Watch Servicing vs a Watch Winder: 7 Habits That Keep a Luxury Watch Healthy

Watch servicing and a watch winder solve different problems, and confusing the two is one of the most common mistakes we hear at Watchfinder Canada and Watch Winders Canada. A winder keeps an automatic running between wears. Watch servicing keeps the movement itself healthy: clean, lubricated, regulated and water resistant. With 25 years in business, 17+ years in Yorkville, we have a simple rule: a winder is never a substitute for a service. This reworked edition of our Watchfinder Canada care tips sets out seven habits that cover both.

Watch Servicing vs a Watch Winder: What Each Does

What a watch winder does

A winder rotates an automatic watch a set number of turns per day so the mainspring stays wound. That keeps the time, date and complications set and reduces crown use. It does nothing to clean or re-lubricate the movement.

What watch servicing does

A full service dismantles the movement, cleans the components, replaces worn parts, re-lubricates, regulates timekeeping and checks water resistance. Rolex, for example, describes ultrasonic cleaning of every component, replacement of parts that no longer meet its standards, lubrication and timing, power reserve and waterproofness tests.

1. Know How Often to Service a Watch

Service intervals vary by brand and use. Rolex recommends approximately every ten years depending on model and real-life use. Many other brands and independent watchmakers suggest shorter intervals, commonly in the range of several years. Follow your manufacturer's guidance, and service sooner if you notice any of these signs:

•Timekeeping drifts noticeably from its normal rate.

•The power reserve is shorter than it used to be.

•Condensation or moisture appears under the crystal.

•The crown, rotor or bezel feels rough or makes unusual noises.

2. Clean Your Watch Regularly

Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft microfibre cloth after wearing. For water-resistant watches with the crown secured, an occasional rinse in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap and a soft brush removes grime from links and lugs. A kit such as the Rapport Luxury Watch Cleaning Kit makes this easy.

3. Take Water Resistance Seriously

•Never operate the crown or pushers underwater.

•Avoid hot water, saunas and hot tubs, which stress gaskets.

•Rinse in fresh water after salt water or chlorine.

•Have water resistance tested at service, and periodically if you swim with the watch.

4. Keep Your Watch Away From Magnets

Strong magnetic fields can magnetise a mechanical movement, usually making it run fast. Keep watches away from speaker magnets, magnetic bag clasps and tablet covers. This is also why we recommend established winder brands with shielded motors.

5. Look After Leather Straps and Bracelets

Leather straps last longer if you let them dry naturally, avoid water and rotate between straps. Metal bracelets benefit from the same soft-brush cleaning as the case. Replace a strap when it cracks or the holes stretch, before it fails.

6. Store Watches Properly

Store watches somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, each in its own slot so they cannot scratch one another. A lined watch box is ideal for watches you rarely wear, quartz and manual-wind pieces. See our guide to choosing a watch box or winder cabinet.

7. Keep Automatics Wound With a Watch Winder

If you rotate several automatics, a winder keeps each one ready and avoids constant resetting, which matters most on calendar watches; see the date change danger zone. Use the correct turns per day from our TPD settings chart.

Watch winder benefits, and limits

A winder reduces handling and keeps complications set. It will not fix a watch that needs service; a movement with degraded lubrication is better rested until it is serviced. Vintage watches deserve particular caution.

Winders we recommend

Watch Winders Canada is an authorized retailer of Wolf, Heisse & Söhne and Benson, and also carries Orbita and Rapport London. Good starting points include the WOLF Silver Single, the Benson Smart Tech II 2.20 and the Heisse & Söhne Vancouver Black 2. Browse everything in our shop.

Building a Simple Watch Care Routine

The seven habits above are easiest to follow as a routine rather than a list:

•Daily: wipe the watch after wearing, then return it to its box or winder.

•Weekly: check that the time is accurate and the crown is secure.

•Monthly: give the bracelet a gentle brush and rinse, and check straps for wear.

•Yearly: review each watch's service date and consider a water resistance check if you swim with it.

•At each service interval: send the watch to an authorized service centre or a qualified watchmaker.

Keep a simple record of purchase dates, service dates and any repairs for each watch. It helps with insurance, resale and planning your next service.

Watch Care Advice in Toronto

Watchfinder Canada and Watch Winders Canada are at 118 Cumberland Street, Yorkville, Toronto. Contact us with questions about servicing, care or choosing a winder.

Sources: Rolex watch care and servicing FAQ (rolex.com).