Watch Winders

[cabinetman]

One of my watches is an automatic, no battery. Wrist movement keeps it wound. But, it's my dress watch and I don't wear it all that much. I thought about getting a watch winder, which is supposed to keep the watch in the best working order versus letting it sit unwound.

So, in my searching I found several that are sold in wood cases. This one I saw looked interesting. There are a few box types on this page. It struck me that just getting the mechanism (if possible) and making a case/box would be a good gift item. Does anyone have a watch winder, and if so are they any good?

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[Stytooner]

If I wanted something like that, it would be a do it yourself type thing. I like making that kind of thing.
I can suggest a cheaper solution maybe. Build your own motorless box and store it on the washing machine.

[cabinetman]

I can suggest a cheaper solution maybe. Build your own motorless box and store it on the washing machine.

That's a great idea. I could throw in a 10 LB free weight just to make it jump around. But, then we would have to do laundry every 2 days.

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[LCHIEN]

used paint shaker on a timer.

[Stytooner]

Hang it on the back of a closet door that you open often.
I was thinking about this some. The watch itself is very green to use. That is UNLESS you use an automatic winder.

[Mr__Bill]

Hang it on a string and let the cats play with it, that should keep it moving and wound up.



Bill

[JR]

My BIL is a watch guy. He has suggested a number of times that I get into making boxes that perform the auto-wind function, as it would enhance the value of boxes made for sale. He has on that supports six watches.

So, yes, it's a good idea as a gift for any watch lovers you own. Unfortunately, i don't know where to get the mechanisms. Let us know if your research turns up the bare mechanisms.

JR

[cwsmith]

Sure beats letting the dog wear it when you're not!

It sounds like it would make a nice project though.

CWS

[L. D. Jeffries]

I understand the need for a watch-winder but after looking at the pictures in the links: how do they work? None look like they roll around or flip over or whatever! Curious in Northern NY.

[LCHIEN]

A quick look at wikipedia tells us that the self-winding watches have a coaxial swinging weight which when the face of the watch is rotated winds the mechanism against the internal ratchet both CW and CCW.

When wearing a watch the kind of movement that will wind it is like picking up and drinking a cup of coffee (or tea or a beer). However, it can be all one way or back and forth, no matter.

So in the picture from amazon, the watch face will be rotating maybe a few times a day on a timer, the thing is kind of like a miniature old fashioned front loading dryer.

[Mr__Bill]

C-Man, I came across this today. If you need some help in designing the winder this would be a good starting place.

Watch Winder

Bill

[Tom Slick]

Sounds like a good project for that surplus mixer motor

[cabinetman]

C-Man, I came across this today. If you need some help in designing the winder this would be a good starting place.

Watch Winder

Bill

That's pretty slick. I'd make them all day if I could sell them for that price.

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