So here is what I think are the best watch winders based on price, functionality, reliability. We will start from the best to worst. Feel free to comment if you wish. There are 100's of models out there but these are the ones that seem to be the most searched online.
1. Versa watch winders
Nice selection of watch winders at a very affordable price. These are the #1 brand on Amazon with ton of reviews. The winders are not the most expensive but who cares. All winders are made to wind your watch by turning. I don't think it should cost too much money to do this. Save your money and buy a cheap watch winder and you will have more money to spend on your next watch.
- Very affordable watch winders
- Nice modern design
- Custom settings for turns per day and direction
- Japanese motors are used
Cons:
- Some models are made of plastic if that bothers you but for the price you cant complain. They do have some new models made of wood now.
- No battery operated models available
2. Elma
Watch winders are made in Germany. The motor and design are nice. They make all the internals for Buben and Zorweg which is another high end brand.
Pros:
- Very well designed watch winders with high quality motor design
Cons:
- Lack of designs and a bit outdated
- Not many resellers in USA
3. Heiden watch winders
This brand is a mid level watch winder brand. They have been around for over 10 yrs. They have a lot of selection and colors to choose from.
Pros:
- Price is very reasonable with a full one year warranty
- Nice selection of designs
- Plenty of settings for direction and turns per day so you can custom set you watch winder
- Not all models are dual powered for batteries or plug in
Made in USA, these winders are considered the one of the original makers of watch winders. Silent motors so you can sleep with them in your room. Models are a bit old school and outdated.
- Well made products
- Price a bit high
- Lack of custom settings
5. Origin Times
If money is no object and you really want a watch winder that is unique. Check out Origin Times watch winders. Load your watched in a Bugatti Veyron engine block or wrap your watch around you own little oil rig. It will set you back about $120,000.00 but its worth it!
Pros:
- Very unique and over the top designs. Perfect for all you millionaires!
Cons:
- Price. I wish I could afford it
6. Scatola del Tempo
Made in Italy. These watch winders are very pricey. I dont think people should spend $1000 for a single watch winder. Even if your watch costs $10K or more, a watch winder no matter what its made of or where it came from shouldn't cost this much. Save your money and you can get another nice watch for your collection
Pros:
- Very nice luxury watch winders and well built
Cons:
- Most models only have one setting for turns per day.
- Cost is very high
- Designs are bit outdated
7. Swiss Kubik
These are really nice watch winders. Made in Germany. They very modular and compact in design. The cube design looks sleek and very modern. The reason why I am not putting this winder at the top of the ranks is because they made it a hassle to set the winder settings. You have to use a USB cable, connect it to your computer and set the programming modes. This is a pain if you have more than one watch that requires different settings. It does come pre-programmed from the factory but at 1900 turns might be a bit overkill for some watches.
- Very cool and modern design
- Compact design
- Lasts up to 3 yrs using lithium batteries on the lowest settings
Cons:
- Price. Its about $800 for a single winder model.
- Inconvenient to program the winder
- Wish the front cover was closed to protect the watch from dust
- You can hear the gears turn when on so don't leave it by your bed at night.
8. Wolf Watch Winders
Wolf watch winders are very well known for people who own automatic watches and watch winders. They are considered the mid to upper end of watch winders based on prices. The leather is not real leather but a faux leather and they are made in China! For these prices, it should be made in Europe or USA.
Pros:
- Lot of designs to choose from
- Nice packaging
- Works well but not perfect
- Motor is loud
- Price. Its made in China but the price is very high
- Fake leather and they box is made of cardboard or thick paper because the leather winder does flex. It is not wood.
- Wood grain boxes are not real wood but a laminate or veneer.
9. Steinhausen Watch Winders
Steinhausen watch winders have been around for several years. They use to be decently priced. The one you see in the picture use to cost $90.00 but now, they cost $360.00 (yes Im not joking). Why do they cost so much you might ask. Its because they thought by offering a lifetime warranty, they can mark up the price. Just so you know, the one pictured, its not real burlwood, its PLASTIC and Made in China!
- Lots of new designs
Cons:
- Price is ridiculous for the quality and type of materials used on their watch winders
- Cheap materials used
10. Generic Watch Winders
You will see a lot of these winders sold on various websites such as Ebay and others under various brands or no brand at all. These go for about $50-60. Yes they are cheap in price but there is a reason. They use cheap motors and electronics and usually only have one or two settings which will turn in bi-directional or will turn constantly.
Pros:
- Price - Very low in price. But you will realize, you get what you pay for.
- Lots of storage space for your watches.
Cons:
- You get what you pay for. Cheap Chinese motors and electronics that will fail within weeks or months.
- No warranty. Your new watch winder will be a cheap looking watch box in less than 6 months.
- Never buy a watch winder that holds two watches on each motor. Most people have a variety of watches and sizes and when you place them in this watch winder, you will notice your watches will touch or rub against each other while its on. This is BAD for your watches because you might ruin your expensive timepiece.
- Not enough settings. Nowadays, you can easily find a decently priced watch winder that will have multiple settings for direction and lengths of time it turns.
