The Halloway guide
An automatic watch winder: why use one, and who needs it?
An automatic watch gets its energy from a rotor that turns with wrist movement. When it is no longer worn, the spring unwinds and the watch eventually stops, usually after thirty-eight hours to a few days, depending on the calibre.
A winder reproduces this movement in programmed cycles. The watch keeps running, on time, with its complications up to date. It is useful in three situations: you alternate between several automatic watches, your watch has a calendar that takes time to reset, or you simply want it ready to wear.
However, it is of no use for a quartz watch, a hand-wound watch or a single automatic watch worn every day. We would rather say so than sell you something that will sit unused.
Which capacity to choose
Start with the number of automatic watches you actually wear in rotation, rather than every watch you own. Quartz and hand-wound watches do not need a motorised slot.
One watch. Ashford 1 is the classic individual format, a closed box with front opening. Oxford 1 uses a rounded shape in a solid colour, while Waverly 1 is a compact cube with visible stitching. Brompton 1 is the travel format: a zipped cylinder with a round window.
Two watches. Belgrave 2 is vertical, Richmond 2 is horizontal, Wellington 2 stands on legs, and Berkley 2 adds a drawer.
Four to six watches. Blackwood 4, Belgrave 6, Blackwood 6 and Langford 6 cover most established collections.
Twelve watches. Belgrave 12 and Blackwood 12 provide twelve individual slots in an even grid, with vertical construction to keep the footprint small.
The Halloway ranges
Belgrave is the vertical range: glass front, front opening and aligned holders, for two to twelve watches. Blackwood follows the same construction in matt black with carbon-look inserts.
The horizontal formats, Richmond 2 and Langford 6, pass under a low shelf where a vertical model would not fit.
Turns per day and winding direction
A winder is useful only when set to suit your calibre. Most modern movements need between 650 and 1,000 turns per day and wind in both directions. Some calibres, often older ones, wind in only one direction.
The brand on the dial does not determine the right programme: the calibre does. Check the manufacturer's documentation or ask your watchmaker, then see our winding guide.
Winder, box, or both
A winder keeps a watch running. A box stores and protects it without a mechanism. If your collection combines automatic and quartz watches, our models with storage combine both: Stanford 4 winds four watches and stores six; Somerset 2 winds two and stores eight; Berkley 2 adds a drawer beneath two motorised slots.
What to check before ordering
Watch case compatibility. Our cushions accommodate standard watches and larger watch cases. For a particularly thick model or rigid bracelet, send us the exact reference.
Your chosen location. A vertical model requires clearance in front to open its door. Measure before choosing.
Finishes. Our finish names describe a visual appearance. Colours vary between screens: if a shade matters to you, ask us before ordering.
A question? 02 59 50 89 29, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.