasteful option that’ll keep a single watch healthy and ready to be worn.
Barrington Single
The Barrington Single Watch Winder is the brand’s flagship product, and it’s got a striking design that’ll make it a nice, modern appointment for any home or office.
Wolf Heritage Double
As a specialist in handmade watch winders, safes, and other similar storage solutions, Wolf is a favorite that you’ll see on just about any list of great winders. Its Heritage Double is a relatively simple offering that accommodates two watches.
Orbita Sparta Bold
Orbita is another well-known player in the watch winder space. The Sparta Bold is a lightweight, two-watch option that runs on batteries which should last years with its extended-winding cycle option.
Wolf Meridian Triple
Wolf’s Meridian collection of watch winders features nicely finished glossy wood exteriors. This is a premium option and a classy way to keep up to three automatic watches wound and ready for the wrist.
Orbita Tourbillon
Watch winders should also ideally also function as chic appointments for whatever indoor space they adorn. The Tourbillon from Orbita does just that with an all-glass case and exposed circuitry for a striking visual impression. (And it’ll keep a watch wound, as well.)
Scatola del Tempo 7-RT
It shouldn’t be surprising that collectors of artisanal products like high-end mechanical watches would appreciate storage solutions exhibiting the same qualities. Scatola del Tempo is an Italian brand offering high-end winders such as the 7-RT, which winds three watches and stores another four.
Smythson Grosvenor Rotary
Made in Spain, Smythson is another high-end option that combines a double winder with storage for additional items like cufflinks. French calf leather gives it an appropriately luxurious feel.
Rapport London Paramount
Lord knows, watch collections can grow beyond all reasonable limits, and if you have a single automatic watch that needs to be kept wound, chances are you have more. The Rapport London Paramount will wind up to 12 watches and provides a fun way to appreciate them, even when off-wrist, as they hypnotically revolve behind a glass door.
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